User:Nagualdesign/Die Fliege

Die Fliege (from German 'the fly') is the name of my pet fly, a quixotic potato fly. Originally given as a gift from me to one of my fellow editors to thank him for keeping my user page spotless, I adopted her after that editor was forced to leave Wikipedia. I like to think of her as a symbol of solidarity with those editors left out in the cold, as well as those who are no longer with us due to their passing away (and by extension, editors who have lost friends and family along the road).

If you'd like to add Die Fliege to your user page or talk page you can use the following code, which you can modify as you see fit: [[File:Fly.gif|right|alt=Die Fliege|link=User:Nagualdesign/Die Fliege]]

Or you can add her to your user page as a little top icon using the following code: {{Die Fliege}}

Symbolism

Since as early as the 15th century, flies have been seen in the art world as a symbol of Death, mortality, decay and melancholia. In religious contexts they represent sin and corruption, and Beelzebub is often translated as "Lord of the flies". They were also once considered a symbol of rebirth back when people believed in spontaneous generation – the idea that certain forms could emerge from inanimate matter, such as maggots arising from dead flesh.

I like to use Die Fliege as a reminder that life's too short, that one day none of us will be around anymore, and the futility of wasting our time on Earth on trifling matters. Also, flies like bullshit, so when other editors provide some you should remember that it only serves to put a smile on her little face.

In memoriam

The following is a list of our fallen comrades; valued Wikipedians who are no longer with us, having been pushed out due to all the BS that goes on around here, blocked from editing due to forces beyond their control, or sadly passed away. Feel free to add to this list if you wish.