What is the symbolic meaning of a butterfly?

Question

What is the symbolic meaning of a butterfly?

Answer 1

There are many symbolic meanings associated with the butterfly. Here are some of them:

long life (Madarin Chinese)
young men in love (Madarin Chinese)
young maidens and marrital bliss (Japan)
witches trying to steal cream (Germany)
souls of those who have passed away (Ancient Greeks, some Russians, Mexico)
sould of those who are waiting to pass through Pergatory (Irish)
freedom, fun and joyous times (western world)

Butterflies also symbolize rebirth, new beginning, resurrection, transition, celebration, lightness, time, rebirth after death, etc.

More about the symbolic meaning of butterfly:

The Mandarin Chinese word for butterfly is "hu-tieh". "Tieh" means "70 years", therefore butterflies have become a symbol for a long life. In this culture butterflies have also become representative of young men in love.

In the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss. Many Japanese families use the butterfly in the family crest design.

Germany has a very unique belief about butterflies. As butterflies can often be found hovering about milk pails or butter churns, they have become associated with witches trying to steal the cream. The German word for butterfly is "Schmetterling", which is actually derived for the Czech word "Smetana" which means "cream".

There are many links with butterflies in mythology from all over the world, many of which, in particular Greek mythology, link butterflies to the human soul. The Ancient Greeks also considered butterflies as the souls of those who had passed away.

In ancient Greek the word for butterfly is "Psyche", which translated means "soul". This was also the name for Eros' human lover and when the two figures are depicted they are often surrounded by butterflies.

In one of the Russian dialects, butterflies are referred to as "dushuchka" which is a derivative of the word "dusha" also meaning soul.

There is also an Irish saying that refers to the symbolic meaning of butterflies. This saying is: "Butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through purgatory" Butterflies also symbolize: Resurrection, Transition, Celebration, Lightness, Time, Soul. There is a small town in Mexico that also associate butterflies with souls. It is to this town that Monarch Butterflies migrate every year, around the holiday known as the Day of the Dead. The people of this town see these butterflies as the returning souls of the deceased.

We are all small and appear to be the same (like the caterpillar), but as we grow older our true beauty shows (like the butterfly). Like a butterfly, we are all different, and beautiful in our own way. In the Christian religion, the metamorphosis a butterfly undergoes is symbolic of the spiritual evolution all Christians go through. Butterflies represent rebirth and a new beginning. For Christians, it is considered a soulful symbol. In ancient mythology, the butterfly stands for wisdom and everlasting knowledge.

Butterflies symbolizes change.

First of all the butterfly symbolizes new life from and old one. Seeing that the color black is a strong yet subtle color, the black butterfly symbolizes the new strong but subtle life after a period of transformation.

In some cultures the butterfly is also considered to bring luck.

By a well established convention in literature and art, butterflies (usually) symbolize transitoriness, as they don't live long.

The butterfly exists in four distinct forms. Some consider that so do we: The fertilized egg is planted in our mother's womb. From our day of birth we are like the caterpillar which can only eat and creep along. At death we are like the dormant pupa in its chrysalis. After that, our consciousness emerges from the cast off body, and some see in this the emergence of the butterfly. Therefore, the butterfly is symbolic of rebirth after death.

There is a Native American legend that says, " If you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted."

The butterfly is a reminder to make changes when the opportunity arises. Change and transformation are inevitable for us all, but it does not have to be traumatic. Butterfly symbolism is also closely tied to the idea of spirits and souls. It has been used in many religions and cultures. In the western world, the symbol of the butterfly stands for freedom, fun and joyous times. It is also symbolises a state of naturalness and purity.

Answer 2

It could be a symbol of multiple things depending on the context, a writer pointing out a butterfly could show purity or beauty, whereas a butterfly coming out of its cocoon can symbolize either the evolution of a character or a character "coming out of his or her shell". Also a dead butterfly can represent the loss of beauty or purity in the world.

Answer 3

in many nations around the world the butterfly symbolizes hope for all inactive persons desiring sex. It is said that if a butterfly is to rest upon you that your sexual deficiences and bad luck (for lack of a better term) will be cured

Answer 4

Butterfly is taken as a symbol of transformation in many cultures. People relate its stages of life cycle to their own. A green color butterfly is associated with "energies" i-e love , power , change.

Answer 5

if a butterfly crosses your path, it means good luck. i read that somewhere. if a monarch passes your path, it means financial success because "monarch" is another term for roalty, and the royals are wealthy.

Answer 6

Some believe that if a butterfly (in many cases a yellow one) appears after the death of a loved one, it is a form of communication made by the loved one. As much meaning as you care to put on them. In certain cultures they may have specific meaning, but, like black cats and walking under ladders, the meaning is cultural rather than scientific.

Answer 7

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation or change, love and joy. I got a butterfly tattoo after i had a bad experience in life and i gave myself a better life and the reason why i got one is because it made me feel really free with out any more hurting in my life.. I got a butterfly tattoo after a personal experience in my life. Rarely do I share what my tattoos mean… Read More

Answer 8

Butterflies are symbols of transformation or rebirth. A brown butterfly symbolizes the resurrection or important news. The symbolic meaning of a butterfly can vary by culture.

Answer 9

The symbolic meaning of a purple butterfly is not exact. There are a few different meanings like peace and faith.

Answer 10

The meaning of a butterfly symbol is powerful transformation. This is an analogy for the caterpillar that turns into a butterfly.

Answer 11

Butterflies are seen as a symbol for new beginnings the brown butterfly represents old life or part of life changing to a new one.

Answer 12

Butterflies symbolize transformation and joy. The color pink symbolizes softness and femininity. A pink butterfly symbolizes all of these things.

Answer 13

when my uncle died, we got a poem at the wake that explained he was like a blue butterfly that flew into the beautiful blue sky and became one with it. and although we could no longer see him, that didn't mean he was no longer with us... i took this symbolism pretty seriously and am getting a tattoo of a blue butterfly with the words "although i can't see you... that doesn't mean you're… Read More

Answer 14

There are a variety of theories about the symbolic meaning of a swallow tail butterfly. Some of these include diversity, adventure, as well as resurrection.

Answer 15

The color blue in a butterfly is often thought to symbolize joy, color or a change in luck. Sometimes a blue butterfly is viewed as a wish granter. Blue butterflies are used not only for their beauty but also to convey the emotions of beauty, joy and hope.

Answer 16

What does the meaning of orange buttfly sit on your finger

Answer 17

it means you don't have to worry. Everything is going to be alright.

Answer 18

Traditionally a butterfly means personal transformation and white means pure or purity.

Answer 19

Transmutation and the Dance of Joy. Metamorphosis, symbol of change, joy, and color. the blue butterfly is a wish-granter or malicious spirit

Answer 20

I'm not an expert, but they are associated with change, in the same way that dreaming with death "means" change, turnaround, etc. If positive or negative, I can not tell you. My advice: keep a good vibe regardless the circumstances. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Central America, the black butterfly is symbolic of an imminent death in the future if one flies inside of your house.

Answer 21

Butterflies generally represent souls, and white is the color for purity. In general terms, it's simply a pure soul. If it visits you at an important moment in your life, it may represent a guardian spirit, ushering you along the path of life.

Answer 22

Christians see butterflies a symbol of the resurrection. They are also thought to symbolize the passing of a friend or family member. Butterflies also represent change, hope, life, and endurance. Any of these can be a symbol to a patient with cancer of any kind.

Answer 23

The spiritual meaning of butterflies...I'm Christian but I've come to know it means "new life" or in other words "a new beginning".............................................Because butterflies appear to "die" when, as caterpillars, they enter apparently lifeless cocoons, which in turn break open to release the beautifully transformed butterflies, butterflies represent the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the tomb.

Answer 24

The symbolic meaning for butterflies varies by country and cultures. The symbolic meaning for butterflies in Korea are a symbol of happiness.

Answer 25

In some religions and areas, a small brown butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. Butterflies are a symbol of new life, new beginnings.

Answer 26

It depends on where you live, in Louisiana it is a symbol of both good and bad luck if a white butterfly flies into your house, but in Maryland it is an omen of death.

Answer 27

To some a butterfly with open wings symbolizes outer beauty, while a butterfly with closed wings symbolizes inner beauty.

Answer 28

Butterfly represents the Soul or immortality. Black: Feminine principle Red: Active principle Black/Red Butterfly could mean the transcendence of opposites that is the Self.

Answer 29

Generally, it has to do with an ancestor's soul watching over you- but if it's inside near a fire or fireplace, it can mean misfortune or unhappiness will fall upon you and your family.

Answer 30

There are 2 known popular symbolic meanings of the Papilio Ulysses butterfly. It is the symbol of Australia's Northern Territory and it can be used as a symbol of tourism.

Answer 31

that you intend on becoming a priesthope this has helped!

Answer 32

There are many symbolic meanings associated with the butterfly. The Mandarin Chinese word for butterfly is "hu-tieh". "Tieh" means "70 years", therefore butterflies have become a symbol for a long life. In this culture butterflies have also become representative of young men in love. In the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss. Many Japanese families use the butterfly in the family crest design. Germany has a very… Read More

Answer 33

It means freedom. to get out. Break free.

Answer 34

Many believe the symbolic meaning of a monarch butterfly landing on you means a loved one that has passed away is visiting you. They sometimes land on peoples heads, hands, or even stomachs.

Answer 35

The meanings of butterflies vary from culture to culture. The most common symbolic meaning for a blue and black butterfly is rebirth, or resurrection.

Answer 36

Its the lesbian symbol or it means you are promisqious

Answer 37

peace and happinessThe butterfly in Christian circles means "Resurrection" or "rebirth"

Answer 38

Butterflies can be symbols of hope, beauty, and new life. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar, small, helpless, and typically ugly. When it comes out of the cocoon, it has been transformed into a beautiful butterfly, a creature capable of spreading its wings and soaring towards the sky. The world looks pretty pitiful from the standpoint of a caterpillar, but before long its life will have a much different, more hopeful outlook.

Answer 39

Purity; white is often seen as a pure color as so butterflies are seen as pure creatures. So a white butterfly is often seen as the purest thing in the world today.

Answer 40

A butterfly symbolize luck and happyness!

Answer 41

Omen of Good Luck. Butterflies apparently have a great deal to do with luck.

Answer 42

Butterflies show new life from the old. The butterfly also reminds Christians of the statement, 'born again' we become a 'new creation.'

Answer 43

A green butterfly doesnâ??t have a specific meaning in America. Alternatively, some cultures believe that a butterfly is a sign of rebirth or change.

Answer 44

Pink butterflies in dreams are symbolic of transformation of affection or happiness. Butterflies are a sign of change in our lives.

Answer 45

It symbolizes faith in the 3rd dimension of life.

Answer 46

Mental Illness Awareness. Hope:)