Tattooing is a popular way to decorate the body. However, few of those who decided to get a tattoo are guided only by aesthetic motives. For most, it is also important the meaning that the drawing has in order to express their inner world through the image.
The meanings of the butterfly among different peoples
The interpretation of the image of a butterfly is quite similar among many peoples. For example, in Egypt and China, butterflies symbolize immortality, the rebirth of the soul after the body dies. The unusual life cycle of this insect contributed to the formation of such a poetic meaning. At first, a very unattractive-looking caterpillar is born, devouring the leaves, then building a cocoon around itself and calming down for this time. And only after that the walls of the cocoon collapse, and a butterfly is born - carefree and beautiful. Also, among some peoples, the butterfly personifies a liberated soul.
The butterfly also symbolizes the feminine principle. In ancient Japan, a young woman could be compared to a variegated butterfly, and a pair of fluttering insects symbolizes family happiness.
The symbolism of the ancient Indians combined both ideas. They believed that butterflies are the souls of women who died during childbirth.
The modern meaning of a butterfly tattoo
Today, the butterfly has new meanings. A tattoo with this insect can say both that its owner (but most often the owner) strives for self-improvement, and just wants to emphasize his carelessness. Today, butterflies are often associated with frivolity, romance, flirtatiousness and femininity.
Additional tattoo elements
Since a butterfly tattoo can mean completely different things, you should pay attention to the elements accompanying it. Often, the fair sex adorns their bodies with real paintings, placing a butterfly among flowers. A butterfly adjacent to a chrysanthemum symbolizes unfading beauty. Lily is the innocence of the owner of this tattoo. A butterfly and a water lily speak of the purity of thoughts.
A very popular tattoo motif is the Celtic-style butterfly with crisp braided patterns and Celtic trim. In this case, the image speaks of the metamorphoses and changes in life that the subject who has made such a tattoo longs for.
The symbolism of the ancient Indians combined both ideas. They believed that butterflies are the souls of women who died during childbirth.
The meaning of the tattoo, depending on the location
What a butterfly tattoo will mean also depends on the place where the picture is applied. Often, butterflies are painted on the back and neck. These areas are great for applying symmetrical designs. This arrangement suggests that the owner of the tattoo seeks to demonstrate his capabilities to the people around him and, perhaps, considers himself better than the majority.
A tattoo on the working arm speaks of a desire to become the master of your own life, more collected and practical. The drawing on the leg will inform that a person is in search of his place in the world. But on the buttocks, as a rule, those who want to achieve recognition, but at the same time have low self-esteem, stuff a butterfly.
