Butterfly Tattoos

One of the most popular options for women’s body art is a butterfly tattoo. Butterflies are not only beautiful, but are very symbolic and enjoy a rich history across all human cultures.

History of Butterflies

Butterflies have enjoyed a rich historical significance for humans through time. In Greece, it was believed that a human soul was born each time a butterfly emerged from its cocoon. In Ireland, butterflies are dead souls waiting to go into purgatory. In Asia, butterflies are symbols of joy and happiness. Many of the handpainted kimonos worn by geishas had butterflies on them.

Many Native American tribes had specific ideas about butterflies too. The Blackfoot tribe believe butterflies bring dreams, and the Zuni tribe feel that a white butterfly predicts the beginning of summer.

Butterflies and Symbolism

Many women choose butterflies for tattoos because of what they symbolize. In addition to their unquestionable beauty, they symbolize metamorphosis or change. As we all know, butterflies start out as ugly, fat, over-eating caterpillars, but over time, they change into beautiful creatures. In our society of anorexic super models, is it any surprise many women can relate to the change a caterpillar goes through?

Butterflies can also symbolize death and rebirth. Because of this, many women may choose a butterfly tattoo after going through a difficult time in their lives.

For many women, a butterfly is simply a beautiful way to show grace and peace. In addition, many women feel a butterfly tattoo lets others know they are a nature lover, perhaps concerned protecting the natural environment.

Moth Tattoos

Instead of a butterfly, some women opt for a softer tattoo—that of the moth. If one looks quickly at a moth, they appear bland and colorless, but moths are very beautiful and full of subtle shapes and coloring. The colors in moths tend to be grays, browns and blues, although some moths have bright spots of color on the wings. Some moths even have bright colors beneath their wings.

The use of a moth design can also be symbolic. In mythology moths are destroyed by fire, and almost everyone has seen a moth get drawn in by a bright light. In some cultures, moths are seen as death omens, which many explain why their colorful counterparts are more popular as tattoos.