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90 Butterfly tattoos (and their meanings)

Butterflies are true wonders of nature. They live a short but incredibly eventful life and undergo a drastic transformation in a relatively limited amount of time. This is why butterflies are often associated with rebirth and resurrection. In Christendom, butterflies represent the resurrection of Christ and his ascension to heaven.

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Butterflies are also symbols of love and spirituality. The Greek word for butterfly is psyche and comes from the goddess namesake Psyche, the goddess of the soul.

Psyche is often represented with butterfly wings and, according to Greek mythology, she would have fallen madly in love with Eros, the Greek god of love, desire and affection, whom she would have married. It is possible that you know Eros better under his Roman name, Cupid.

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Meaning of butterfly tattoos

Butterfly tattoos can be placed in many areas of the body, with the most popular being the upper arm, back, foot, shoulder and lower back. They exist in a multitude of different colors including pink, blue and black. In Asian culture, seeing a black butterfly is a sign of imminent or recent death of a loved one. Butterflies have a large number of meanings, including:

  • love
  • Resurrection and rebirth
  • The transformation
  • Spirituality and soul
  • The connection with nature and natural elements
  • Grace
  • Femininity

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Variations of butterfly tattoos

The designs of these tattoos can include many elements:

1. Tribal tattoos of butterflies

Tribal motives have a particular cultural significance in the different regions from which they come. Today, the exact meaning of each tribal symbol is rather blurry but tribal tattoo designs of butterflies usually represent a connection with nature or with a particular culture.

2. Celtic tattoos of butterflies

The Celtic tattoos of butterflies are deeply rooted in spirituality and paganism. They represent a strong connection with the natural elements and a link with the Irish culture.

3. Gothic tattoos of butterflies

This tattoo drawing is a wonderful way to add a gothic touch to a very feminine symbol. To do this, we add darker background touches to the fragile butterfly. The Gothic tattoos of butterflies usually represent the loss of innocence and freedom.

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4. Ulysses Butterfly Tattoos

This butterfly comes from Australia and is protected by law against hunting and poaching. Although it has no symbolic meaning defined as that of the monarch butterfly, the Ulysses butterfly is often incorporated into tattoo designs for aesthetic reasons.

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5. Tattoos of rebel southern flags with butterflies

The southern rebel flag has many different meanings, depending on the meaning given to the use made of it during the events of history. For some, it is a symbol of racism and hatred but for others, it represents a strong connection with the southern US. These tattoos feature a feminine variant of the traditional southern rebel flag and are generally worn by women who are proud of their southern heritage.

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6. Tattoos of monarch butterflies

Of all butterfly species, the Monarch Butterfly is by far the most popular. In Mexico, it represents the return of the spirits of deceased loved ones, celebrated on the Day of the Dead throughout the country. Moving a monarch butterfly brings bad luck because, if you do, you will disturb the ultimate resting place of your dear deceased.

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7. Tattoos of butterflies against breast cancer

As butterfly tattoos are almost exclusively worn by women, it is not surprising that many campaigns for women's health use these designs. The little pink ribbon is widely known to symbolize the fight against breast cancer. The tattoos of butterflies against breast cancer represent hope and rebirth, after the devastation produced by the disease. They are often worn by women who have survived breast cancer and / or their loved ones.

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8. Tattoos of dragonflies and butterflies

The dragonfly is a creature that belongs to both Air and Water. Air represents transformation and Water symbolizes subconsciousness and meditation. Like the butterfly, the dragonfly represents freedom and prosperity. A tattoo drawing that represents these two insects symbolizes inner peace.

9. Tattoos of butterflies and death's-heads

The tattoos of death-heads represent the past life and mortality of the human species. It is tempting to see the tattoos of butterflies and skulls as something morbid and sad, but in reality these drawings symbolize the growth and transformation that can follow a tragic event, such as the death of a to be expensive. They also represent life changes and turning one's back on the past.

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10. Tattoos of butterflies and tigers

The tiger is a symbol of power, strength, passion and sexual prowess. The tattoos of tigers represent the deep desire that exists in man to be wild and indomitable. A butterfly and tiger tattoo represents the inner strength and latent power existing in a seemingly fragile creature.

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11. Butterfly and fairy tattoos

When accompanied by fairies, butterfly tattoos represent femininity, rebirth, transformation and freedom. These two beings are elements of nature, which is why people who wear tattoos of fairies and butterflies also feel a deep connection with the natural world.

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12. Tattoos of butterflies and flowers

The most common incarnation of this drawing is the butterfly and rose tattoo. The type and color of the flower will change the general meaning of the tattoo. A butterfly on a red rose will represent the passion, love and transformation of your love life, while the presence of an apple blossom will symbolize a change in luck and prosperity. Generally, tattoos of butterflies and flowers are a representation of your love life.

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13. Tattoos of butterflies and stars

Stars have multiple meanings, most of which are related to luck and the ability to find one's way. Historically, the stars have been used as guides to reach or help the quests, while the butterfly represents freedom, nature and soul. Butterfly and star tattoo drawings represent guidance in a spiritual quest.

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14. Tattoos of butterflies and dragons

The tattoos of dragons and butterflies represent the interaction between strength and power on the one hand and innocence and beauty on the other. The dragon is generally associated with masculine qualities whereas the butterfly is seen as a feminine symbol and considered as innocent and delicate. In a sense, it can be said that a person wearing this tattoo design identifies with how these two forces balance and complement each other. In many cultures, both dragon and butterfly are considered symbols of prosperity and luck.

15. Tattoos of butterflies and angels

Angels are the guardians of humans and the messengers of God. Given the spiritual significance of the butterfly, a tattoo design that represents these two elements will symbolize the protection of innocent souls. Those who wear this tattoo generally see themselves as angels or protectors and have the impression that they have been called by a superior being (be it God or the forces of the universe) to guide and protect someone emotionally more fragile.

16. Tattoos of butterflies and eyes

In many cultures, the eyes are the mirror of the soul. A butterfly tattoo that represents a pair of eyes symbolizes the ability – or the need – to focus on yourself and "look in your soul". Usually, people who wear this picture are living – or have experienced a great change that has made them think about their lives and reevaluate their priorities. For example, someone who fought an addiction. This means that, in a certain sense, the bearer of this tattoo is on the path of transformation.

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