Another part of their appeal is the animal’s rare duality—white and black, dark and light, good and evil. Black swans were once associated with rarity and, ultimately, deception. In Swan Lake, the ballet this time, the plot furthers this narrative of seduction and manipulation when the black swan Odile dooms Odette, the white swan, to death by heartbreak.
That contrast sets up an interesting dichotomy when it comes to decorating. Darker versions of the swan can imbue a place with a certain moodiness, while the white swan can convey a sense of levity. Stephanie Nass, the founder of tableware accessories brand Chefanie, had a swan-themed bridal shower that featured a collection of black swan name cards that served as dramatic counterparts to black, feather-like place settings. “People want to be surrounded by beautiful things, and these creatures hold such an irresistible elegance,” she says.
Historically viewed as symbols of lifelong love, grace, and nobility, swans continue to be considered ethereal and, oftentimes, otherworldly. “Even symbolically—on a plate, fork, pillow, painting—a swan is aspirational by nature,” says Matlin. “The grace and quiet strength of this complex animal make the swan all the more intriguing.”
