What does a black butterfly tattoo mean? Butterfly tattoo - what does it mean? The meaning of the tattoo "butterflies" on the female body. Best Tattoo Styles and Ideas

The beauty of a butterfly tattoo lies in its simplicity and colorfulness, which is combined with intricate details. Therefore, it is one of the sought-after motifs in tattoo art. In the article, we will analyze the meaning of a tattoo, as well as consider photos of finished works and the best sketches for girls and guys.

Butterfly tattoo - meaning

A butterfly tattoo symbolizes the purity of the soul and the softness of the heart due to the fragility of their wings. Also, the tattoo denotes beauty, love and affection.

Other meanings of the butterfly tattoo are associated with metamorphoses, as the insect undergoes many changes in order to turn from a small caterpillar into its beautiful essence.

The caterpillar goes through the complex stage of the cocoon and begins new life after hard times. This means that a person grows out of his original state into what he really wants to become - into a new "I".

Since butterfly tattoos are considered more feminine, they are mostly in demand among girls. However, in some cases, the image of an insect can also be found in guys, especially in the style old school.

What does a butterfly tattoo mean in different cultures?

In Japanese culture, a butterfly tattoo symbolizes freedom. For this reason, butterfly tattoos are often stuffed by people released from places of detention and students who have graduated from the university.

IN Chinese culture Butterfly tattoos mean love and unity. The same applies to Western culture, as love is often explained by the famous phrase "butterflies in the stomach."

Greek and Christian cultures view beautiful winged insects as a symbol of the soul and freedom. It is also believed that the moth brings good luck when it lands on a person.

In ancient Aztec culture, these tiny creatures represented the souls of women who died during childbirth, or dead warriors. In other cultures, butterflies, especially white ones, symbolize the souls of dead children.

Suitable places on the body for a butterfly tattoo

Butterfly tattoos having small size, worn around the neck, on the wrist, on the ankle, on the pubis or behind the ear. Larger tattoos are stuffed on the back, on the shoulder, on the lower back, on the chest, on the thigh or on the stomach. In general, a butterfly is such an attractive creature that its size does not really matter.

Butterfly tattoo pictures are something exquisite and beautiful, drawing attention to any part of the body.

The same goes for the style of image design: small or medium-sized tattoos look great both in a minimalist version and, for example, in watercolor. The choice of design depends on the personal preferences of the person.

Best Tattoo Styles and Ideas

Insect tattoos with beautiful wings are available in a wide variety of designs due to the fact that tattoo artists around the world are constantly working on creating new styles. Consider a photo of the finished work performed in various styles more.

old school

This tattoo style has been around since the 1930s. It was invented and popularized by tattoo artist Sailor Jerry. The direction of the old school is characterized by black and very bold outlines of tattoos, as well as bright and saturated basic colors (blue, red, yellow, black).

Realism

When creating realistic images, the artist uses shadows that give the tattoo a three-dimensional effect. The contours in realistic tattoos are not clear: they are replaced by contrasting shades of colors.

Illustrative style

In this design, the tattoo artist mixes bold lines and vibrant colors to create a tattoo that resembles an illustration in a book or comic book. This design combines traditional and realistic styles. A butterfly tattoo made in this style will look very original.

Tribal design

The secret behind this design is the gorgeous tribal patterns that add beautiful accents to the image.

Paired tattoos

This is a very common design that is chosen by many couples in love. It is believed that a tattoo depicting a pair of butterflies symbolizes unity and love.

Couple tattoos are one way to show how much you love your partner.

This design will look more impressive if you add a few additional elements, such as flowers, vines, or the names of lovers.

Butterfly tattoo designs for men and women

The peculiarity of this tattoo motif lies in its versatility in terms of color, size and design. Tattoos can look just as impressive in monochrome as well as in combination with bright colors and colorful elements such as flowers, bows, patterns, etc.

In addition, a sketch can look amazing in small, medium, and large sizes. Perhaps it is these reasons, in addition to the aesthetic value of this small winged creature, that make the butterfly tattoo so popular all over the world.

The main motif of the drawing can be successfully combined with a dream catcher, feathers, anchors and many other elements, depending on what the butterfly tattoo means for a girl or a guy.

You can choose a flower that complements the person's personality. For example, a rose, lotus, jasmine, sunflower, daffodil, or any other that a guy or girl likes.

And a drawing applied together with an inscription significant for a person will give it a completely new meaning. You can put the name of a loved one next to a winged creature to dedicate the tattoo to a special person in your life.

In various 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 formation of such a poetic meaning was facilitated by an unusual life cycle this insect. At first, a very unattractive-looking caterpillar appears, devouring leaves, then building a cocoon around itself and calming down for this time. And only after that the walls of the cocoon are destroyed, and a butterfly is born - carefree and beautiful. Also, in some nations, the butterfly personifies the liberated soul.

The butterfly also symbolizes the feminine. In ancient Japan, a young woman could be compared to a motley butterfly, and a pair of fluttering insects symbolizes family happiness.

The modern meaning of a butterfly tattoo

To date, the butterfly has new meanings. A tattoo with this insect can say both that its owner (but most often the owner) is striving for self-improvement, or simply wants to emphasize his carelessness. Today, butterflies are often associated with frivolity, romance, flirty and femininity.

Additional tattoo elements

Since a butterfly tattoo can mean completely different things, you should also pay attention to the elements that accompany it. Often, the fair sex decorates their bodies with real paintings, placing a butterfly among the flowers. The butterfly adjacent to the chrysanthemum symbolizes unfading beauty. Lily is the innocence of the owner of this tattoo. Butterfly and water lily speak of purity of thoughts.

A very popular motif for a tattoo is a butterfly, made in the Celtic style with clear braided patterns and a Celtic border. In this case, the image speaks of the metamorphoses and changes in life that the subject who has made such a tattoo craves.

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 the butterfly tattoo will mean also depends on the place where the picture is applied. Butterflies are often painted on the back and neck. These areas are great for applying a symmetrical pattern. This arrangement suggests that the owner of the tattoo seeks to demonstrate his abilities to people around him and, perhaps, considers himself better than most.

tattoo on working hand speaks of the desire to become the master of one's own life, more collected and practical. The drawing on the leg will report that the 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.

One of the most popular tattoo designs for girls is the butterfly. Although the meaning of the symbol changes depending on what meaning the owner puts into it, the general interpretation always has a positive meaning.

The butterfly tattoo (the meaning for girls is identical to the meaning for guys, although few of them decide to apply such a typically female pattern) is deciphered in different ways and can mean almost anything.

For example:

in Japan- the spiritual growth of a person or, if a butterfly white color- news from the afterlife;
on Ancient Rus' - new life (also Germanic interpretation), rebirth;
in ancient rome- rebirth war after death (symbolizes female power);
in Mexico- the flame of life;
in China- abundance, entertainment, summer and sunny weather;
in Germany and Scandinavian countries - the presence magical abilities, connection with fairies, magic;
unlimited freedom of action, but at the same time, indecision, the desire to enjoy the moment and not think about anything permanent.

It is impossible to say that this is an unambiguous symbol that is interpreted by everyone in the same way. There are also those who consider such a drawing a symbol of easy virtue and windiness. This is due to the fact that butterfly tattoos were often applied to geishas, who were considered easily accessible and stupid.

Many people forget that the main role of geishas is to entertain spiritually, but not physically, therefore, the symbolism inherent in geishas should not be interpreted in a similar vein. The main meaning of the tattoo will still remain exactly what the owner will put into it.

The meaning of the tattoo depending on the additional elements

The meaning of a butterfly tattoo can change for girls depending on the composition of which it is a part. You can apply a single butterfly, but if a girl is thinking about a whole composition, the insect will fit in as its main part. Sometimes it is the butterfly that plays the role of an auxiliary element.

Flowers have their own language:

cornflower- delicacy, grace, refinement;
chrysanthemum- eternal beauty;
rose- love, hope for happiness;
rose with thorns - loss, broken heart;
lily- innocence of the soul, purity;
lotus- spiritual growth, enlightenment;
peony- good luck in business, wealth;
sakura- transience of life;
water lily- kindness, absence of evil intentions.

By combining symbols of different meanings with butterflies, you can achieve unique images with your own interpretation. Tattooed butterflies, which are part of the Celtic patterns, symbolize life's changes. The owners of such drawings honor their ancestors and appreciate the family hearth.

If the wings are only part of the composition, and the main role is played by the image of a woman, we can say that this is a tribute to Psyche, the Greek muse of the soul. The combination of wings with a face or the appearance of human eyes on the wings usually means that inside the girl feels light and free - like a butterfly.

The color of the wings plays a huge role in the tattoo:

Symbolic shades vary, including depending on the position of the insect:

Butterfly wings are depicted in full swing, which means that the owner of the tattoo has an open character and does not like to hide her feelings. Also, the image is characteristic of creative individuals who are always engaged in self-development and do not like to stand still.
The wings are symmetrical, but not connected - a symbol of a responsible attitude to life, the desire to keep everything in balance.
A flying butterfly always strives for freedom, independence, self-expression.
A butterfly sitting on a flower symbolizes constancy and devotion to one's ideals.

The position of the butterfly also depends on which part of the body the pattern is located on.

Butterfly as a symbol of love

Among the works of tattoo artists there are sketches depicting several identical butterflies on one flower. It is known that there are no two insects with an identical image on the wings, so such drawings symbolize kinship and remind their owners of family ties. Sometimes the names of beloved relatives are written on the wings - the master will tell you how best to do this.

It is also a good idea to get a couple tattoo with your loved one - it doesn’t matter if they are the same insects, or if they just fly towards each other. By applying 2 different wings to the back of 2 palms, you can connect them to see the finished drawing.

Butterflies with inscriptions

The butterfly tattoo (the meaning for girls is different depending on the goal pursued) can be supplemented with an inscription. Special symbolism can be achieved by making an inscription in the language of the country in which the symbolism of the butterfly coincides with the worldview of the girl herself. The inscription can be placed both between the butterfly and the pattern, and to the side, or put around, along the perimeter of the pattern.

Important dates are often placed next to insects - for example, the birthday or death of a loved one whom the butterfly symbolizes.

Small inscriptions - for example, in one word, will suit small tattoos depicting only a butterfly and nothing more. It is important that the composition is not overloaded, so flowers and patterns are best left for large drawings. Behind the butterfly, magical dust of the color of its wings can stretch.

Butterflies as a symbol of death

In some sketches, you can see that the wings of a butterfly are separated from the abdomen. Sometimes they are accompanied by an image of a spider that has destroyed the insect. Such drawings carry a more eerie meaning than the image of butterflies with skulls on their wings or abdomen.

Such an interpretation of the nature of insects was characteristic of the ancient Slavs - they believed that a butterfly could turn into a witch at any moment, so they were afraid of it. Butterflies enjoyed a similar reputation in Japan - although one insect meant only good, and a swarm of butterflies brought only bad luck to those who saw them.

Butterflies, on the wings of which the symbolism of death is depicted, can be interpreted as harbingers of the afterlife for those who look at them, while a dead butterfly symbolizes death (perhaps spiritual) of the owner of the tattoo. But death is always followed by rebirth, so the wings separated from the abdomen symbolize a tribute to the past and readiness for something new.

Often this is why butterflies are applied to important points life - after the wedding, the birth of a child, graduation from the institute. The butterfly was often depicted sitting on the hand of Jesus Christ. Such a pattern can symbolize the religiosity of the owner and will look great on any part of the arm or ribs.

An overview of the most common areas for tattooing

A butterfly tattoo (the meaning for girls varies depending on the chosen zone) can look good on any part of the body. On small areas(wrist, ankle) it is better to apply single butterflies, large compositions look good on large ones (thigh, shoulder blade, lower leg).

Zone	Peculiarities	Drawing Ideas
Hand	Since a person sees his own hand most often, it is believed that tattoos inflicted in this place have their own unique meaning. The tattoo on the working arm (right for right-handers, left for left-handers) speaks of the independence of its owner and the desire for composure and organization. Tattoos on the back of the hand look especially beautiful, although this place is very painful because of the thin skin.	2 butterflies, symmetrically located on inside both hands; butterfly wings cover eyes and nose, lips and chin protrude below; a butterfly located on the forearm can, as it were, fly under the sleeve of a T-shirt; butterfly contours on the painted back of the hand; a swarm of butterflies flies to the wrist; a swarm of butterflies flies on the outside of the hand, framing a word.
Back	The back is recommended to be used to create large compositions in which the butterfly can be the main element. It can be located both in the upper part and in the middle, and the details surrounding it will have their own symbolism. The image of butterflies in the upper or lower part of the spine allows you to emphasize the symmetry of the wings.	A small butterfly placed at the head or at the bottom of the spine; different butterflies lined up in a row, or an image of the various stages of a butterfly, starting from a cocoon; wings spread over the entire back, as a symbol of the ability to fly for the owner of the tattoo.
Neck	The value depends on the part of the neck on which the tattoo is applied. Risky people, for example, can apply 2 symmetrical butterflies on both sides of the neck, and the drawing on the back is often interpreted as a desire to receive protection or patronage from the depicted creature.	Butterfly on the back of the neck; butterfly in flight - also behind; a butterfly opening its wings and thus covering its entire neck; the tattoo begins on the neck with the image of flowers and smoothly passes to the chest, on which the insect itself is depicted; the wings of the butterfly are lowered down, various patterns come out from under them, smoothly passing to the back.
Ear	Despite the fact that it is very difficult to work with the site, the shape of the auricle allows you to place the insect tattoo in an original way. The torso, for example, can curve along the shell itself, and the main idea of the tattoo will be in the wings or a trace from them.	The size of the auricle does not allow for large tattoos, so a gracefully placed butterfly will be enough; a small insect can also be placed behind the ear, leaving a trail behind it.
Small of the back	The loin is one of the most common application options. For some reason, it is believed that a butterfly in this place means windiness and frivolity of the owner. Others note that the tattoo in this place symbolizes the desire to stand out from the crowd and find their own way in life.	Full wingspan with lines following the geometric pattern; a flock of butterflies rising up from the waist to the shoulders.
Breast	It is very difficult to apply tattoos on the chest, since the skin in this place is very thin, but the finished drawings look amazing. However, butterflies in any style will look great here.	A small butterfly, painted in a realistic style, above or below one of the breasts; a butterfly spreading its wings between two breasts, surrounded by various colors or patterns covering the collarbone; the butterfly itself is located just below the breasts in the middle, on the right and left sides it is surrounded by the same patterns - folk or in the form of flowers.
Stomach	A small butterfly stuffed on the side of the abdomen can attract attention if, for example, it peeks out from under a short T-shirt.	A black and white butterfly painted above the navel and spreading its wings; a small realistic butterfly sitting above the hip; two symmetrical butterflies sitting above the hips; a line of flying butterflies - looks good with patterns in exclusively black.
shoulder blade	The spatula is suitable for drawing drawings, as it has a large and even area. In addition, tattoos on the shoulder blades are less painful due to the thickness and density of the skin.	Butterfly sitting on the shoulder blade like a flower; behind a butterfly sitting on its shoulder, a trail of stars or dust may remain, as if left by the flapping of its wings; a butterfly on the right shoulder is a sign of the imminent arrival of good guests, on the left - an enemy; the wings are folded, the insect is depicted from the side and occupies the entire shoulder blade.
Hip	Small tattoos on the thigh protrude beautifully from under the skirts - especially if you wear stilettos under them. They can also be part of a larger composition that starts on the stomach.	A large butterfly surrounded by flowers or ethnic patterns; an old school butterfly with various patterns hidden in its wings; on the side of the thigh, the composition with a butterfly and a spider tearing its wings looks beautiful.
Shin	There is a lot of space on the lower leg, so many options can be used when developing a sketch.	The butterfly wraps its wings around both sides of the lower leg, the body is located on the side; butterfly wings are located on both legs and fold into a pattern when the legs are together; a swarm of butterflies flies up the leg, from the foot to the thigh.
Ankle	In the cold seasons, tattoos in the ankle area can be hidden under shoes and trousers, in summer and spring they become a kind of accessory. The size and length of the legs allow masters to apply compositions of various sizes.	The tattoo is applied on the back side of the ankle, its size fits perfectly into the area of the back, the wings are open; around the ankle is a wreath of flowers on which a butterfly sits; a flock of butterflies flying around the ankle.
Sole	Most often, single tattoos are located on the top of the foot or in the ankle area, but symmetrical patterns look much better on the feet, especially those surrounded by ornamental patterns.	Symmetrical wings are located on the outside of both feet; butterfly in a bracelet; a butterfly sits on a flower; the butterfly is enclosed in the heart; the realistic 3D butterfly also looks great on the foot.
Side	The length of the zone makes this area ideal for applying oblong patterns.	One large butterfly is located near the chest, opening its wings to its full extent, below is a scattering of smaller flying butterflies; the butterfly sits on a long stem with an open bud.

Most often, girls opt for open areas of the body, which will allow them to show off their pattern in the warm season. At the same time, the pattern should be easy to cover up if required by the dress code at the job site.

https://youtu.be/xG29kRNksOg

Realistic butterfly

By applying an image in the style of realism to the body, you can create the impression that a living butterfly is really sitting on the body, ready to flutter at any moment. The result depends on the brightness of the colors, the choice of location and details. The sketches often contain shadows from the wings.

Butterfly in watercolor

The watercolor butterfly is popular for the following reasons:

smooth contours do not attract much attention;
strokes are applied carelessly, but it's still beautiful;
watercolor allows you to create colorful smudges;
paints allow you to combine different tones in a drawing.

Butterfly tattoo in watercolor style.

Unlike realistic drawings, watercolor butterflies leave room for creativity and additional details. The image itself can carry an abstract rather than a realistic character, as a result of which the tattoo turns into a picturesque work of art.

old school style

Tattoos made in the style of Old School imply a riot of colors and deep symbolism. Even if the drawing has the shape of a butterfly, you can add symbols on various topics to it. It can be faces, skulls, flowers, whatever. The location is limited solely by the imagination of the owner of the tattoo - wings, abdomen or the surrounding insect space.

By 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 for the sea and travel. By depicting other people's faces on the wings, you can perpetuate the memories associated with these people on your body.

Not all artists know how to draw in this style and it will often be necessary to develop an individual sketch, but this way you can make sure that the tattoo will be unique, and every detail in it will be worked out with special care. You can understand whether the master knows how to work in the chosen style by looking at the portfolio of his works and pointing to the ones you like the most.

henna butterfly

Butterfly tattoo (the meaning for girls does not change depending on the method of application) can also be done with henna. This option is suitable if you want to check a specific pattern and see if it will look good on the body. As a rule, henna butterflies are depicted with simple straight lines and are not painted over. The drawings are often surrounded by patterns or images of flowers.

The advantage of henna is that it can be prepared at home. Unlike a hand tattoo, this is harmless. Being able to draw or outline patterns at the same time, you can make mehendi yourself and understand how the patterns will look on the selected part of the body.

To prepare a solution of henna at home, you need to do the following:

Prepare tea brew. The stronger it is, the darker the color will be.
Cut the lemon into 2 parts, squeeze the juice. Mix it with half of the tea leaves and add 2 tbsp. l. Sahara.
The mixture is poured into a solution of henna and mixed until it turns into a thick porridge.
Infuse for 15-20 minutes. (if necessary, longer).

The solution is stored in the refrigerator for 2 days, after which it deteriorates.

Butterfly in ornamental style

Ornamental style (patterned) implies clearly drawn lines and the application of symmetrical patterns. Although it is not easy to apply such drawings, finished work looks unusual, without giving a clear explanation of the meaning. The advantage of the ornamental is the possibility of combining different techniques: linework, dotwork and tribal.

Depending on the style of implementation of the idea, the meaning of the butterfly tattoo for girls can change and be supplemented with various elements. You should not stop at a simple image if there is an opportunity to do something more multifaceted.

Article formatting: Lozinsky Oleg

Butterfly Tattoo Video

Different Meanings of Butterfly Tattoos:

If you see a tattoo on the body of a person you know, take a closer look at it. The image can tell a lot about the nature of the owner, his desires and dreams..

General meaning of the tattoo

Butterfly tattoo different peoples interpreted differently. In Japan, this insect is a symbol home comfort, prosperity and peace. In China, it means eternal life, immortality and victory over evil. In these countries, the insect is also fanned with mysticism, therefore, tattoos with it were and are treated with caution.

In Christianity, a butterfly personifies different stages of a person's life: life, death and resurrection, which corresponds to the stages of insect development: a cocoon, a caterpillar and a direct butterfly. She was often depicted on the hand of the baby Jesus in canvases and paintings.

Meaning for girls

If you saw such a tattoo on a girl's body, know that she strives for femininity, beauty and family happiness. Her character is dominated by such traits as kindness, gentleness, devotion and tenderness. For this person, the family is of particular importance, she will do everything to maintain harmonious relations with her husband and children.

At the same time, the butterfly also symbolizes independence. With the help of such a tattoo, a girl wants to show others that she is free, and no one has the right to make decisions for her or impose her will.

The image of a butterfly can often be seen on a girl's back, on her shoulders, forearm, on her lower back or on her leg. It is worth noting that a wide variety of butterfly flower species is also reflected in tattoos. Blue symbolizes dreaminess and immortality, red - passionate love, orange - love for the family, purple - extravagance and the desire to be young forever.

Girls also choose black butterfly tattoos. It means the search for the hidden meaning of life, belief in life after death and reincarnation.

The position of the butterfly also matters.

If her wings are open, this means that the soul of the fairer sex is open to the world, she wants to give people light and love.
If her wings are symmetrical, it symbolizes harmony, balance and responsibility.
A fluttering insect means the desire of a young lady for freedom and independence.
You can also find the image of a butterfly on a flower, the meaning of which is constancy, fidelity and devotion.

Meaning for guys

Men can also choose such a tattoo, although it is quite rare. A butterfly on their body is depicted by those representatives of the stronger sex who want to know the meaning of life and believe in the immortality of the soul or reincarnation.

A tattoo is often stuffed in memory of deceased loved ones, as a symbol of love for them.. Men use predominantly dark tones for tattoos: black, dark green, dark blue.

Prison value

In the criminal world, a tattoo in the form of butterflies can be found quite often. Women of easy virtue stuff the image of an insect into intimate place. I don't think it's hard to figure out the meaning here. Among male criminals, she can be found with pickpockets. Butterfly often decorates the body serial killers and maniacs.

Should I choose a butterfly?

Thus, we can conclude that a butterfly tattoo has a predominantly positive meaning. It's a symbol eternal life, health and longevity, so you can safely choose it as your talisman.

Choose exactly the butterfly that you like in shape, size and color, and then well-being and harmony will become your faithful companions in life. The most important meaning of a tattoo is what you put into it.