Meaning of Buttefly Tattoo
Meaning of Butterfly Tattoos
(at-a-glance):
- Metamorphosis
- Beauty
- Peace
- Immortality
- Dreams
- Spirituality
- Transformation
- Thoughts
- Life
- Playfulness
- Tranquility
- Delicateness
- Fertility
- Love
- Intuition
- Resurrection
- Tenderness
- Appreciation
When considering the meaning of butterfly tattoos, I always think of psyche in Greek myth, where the term psyche is alternatively used with life. In fact, the term psyche is translated to mean “breath of life.” Further, Psyche in Greek myth is a companion to Eros (Cupid). All this plays nicely with the ephemeral butterfly symbolism of love, intuition, life, peace, adoration and beauty.
The meaning of butterfly tattoos may also deal with transformation because of the butterfly’s impressive evolution through life. Follow this path of metamorphosis:
- Egg (beginning/birth)
- Larva (dependence/socialization)
- Caterpillar (independence/awareness)
- Chyrsalis (withdrawal/death to a singular way of being)
- Butterfly (emergence/illumination/awakening/evolution into a new phase of life)
Pretty impressive, when we look at this amazing transformation with spiritual eyes. Indeed, if you’re getting a butterfly tattoo – it is a symbol of significant transition and change in your life.
The Japanese consider the butterfly to be a symbol of fine beauty and delicate feminine qualities. Geisha’s are commonly identified with butterflies.
In esoteric Christian symbolism & art the butterfly is an icon of immortality and the resurrection of not only Christ, but an awakening to the higher love each human holds in his/her heart.
In Celtic symbolism the butterfly holds similar attributes and represents beauty, love, honor. It is also a symbol for the soul in the Celtic mindset. (more on the Celtic meaning of butterfly can be found here).
In Chinese symbolism the butterfly is a sign of good luck, joy, abundance, health and blessing.
I hope you have enjoyed these symbolic thoughts on butterfly tattoos.
Flit through my other butterfly pages for more symbolic nectar in your search for meaningful tattoo information.
Symbolic Meaning of Butterfly (full post)
More Butterfly Meanings (including butterflies in dreams)
Thank you for the info on the mea ning of butterflys.I will be getting married in July 2010 and this is my theme.
wow I never realized the butterfly has five phases – I wonder if that has something to do with the Five Fold Faith of the Butterfly?
I have a butterfly tattoo but didn’t know the meaning of it,now I know the meaning of it…
My little girl was still born almost 2 years ago and her symbol is the butterfly… after reading all of this I say how the butterfly has so much meaning for her and me.. thank you..
Michelle, my deepest empathy – and my sincere acknowledgment of your strength. Truly, your daughter is with you, and the uplifting Butterfly is an ever-lasting testimony of the love and devotion you both share for each other. May her light-bright presence always be made known to you, and lift you during every moment and every step on your journey. Peace, love & highest fluttery butterfly blessings to you.