Butterflies – Symbolism and Meanings

Butterflies are very colorful and the way they softly and gently fly into the air is simply magnificent. A lot of people love butterflies and they let butterflies stay in their gardens, have preserved displays of butterflies, or for special events such as birthdays or weddings, they give butterfly favors. But apart from the beauty that the butterflies portray, their presence means something more to certain people. Different cultures and different groups may have slight differences as to what butterflies mean but their common recurring mean is that of change, transformation and a new life. Here are some of the common beliefs about butterflies and what their presence represents.

In Japan, images of butterflies are often included in the family’s crest because they believe that images carry with them the blessings of marital happiness and the invigoration of youth. In Russia and in Ireland, there is a popular belief that butterflies are actually the souls of people who passed away and is now waiting to pass purgatory. In Greek mythology, butterflies are believed to be the souls of departed loved ones. In the story of Eros, his images are always depicted with butterflies surrounding him and his human lover.

The transformation that the butterfly goes through shows a powerful symbolism and likeness to human beings. The different stages, the difficulties, and finally emerging into a beautiful and colorful butterfly which once was an unattractive crawling creature, also shows the power of human beings to surpass challenges, learn, and then eventually soar to greater heights. Just as the butterfly has to go through some not so attractive stages, a person’s life can through similar situations as well, but ultimately, in the end, reach one’s full potential and become majestic and beautiful.

The butterflies that you see in the gardens do not only keep the balance of nature, but for some people, they have a higher purpose. They are souls of departed ones who have come to give blessing, or spending time with you as they wait for their turn to pass through purgatory. So whether for gifts, favors, decorations, or releasing butterflies for special events, the presence of butterflies can invoke mystery and amazement for a lot of people. Butterflies will continue to mystify people around the world with its beauty and mystery.