We perceive the meaning of many words as a usual explanation of the phenomena surrounding us. Butterfly is a popular insect that is found in many countries and religions. However, often people make tattoos with the image of this colorful representative of the animal world. What is a butterfly, what does it symbolize, you need to know that in the future with respect to this insect.
The dictionary meaning of the word “butterfly”
If we turn to the explanatory dictionary, we will find out that the word “butterfly” has more than one meaning. What such a concept can mean:
- An insect that has two pairs of wings, and they can be of different colors. A moth is another name for an animal.
- A tie that has the shape of a bow. In silhouette, it resembles a famous insect, which is why it was so named.
- Affectionate name of an old woman.
- A magazine that was published in the 30s.
As you can see, the meaning of this word abounds. But the most common of them is the name of a popular insect. If we turn to the symbolic dictionary, we will find out that it is a symbol of the soul and immortality of many nations.
The symbolic meaning of the word “butterfly”. What is immortality
Many peoples interpret the meaning of this word in their own way. Also, people often make tattoos with the image of this insect on their body. A symbol of freedom, life, immortality, soulfulness is a butterfly. What such an insect means in different countries can be found in various encyclopedias. For instance:
- The Chinese believe that the insect is a symbol of joy and summer.
- In Japan, a butterfly is a symbol of a happy woman who has found herself in raising children, and flocks fluttering around her mean a full-fledged family.
- Mexicans identify a butterfly with the plant world. She is considered the patroness of the sun. In addition, the nocturnal butterfly symbolizes the spirit of women who died during childbirth.
- Women of ancient Greece often wore home-made wings, trying to be like a butterfly. The insect symbolized freedom and the spirit of immortality.
- In German mythology, butterflies meant lightness and impartiality.
- The Slavs are sure that a butterfly is the spirit of a dead person who comes to the world of the living to see their loved ones.
These symbols are the reason that the insect is depicted in the paintings, with its image they make tattoos and admire its beauty.
