I thought this short video was interesting—it was certainly new to me. The crimson worm (coccus ilicis) is a small insect that was used in the ancient world to produce a deep red dye. This dye was highly valuable and used in sacred contexts, including the coloring of priestly garments and elements of the Tabernacle. The crimson worm also has unique biological characteristics that carry profound symbolic meaning. When the female is ready to lay eggs, she attaches herself permanently to a tree or wooden surface. In the process of giving life to her young, she dies, and her body...