Butterfly symbolism is the exploration of the deep meaning found in seeing a butterfly. Because every butterfly undergoes a unique metamorphosis of its own, seeing one in your daily life can have profound meaning on your journey as an individual. Butterflies symbolize different things depending on the situation in which you see them.
What Do Butterflies Symbolize?
Butterflies symbolize transformation, metamorphosis, immortality, fertility, and joy. They are creatures that represent change and development.
Transformation
The most obvious symbolism found in butterflies is transformation, as butterflies go through metamorphosis and change from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Seeing a butterfly can indicate that you are about to go through a transformation of your own.
Fragility/Mortality
Butterflies are short-lived and delicate creatures. Their wings are something of ethereal beauty, but they can easily be crushed by a single finger, and they only live for a few days as a butterfly.
When a butterfly appears to you, it’s a sign to stop putting off something you have been waiting to do. Life is short for the butterfly, and they are there to remind you that your life may be short too.
Immortality
Butterflies are often thought of as spirits of those who have gone before. If you see a butterfly near where you buried a loved one, it can be a sign that they are living on in another universe, their spirit immortal.
Fertility
If you are struggling to conceive, seeing a butterfly can be a sign that fertility is coming. Butterflies only congregate in areas of plenty and are known as a strong symbol of fertility.
Joy
A butterfly symbolizes joy because coming out of its cocoon is truly a joyful experience. Sometimes there are problems that can happen during metamorphosis and not all cocoons turn into butterflies. So, if the butterfly has survived the transformation of metamorphosis it is a joyous event.
Seeing a butterfly when you are feeling down can be a sign to remind yourself of all the joy you have in life. Remember, difficulties are temporary, and you will prevail.
The History of Butterfly Symbolism
Butterfly symbolism dates back all the way to the early days of Christianity, as a butterfly was the symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Outside of Christianity, the butterfly was also revered in Native American tribes as it was a symbol of youth, fertility, and the readiness to marry.
In other cultures, the butterfly has long been a symbol of the spirits of those who have died. In Europe, seeing a butterfly as you boarded a ship was considered a sign that you would die at sea.
Butterfly Symbolism in Different Cultures
Mesoamerica
Butterfly symbolism has always been important to the early residents of the Americas. In Mexico, the Aztecs viewed butterflies as the spirits of dead warriors, treating them with respect and admiration.
Native America
In Native American lore, butterflies are known to represent transformation and hope for the future. Some tribes even believed that their ancestors communicated with the living through butterflies.
Celtic
In Celtic mythology, butterflies represent the soul, specifically those waiting to get to heaven. In their folklore, an individual becomes a butterfly after they die, waiting for rebirth into the next life.
Africa
In sub-Saharan African culture, butterflies symbolize female puberty and the beginning of societal change. They commonly appear in songs, stories, and other forms of art common across the southern part of the continent.
Ancient Greece and Rome
Across the southern part of Europe, the butterflies were ruled by a Goddess name Psyche. While she is a woman, she is often depicted with butterfly wings and is known as the guide of the soul.
China
In China, butterflies are a symbol of balance, freedom, beauty, and elegance. Two butterflies appearing together is a symbol of eternal love and a healthy relationship to come.
Butterfly Spirit Animal
If a butterfly is your spirit animal, you are likely constantly evolving and growing. The type of butterfly you are in your spirit form will depend on the different characteristics you express and experience throughout your life.
While butterflies are seen as delicate, they are very powerful animals in the spirit world, as they are often known as the keepers of souls and are able to transform to fit new surroundings.
Those who have a butterfly as a spirit animal are more transient and can move to a new place without problems. They also enjoy living in the moment and don’t like to put things off until tomorrow.
Spiritual Meanings of a Butterfly
- Butterflies symbolize that it is time for your soul to undergo a transformation.
- One of the spiritual meanings of a butterfly is that life continues after death for your soul, just in a different way than your life continues now.
- Butterflies symbolize angels, either a guardian angel or the protection of someone who has gone before.
- Butterflies can also symbolize the maturing of your soul
Butterfly Color Meaning and Symbolism
Red Butterflies
There are many different breeds of red butterflies, and seeing one symbolizes power in your own life. Red has long been a color that signifies passion and energy and seeing a butterfly of this color is no different.
If you see a red butterfly, you will have good luck, especially in your romantic relationships. It may also mean that you need to take the time to generate more passion in your life, so take the time to do so.
Yellow Butterflies
Yellow is a color that has symbolized happiness and money in many cultures. When you see a yellow butterfly, it is usually there to remind you to think of all the happy parts in your life and make sure you have time to experience joy.
Yellow is additionally the color of intellect and seeing a yellow butterfly may be a reminder to surround yourself with people who love and support you to achieve monetary wealth.
Green Butterflies
Green is a color that represents growth, renewal, and fertility. In Indian cultures, it is also a symbol of the heart.
Spotting a green butterfly may mean it is time to grow a current relationship for form a new one. It may also be a sign that you need to work on self-growth within your spiritual journey.
Blue Butterflies
Blue Butterflies are a bit rarer, and the color blue is usually thought to represent loyalty. Encountering a blue butterfly may be a sign that you need to work on your loyalty with your friends through focus on communication.
It may also mean that you currently aren’t being loyal to yourself. You will need to work to live in the truth and listen to your heart when it comes time to make decisions.
Orange Butterflies
Orange butterflies are quite common, namely the Monarch butterfly which looks similar to autumn leaves. Since orange is a color of creativity, joy, and health, when you see an orange butterfly, it is a reminder to listen to your body.
You should take the time to treat it with care. Eat healthily, work out, and drink water. You may also need to incorporate other things, like journaling and yoga in your life to promote your own health and well-being.
Purple Butterflies
Purple is a unique color as it is a combination of both blue and red. Seeing a purple butterfly symbolizes peace, as well as nobility and wealth.
In Indian culture, purple also symbolizes your intuition or subconscious. When you encounter a purple butterfly, this is a sign to listen to your body and look for any powers of yours that you aren’t currently utilizing. It’s time to overcome any limitations you may feel in your life as well.
White Butterflies
White butterflies have long symbolized innocence, beauty, and purity. They are often associated with angels and are thought to carry the souls of those who have gone before and have become angels.
When a white butterfly enters your vision, it is a reminder to take a moment and find calm in your life. No matter how difficult life may become, take a moment to destress and remember the white butterfly as a sign you need to remove clutter from your life.
Brown Butterflies
Like green, brown is an earthly color that can also indicate stability in life. If you come across a brown butterfly, it was likely sent as a symbol to remain rooted and to not let yourself get carried away.
It may also be a sign to return to your roots, such as your family, and they may be in need.
Black Butterflies
Black butterflies, while symbolizing elegance and beauty, can also be known in Native American teachings to represent illness. If you see a black butterfly, it could mean a change is coming in your life, and not a good one.
A black butterfly can also mean that you need to look deeper into an issue in your life. As you look deeper, remember the black butterfly, and take the time to see the beauty in the issue you may be facing.