90 Butterfly Tattoos: Best Designs & Meanings

Butterflies are real wonders of nature. They live short but incredibly busy lives and undergo radical changes in a relatively short period of time. This is why butterflies are often associated with rebirth and resurrection. In the Christian world, butterflies symbolize the resurrection of Christ and his ascension to heaven.

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

Psyche is often depicted with butterfly wings, and according to Greek mythology, she fell madly in love with Eros, the Greek god of love, passion and affection, whom she married. Perhaps you know Eros better by his Roman name Cupid.

The meaning of a butterfly tattoo

Butterfly tattoos can be placed on many areas of the body, the most popular of which are the shoulder, back, foot, shoulder and lower back. They come in a variety of colors including pink, blue, and black. In Asian culture, seeing a black butterfly is a sign of the imminent or recent death of a loved one. Butterflies have several meanings, including:

• Love
• Resurrection and rebirth
• Transformation
• Spirituality and soul
• Connection with nature and natural elements
• grace
• Femininity

Design Options

The design of these tattoos can include many elements:

1. Ethnic butterfly tattoos.

Tribal motives are of particular cultural significance in the different regions from which they originate. Today, the exact meaning of each tribal symbol is rather unclear, but tribal butterfly tattoo designs usually represent a connection to nature or a particular culture.

2. Celtic butterfly tattoos.

Celtic butterfly tattoos are rooted in spirituality and paganism. They represent a strong bond with natural elements and a bond with Irish culture.

3. Gothic butterfly tattoos.

This tattoo design is a great way to add a gothic touch to a very feminine symbol. To do this, we will add strokes of a dark background to the fragile butterfly. Gothic butterfly tattoos usually symbolize the loss of innocence and freedom.

4. Odysseus butterfly tattoo

This butterfly is native to Australia and is protected by law from hunting and poaching. Although it does not have a specific symbolic meaning like the monarch butterfly, the Ulysses butterfly is often included in tattoo designs for aesthetic reasons.

5. Tattoos of flags of the southern rebels with butterflies.

The rebel southern flag has many different meanings, depending on the importance given to its use during historical events. For some, it is a symbol of racism and hatred, but for others, it represents a strong bond with the southern United States. These tattoos are a feminine variation of the traditional southern rebel flag and are commonly worn by women who are proud of their southern heritage.

6. Tattoo monarch butterfly

Of all types of butterflies, the monarch butterfly is the most popular. In Mexico, it represents the return of the spirits of deceased loved ones, which is celebrated on the Day of the Dead throughout the country. Moving the monarch butterfly brings bad luck, because if you do, you will violate the final resting place of your dear deceased.

7. Butterfly tattoos against breast cancer.

Since butterfly tattoos are almost exclusively worn by women, it should come as no surprise that many women's health campaigns use this design. The small pink ribbon is widely recognized as a symbol of the fight against breast cancer. Butterfly breast cancer tattoos symbolize hope and rebirth from the devastation caused by the disease. They are often worn by women, breast cancer survivors and / or their loved ones.

8. Tattoos of dragonflies and butterflies.

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

9. Tattoos of butterflies and skulls.

Skull tattoos represent the past life and mortality of the human species. It is tempting to view butterfly and skull tattoos as painful and sad, but in reality, these designs symbolize the growth and transformation that can follow a tragic event such as the death of a child and be dear. They also represent life changes and your relationship to the past.

10. Tattoos of butterflies and tigers.

The tiger is a symbol of power, strength, passion and sexual prowess. Tiger tattoos represent a person's deep desire to be wild and indomitable. Butterfly and tiger tattoos represent the inner strength and hidden power inherent in a seemingly fragile creature.

11. Tattoo of butterflies and fairies.

Accompanied by fairies, butterfly tattoos represent femininity, rebirth, transformation and freedom. These two creatures are elements of nature, which is why people who wear fairy and butterfly tattoos also feel a deep connection to the natural world.

12. Butterfly and flower tattoos.

The most common incarnation of this design is a butterfly and rose tattoo. The look and color of the flower will change the overall meaning of the tattoo. A butterfly on a red rose will represent passion, love and transformation in your love life, while the presence of an apple blossom symbolizes a change in luck and prosperity. Usually butterfly and flower tattoos are a reflection of your personal life.

13. Tattoos of butterflies and stars.

Stars have several meanings, most of which are associated with luck and the ability to find your way back. Historically, the stars have been used as guides to achieve a goal or aid in a quest, while the butterfly personified freedom, nature and soul. Butterfly and star tattoo designs are a guide to the spiritual quest.

14. Butterfly and dragon tattoo

Dragon and butterfly tattoos represent the interaction, on the one hand, strength and power, and on the other, innocence and beauty. The dragon is usually associated with masculine qualities, while the butterfly is considered a feminine symbol and is considered innocent and gentle. In a sense, it can be said that the person wearing this tattoo identifies with how these two forces balance and complement each other. In many cultures, both the dragon and the butterfly are considered symbols of prosperity and good fortune.

15. Tattoos of butterflies and angels.

Angels are guardians of people and messengers of God. Given the spiritual meaning of the butterfly, a tattoo representing these two elements will symbolize the protection of innocent souls. Those who wear this tattoo usually consider themselves to be angels or protectors and feel that they have been called by a higher being (be it God or the forces of the universe) to guide and protect someone emotionally more fragile.

16. Butterfly and eye tattoo

In many cultures, the eyes are the windows to the soul. A butterfly tattoo with a pair of eyes symbolizes the ability - or need - to focus on yourself and "look into your soul." Typically, people wearing this design are going through - or have experienced - big changes that cause them to reflect on their lives and redefine their priorities. For example, someone who has struggled with addiction. This means that in a certain sense, the owner of this tattoo is on the path to transformation.