Butterfly Symbolism

_Elsa_

Aha! Jenny thinks that she finally found something interesting to read. Jenny’s phone rings and it’s Tiffi calling.

“Hi Tiffi, sorry that I didn’t get back to you,” says Jenny. “I was so fascinated with the fairy and the butterfly. Later on, when I was with my uncle we saw two fairies with butterflies resting on their hands so I am doing a Google search now to learn more about them.”

Tiffi suggests to Jenny that perhaps Elsa might be interested in writing a new story about them. Jenny thinks it’s a great idea and promises to give Elsa a call. They say their goodbyes and Jenny goes back to hear search.

‘For many, the beginning of the New Year signals a sense of transformation – a time to evaluate life in its current state and set goals for manifesting change. The butterfly symbolizes transformation and joy. Its dance reflects the need for movement from where we are to our next phase of being.

History - In early Christianity, the butterfly was a symbol of the soul. In China, it was used as a symbol of conjugal bliss and joy. The butterfly was particularly revered by the tribes of the American southwest. Its dance is performed by both Navajo and Hopis. In the Hopi tradition, unmarried girls of the butterfly clan wore their hair in the shape of butterfly wings to advertise their availability. To Native Americans, the butterfly is a symbol of change, joy and color. The exquisite butterfly was considered a miracle of transformation and resurrection.

In the Old World, the connotation was negative; the butterfly was thought to be the spirit of the dead. In Gnostic art, the angel of death is depicted crushing a butterfly underfoot. Its attraction to flame and light symbolize purification by fire. Sailors who saw a butterfly prior to embarkation believed that they would die at sea. In some areas of England, it is thought that butterflies contain the souls of children who have come back to life. Elsewhere in England, a person is supposed to kill the first butterfly they see or face a year of bad luck; if that first butterfly in spring is yellow, sickness is in store for the entire family. Only in Scotland and Ireland does the appearance of a golden butterfly signify something good – it is believed that a golden butterfly near the dead ensures the soul’s place in heaven.

Symbolism and Power - Butterfly is the power of air, the ability to float upon a breeze. It is known for its darting flight; thus, it represents the mind and our ability to change it when necessary. Butterfly represents the never-ending cycle of life; therefore, its medicine bestows not only the ability, but the clarity of mind needed before self-transformation.

Butterflies appear to dance as they flitter among the flowers. They remind us not to take things so seriously within our lives. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. They remind us to get up and move, for if you do not move, you cannot dance.

Butterflies bring color and joy with them. The colors of the butterfly should be examined for significance and to help you understand its role within your life. Look at how much or little joy is in your life. Lighten up. Look for change. Make changes when the opportunities present themselves. The butterfly will teach you that growth and change do not have to be traumatic. Change can occur as gently and as joyfully as one wishes.’ (Source)

Jenny is in awe at what she is reading. She never thought about butterflies and the relationship between those beautiful insects and the importance for individuals to grow and make changes throughout the life cycle. Very, very interesting! She must remember to tell Tiffi about this. 

Continue reading - Butterfly Symbolism in Different Cultures

Back to the beginning - Jenny learns all about butterflies and what they symbolize