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.
See "Butterfly Tattoo Design"
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