Butterfly tattoo meaning: what is the meaning of a butterfly tattoo? 90 photos and sketches

One of the most popular among girls is the butterfly tattoo, as each of them believes that her figure or character has something akin to the lightness, beauty, brightness and uniqueness of this little hovering creature. The tattoo of the butterfly the meaning it carries in itself:

  • femininity;
  • sophistication;
  • gentleness;
  • weightlessness;
  • tenderness;
  • soulfulness;
  • fragility;
  • immortality;
  • gracefulness.

Butterfly tattoo meaning

Butterfly tattoo meaning: fragility, tenderness and gentleness

The butterfly has long attracted the attention of humanity, especially of its weaker part, and has evoked various associations and emotions, thus attributing various traits and giving various meanings to its behavior, depending on the perception of one or another people. For example, the Mexicans perceived her as a reminder of the impermanence of our world and the lasting memory of those who had already left this world irretrievably, nourishing the hope that they had found themselves in paradise. The Japanese consider it the prerogative of living people, in particular women, characterized by an easy flexible posture and gait, the gracefulness of their movements, the unsurpassed femininity, which is especially valued by the opposite sex.

South American tribes perceived the flying butterfly as flaming tongues of flame, as distant starry souls or as female souls who departed to the other world during childbirth. The Romans, on the other hand, saw it as an alarming and sad harbinger of war. The Greeks had a more joyful idea of butterflies and believed that souls were carefree and weightless girls with bright fluttering butterfly wings. The Aztecs believed that the souls of warriors who died on the battlefield were transformed into light butterflies. In Germanic and Scandinavian tales the butterfly was a manifestation of the air element, and its representatives (elves) had the form of tiny winged men. Slavs believed the butterfly creature, portending a quick death, as well as personified it with the human soul, capable of going through all the complex cycles of existence and transformation, and then managed to rebirth again or give rise to life, but in a new guise. Unfortunately, sometimes the image of the butterfly is perceived as a frivolous creature.

Symbolism in different cultures

The picture of an insect has a different meaning for different peoples. The Mexicans saw it as a symbol of respect for the deceased who went to heaven, a symbol of the human spirit. In the Japanese it denoted grace and femininity. The Romans called it a harbinger of military conflict.

In South American people, the scale-wing was a symbol of fire, the souls of girls who died in childbirth. Aztec people believed that the souls of soldiers who died in war become moths.

The ancient Greeks believed that the soul looked like a woman with moth wings. The Germans and Scandinavians associated scales with the element of air.

In Christianity, the moth symbolizes the resurrection of the immortal human soul. In Slavic people, he was associated with the soul, but it is often called the messenger of death.

Tattoo butterfly meaning in today's world

Above we have outlined the symbolism hidden in the tattoo butterfly, as well as told about what tattoo butterfly value is in the cultures of different countries and peoples. Now let's talk about how the image is interpreted in contemporary tattoo art.

Pay attention! The main meaning is the one that the owner/possessor of the drawing puts into it.

Immediately note that the butterfly tattoo is one of the few truly feminine. Although the representatives of the strong half of mankind sometimes still prick the insect on their bodies, but such cases are rather the exception to the rule. Moreover, if a butterfly appears on the male body, as one of the elements of a complete composition, depicting the picture of nature.

Meaning in guys

Such a tattoo can choose and men, although quite rarely. The butterfly on his body depict those representatives of the stronger sex, who want to know the meaning of life and believe in the immortality of the soul or reincarnation.

The tattoo is often inscribed in memory of deceased loved ones, as a symbol of love for them. Men use mostly dark colors for the tattoo: black, dark green, dark blue.

Tattoo for girls butterflies: elegance and beauty

Pay attention! If you look at the tattoo butterfly photo, it is easy to notice how beautiful, creative such images are. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are preferred by girls of creative professions. For example, artists, stylists, representatives of the fashion and beauty industry.

Also, the tattoo of a butterfly, the meaning of which we consider in detail, can be a symbol of rebirth, change. After all, this beautiful insect comes into the world from the cocoon of the caterpillar. That is, it passes a new way, changing completely, both externally and internally. Therefore, if you want to bring changes in your life, comprehend new things, be sure to put an image of a butterfly on your body. Let it be even an inconspicuous drawing, hidden under your clothes, but it will definitely help you to achieve your goal. Unless, of course, you firmly believe in the power of the tattoo.

Old-school style

Old-school style tattoos imply a riot of colors and deep symbolism. Even if the drawing has the outline of a butterfly, symbols on various subjects can be added to it. It can be faces, skulls, flowers - anything. The location is limited solely by the imagination of the tattoo owner - wings, abdomen or the space surrounding the insect.

Taking a few traditional images, you can pay tribute to something specific, not necessarily related to nature. For example, by placing images of a lighthouse and a ship on both wings, you can express your love of the sea and travel. Putting images of other people's faces on the wings could immortalize the memories associated with those people on your body.

Not all artists are able to draw in this style and often you will need to develop an individual sketch, but this way you can be sure that the tattoo will be unique, and every detail will be worked out with special care. To understand if the master is able to work in the chosen style, you can look at a portfolio of his work and point to the most favorite.

Tattoo butterfly photo: the beauty in every line

Tattoos of a knife with other elements

As you know, the addition of additional elements to the tattoo can significantly change its interpretation. The same happens when the knife is depicted with something else in the picture. Thus, it is possible to meet the following options:

  • A knife with a skull symbolizes death.
  • If blood drips from the knife, then the person is ready to act under any circumstances.
  • The object in the teeth of the skull has a similar meaning to the previous version, because such a tattoo means that the person is ready to give everything to achieve the goals.
  • The product piercing the heart symbolizes betrayal, in most cases it concerns a love relationship.
  • The meaning of the tattoo of the rose and the knife is very interesting, because these two elements combine the opposite meaning - the aggressiveness of the knife and the passionate beauty of the rose. Thus, we can say that this tattoo symbolizes the combination of opposites in the soul of its owner.
  • Tattoo of a knife with a rose

Butterfly tattoo sketch: unusual butterfly tattoo sketches

Tips for sketches

Sketch of a moth tattoo will become a real decoration of the body in black and white if you combine several styles. Beneficially look black and white technique with geometry or graphics. The dead head butterfly remains the most popular character for both sexes.

Recommended reading: "Deathly Hallows" tattoo

Add a couple of colored strokes to a monochrome drawing in the background and it will play with new colors. Use pictures from the Internet and tips from the master to create a real masterpiece.

Tattoo butterfly: a style of drawing

Now that you have already determined exactly what tattoo butterfly means and decided to necessarily put it on your exquisite body, it's time to pick up a specific style of drawing. A good option is realism or hyperrealism. But trust such work should only be entrusted to experienced craftsmen, capable of accurately depicting all the details of the insect. Then the butterfly on your body will look like a live one.

Pay attention! Realism allows you to create true masterpieces of tattoo art. Some works are even stabbed in 3D. Therefore, sometimes people around you will think that you really have a live butterfly sitting on your body.

Another style suitable for tattooing this subject is watercolor. The drawing will attract:

  • Unremarkable outlines;
  • with careless but beautiful strokes;
  • bright, colorful splashes of paint;
  • delicate combinations of colors and tones.

Stylistic directions and locations

More often give preference to realism, which gives a good chance to depict a sketch with 100% similarity with the original. Such a picture is a true masterpiece. The three-dimensional fragment can easily be confused with a real person; it "lives" and "breathes" on the body.

Also relevant are watercolors with imperceptible contours, careless strokes, chaotic splashes that give the work originality and fairy tale. The variety of variations in shape, size, coloring of free creatures does not hold back the imagination of the master.

Interesting and mysterious is the ornamental way, operating with clear lines and symmetric patterns. Volumetric compositions are complemented by symbolic details. Butterflies occupy the area:

  • abdomen;
  • arms, legs;
  • shoulders, wrists;
  • loins;
  • neck.

Ephemeral Beauty is the perfect choice for sophisticated people. The meaning of the tattoo depends directly on the meaning that the wearer puts into it. It sometimes acts as a simple decorative ornament, adding a unique personality and style to your appearance.

What does the tattoo of a butterfly and on what part of the body to "plant" it

Butterfly tattoos look great on any part of a girl's body:

  • On the wrist;
  • On the shoulder;
  • On the abdomen;
  • on the lower back;
  • on the shoulder blade;
  • under the breast;
  • intimate area, etc.

In general, everything depends on the girl's personal preferences. Perhaps, a nice lady wants to emphasize on some particular part of the body - here in this case, a tattoo of a butterfly is perfect. For example, a pecked on the waist insect will give the young lady a kind of mystery. Especially if it is a colored image, printed with some special elements. A butterfly pinned on the girl's stomach - for example, a little on the side - looks sexy. It will draw attention to the graceful tummy in the warm season, knocking "out" from under a short top or a thin blouse.

By the way! The girl will have to constantly monitor her figure, maintaining the elegance of the tummy.

If we talk about intimate tattoos with a butterfly, they also have the right to life. Surely, the chosen girl will appreciate her desire for beauty, manifested in this way. Yes, such a tattoo will see only a chosen loved one, but how many positive emotions it will deliver to him - words can not tell.

Features of application

An important factor is the position of the silhouette in the image:

  1. Open wings on the photo - the embodiment of openness, loftiness and harmonious balance.
  2. Folded wings are a sign of poise and responsibility.
  3. A fluttering character means independence.

Two butterflies are an expression of mutual feelings. The individual on the flower characterizes the hostess as a loyal, faithful companion. Paired with a chrysanthemum, it is a testament to unfading beauty. The aesthetic pattern looks spectacular on the ear especially in color. The insects can "fly up" from the buttocks down the back, which looks very sexy and impressive, highlighting the sensual curves of the figure.

As for the prison circles, such a tattoo is stuffed on professional prostitutes, usually preferring the intimate places. The sign of hives is worn by serial killers, maniacs, pickpockets.

Now you are ready!

In this article, we've covered quite a bit about the meanings and variations of the butterfly tattoo. We also hope that we were able to dispel the stereotypes that have formed around this image.

butterfly tattoo 14
Master Oozy.

butterfly tattoo 48
Master Vic James.

Butterfly tattoo is suitable for absolutely everyone and can be a worthy part of any tattoo composition. Don't be afraid to experiment and deviate from traditional canons. Choose just the right butterfly to reflect your character and mood!

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Butterfly henna images

Painting with henna is an alternative for those ladies who are not ready for a drastic change. The art of mehendi appeared 5,000 years ago. Since then, it has become a part of the culture of many peoples. In ancient times, people attached special importance to the drawings.

Images with a butterfly henna
Butterflies have always attracted people's attention.

Images with a butterfly henna
The henna drawings on the body have a long history. Henna drawings became fashionable not so long ago.

Images with a henna butterfly
Butterfly tattoo has a deep symbolic meaning.

Images with a henna butterfly
Butterflies are associated with the reincarnation of the caterpillar into a magnificent winged creature.

Images with a henna butterfly
The butterfly is an auspicious symbol because it brings good luck.

Images with a henna butterfly
The tradition of painting your body with henna came to the modern world from ancient India.

Images with a henna butterfly
The henna drawings have gained incredible popularity.

Images with a henna butterfly
A henna drawing lasts for 10 to 14 days.

For many centuries, butterflies remain the most popular images. The meaning of tattoos, applied with henna, does not differ from traditional ones. Modern masters create interesting temporary drawings. Mehendi butterflies adorn the body for a long time. On the skin they last up to 3 weeks and do not have a negative impact on it.

Luck

Tattoo with the image of a butterfly is considered a symbol of success, female luck. The lightness of the motifs of such a composition creates a positive mood, which encourages the girl to implement any plans, without thinking about the possible failure. In this case, such a tattoo can have several meanings for women at the same time, for example, acting as a symbol of inspiration.

What does the tattoo mean for women?

As the symbol is traditionally female, any meaning of this tattoo will do. From a symbol of the soul to frivolous windiness.

Another thing is that the color differentiation of tattoos is really a very female symbolism, it is not used by men at all for some reason.

Thus, red - the color of love, passion, sexuality, if it is the color of the wings of a butterfly on the tattoo, will mean that these qualities and feelings a girl considers the basis of her personality and soul.

Also, the black color of the wings or blue-black, but with the difference that then the butterfly will mean a philosophical mindset, a desire for knowledge, the search for answers to eternal questions.

It is worth noting that, although rare, but men also do tattoo, but not in color. For men, such a tattoo most often denotes initiation, rebirth.

Ideas for male and female sketches

Images with a butterfly are preferred by ladies. Men sometimes use them for self-expression. Female and male images have some differences. Guys apply dark butterflies, believing in rebirth and the immortality of the soul. The tattoo can be a memory of a loved one who has died. For men, masters put butterflies, weaving them into Celtic patterns. The places where images are most often applied are the neck and arms.


Sketches of butterflies.

Sketches
You need a sketch for a tattoo. A beautiful sketch of a butterfly. Example of a butterfly sketch.

Sketch
Unique sketch.

Sketch
The sketch is an integral part in choosing a tattoo. Sketch of a tattoo of the best masters.

Sketch
Sketch - outline plan for a future tattoo.

Sketch
Choosing a tattoo sketch.

Sketch
Interesting tattoo sketch.

Women prefer bright images with flowers. Popular compositions of three soaring butterflies. Sometimes the insects are complemented by a star scattering, if a person is in search of the path of life. Often, butterflies become the first image that appears on the body of the lady. After all, they symbolize femininity and beauty.

Nature

For women

For men