| butterfly, moth Greek . ψυχή - “soul”, “butterfly” English . butterfly ———— Insect of the order Lepidoptera of the family Papilio. In many cultures, it symbolizes both the ability to transform and beauty, as well as the transitory nature of joy and life. As a symbol of the soul, it is found in Zaire, Central Asia, Mexico, New Zealand, and among the Maori. There are numerous signs and superstitions that connect butterflies, especially night ones, with the souls of the dead. The most striking example of this is the death's head butterfly. The cycle of its development is of greatest importance for the symbolism of the butterfly:
Connects symbolism:
Perhaps the practice of mummification in Dr. Egypt had as its model the metamorphosis of insects. “The miracle of states transforming one into another, this miracle of the transformation of a sluggish caterpillar, a stupid pupa, into a tenderly beautiful butterfly, deeply touched a person, became for him a semblance of his own spiritual transformations, gave him the hope that someday he would get off the ground and will rise into the light-illuminated spheres of eternity.” E. Eppley Currently, it is a metaphor for frivolity and frivolity, a cheerful and carefree perception and lifestyle, or beauty, often empty and seductive. Compare: “one-day butterfly”, flutter like a butterfly.” In a number of graphic emblems and pictograms, it indicates art, multicolor, and is often associated with children's creativity. ———— An insect that in many cultures symbolizes, on the one hand, the ability to transform and beauty, and on the other, the transitory nature of joy. For this reason, the butterfly was also depicted on old gravestones (see Death symbols). As its Greek name, psyche, indicates, the butterfly, like the bird, is a “animate being.” In popular belief, an insect associated with the other world is the embodiment of the soul. Another facet of butterfly symbolism is based on their metamorphosis. Like an egg, a butterfly's pupa is seen as a container of potential existence (life), and the emergence of an adult insect from it is a symbol of resurrection, birth or liberation from the grave. The myth of Psyche, depicted with the wings of a butterfly, appeals precisely to this aspect in the symbolism of the butterfly. Basic values:
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Content
- 1 Basic values:
- 2 Africa
- 3 Antiquity
- 4 Northern tradition
- 5 Slavs
- 6 Central Asia
- 7 China
- 8 Japan
- 9 Mesoamerica
- 10 Gnosticism
- 11 Christianity
- 12 Emblems
- 13 Psychology
- 14 Art
- 15 Literature
- 16 Illustrations
- 17 Notes and comments
See also:
Insects Moth Psyche Xochipili Itzpapalotl Ora Zephyr Hypnos Somnus Soul Cocoon Pupa Caterpillar Labrys Bird Fly Fire Death symbols Witch Plum Number 70 Fire
Antiquity
Due to its similarity to the shape of the labrys, the butterfly is one of the symbols of the Great Goddess, who contains “all previous incarnations and hopes of future generations.”
According to the general opinion of classical antiquity, the soul leaves the body in the form of a butterfly. Emerging from a cocoon, the butterfly is a symbol of the soul being released from the body at the moment of death. It is often associated with the deceased himself[2].
Aristotle points to its (like that of a bird) “animation”[3].
The myth of Psyche freed from death for delighting Zeus with the power of her love for Cupid is widely known. In Pompeian frescoes, Psyche is depicted as a young girl (or girl) with butterfly wings[4]. As the personification of the soul, the breath, Psyche often appears as a butterfly flying out of a funeral pyre. Perhaps these emblems go back to those common in the 3rd-1st centuries. BC e. gems with the plot of catching a Psyche butterfly while holding a burning torch by Cupid.
Moths (moths) serve as a symbol of secret wisdom hidden in darkness (ignorance).
The stages of butterfly development correspond to the stages of initiation (dedication):
- from egg to larva - an ignorant, helpless, “still dead” person;
- from the larva to the pupa (the tomb of the mysteries) - a searching and reflective person;
- from the pupa to the adult, the evolved, perfected and enlightened soul of the initiate leaving the grave of its original nature.
Tips for Sketching
A sketch of a butterfly tattoo will become a real decoration of the body in black and white if you combine several styles. Black and white techniques with geometry or graphics look good. The death's head butterfly remains the most popular character for both genders.
Add a couple of colored strokes to the background of a monochrome picture and it will sparkle with new colors. Use pictures from the Internet and expert advice to create a real masterpiece.
Video - moth tattoo, photos and sketches
Source
Northern tradition
The personification of soul and fire among the Celts, their fluttering wings symbolized the heat of the sun.
In the Irish tale of the mythological cycle “Matchmaking to Etain” (Tochmarc Étaíne), the goddess personifying royal power, marries the god Midir. Out of jealousy, Midir's first wife turns Etain into a puddle of water, from which a worm soon emerges, turning into a magnificent butterfly (option: a fly), which for some time is guarded and protected by the god Mag-Ok (Oengus).
“The water turned into a worm, and that turned into a purple fly, which was as big as a warrior’s head, and was the most beautiful of the flies in the world, with a voice and buzz sweeter than the songs of bagpipes, horns and harps, with eyes shining like precious stones in the dark. Her aroma quenched the hunger and thirst of those around whom she fluttered, and drops of dew from her wings could heal any suffering, illness or plague in any person.”
Slavs
| In different regions of Russia, when they see a butterfly or moth, they say: “Someone’s darling is flying.” Sometimes they are called souls or darlings. According to Poles, the soul of a dying person leaves the body in the form of a butterfly. Rhodope Bulgarians believe that the soul of the deceased, in the form of a butterfly or fly, visits his home on the fortieth day after death. The idea of a butterfly as the soul of the deceased gives rise to the belief that it is a harbinger of death, and sometimes an image of death. Belarusians tell how one day an old woman was sitting by the open window in the evening and a moth that flew into the window landed on her sleeve. “You are a mortal,” the woman said affectionately. She died that same night. According to the belief of Bulgarians, Serbs and Croats, the soul of a witch leaves her body in the form of a butterfly during sleep. Such a butterfly can strangle sleeping people at night and suck their blood, like a vampire. In a number of cases, the belief about the soul of a witch in the form of a butterfly is transformed into a belief about the witch herself taking the form of a butterfly, or into a belief about the butterfly as a servant or assistant of the witch, carrying out her will. Among the southern Slavs, the moth is often called a “witch.” Serbs sometimes deliberately torture and mutilate a moth, in whom they see a converted witch, in order to identify someone as a witch in the morning by burns and wounds on the body. A moth that flies into a house is set on fire and released with the words: “Come tomorrow, I’ll give you salt.” And if the next day someone comes to ask for salt, then he is identified with that evil soul that flew into the house in the form of a butterfly. Bulgarians believe that a witch releases large colorful butterflies on cattle, which land on cows or sheep, crawl on them and take away their milk. On St. George’s Day, the large butterfly of the witch Magesnitsa, flying through the fields, is able to take away the harvest of life (the witch herself can do the same), so early in the morning on this day a cross is squeezed out of the field. According to legend, a large black butterfly, sent by a witch to steal milk from sheep, is magically hatched by the witch from a large egg [5]. Among the Western Slavs, the moth is associated with another demon - “mora” or “zmora”, which torments people at night. According to Poles, the appearance of a night butterfly takes on the form of a “zmora” - a neighbor in the form of a butterfly or mosquito enters the house through the window cracks at midnight and, sitting on the sleeping people, leans on the chest, crushes, and suffocates them. The ability to strangle sleeping people is often attributed to some other animals and demons, especially the frog and the brownie. Some signs are associated with the first spring butterflies:
| See also: • Fly • Witch • Mora |
Where to place it in the house
According to Feng Shui, butterflies are good for decorating a bedroom. They should be placed in pairs or in a group so that when waking up, the gaze immediately lingers on the wings. Such proximity forms a powerful whirlwind of energy that attracts love and good luck.
The love relationship zone is located in the southwestern part of the house. Here you need to place a picture or figurine with a paired image of flying butterflies or decorate a wall or ceiling with them. Bright wings and correct placement will enhance the effect of the magical artifact by 2 times.
Feng Shui masters recommend decorating a child’s bedroom and the interior of any living space where there is a lack of positive energy with fluttering insects.
China
A butterfly or moth (hu-di) is an emblem of longevity (renewal and immortality -?), entertainment (leisure in abundance) and lovers.
The Chinese words for butterfly, plum and the number seventy are homonomous / the ideogram for butterfly "t'ie" is homophonic with the expressions "venerable (great) age" and "seventy years".
“The butterfly is a sign of marital happiness; indeed, she might be called the Chinese Cupid. The origin of this is found in the story told by the Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi, how a young man, while chasing a beautiful butterfly, inadvertently trespassed on the private property of a retired judge, and upon seeing his daughter, he was so mesmerized by her charms that he decided to work hard and try to get her her as his wife. In this he succeeded and rose to a high rank.”[7]
A young lover wanting to drink/drinking flower juice.
The expression “the love-crazed moth and the wild bee” denotes a sexual relationship.
A deceased lover may emerge from the grave in the form of a butterfly.
Zhuangzi's dream in which he turned into a butterfly and found great happiness, thanks to which the butterfly is often perceived as a symbol of joy and happiness.
Something similar to the image of Psyche is also found in the myth of the Immortal Gardener Yuan-k'o, whose beloved wife, who taught [people] how to breed silkworms, can herself turn into one.
In combination:
- with a plum tree - long life, beauty in old age, longevity and beauty, virgin beauty (?);
- with a cat - the wish to live to 80 years;
- with a feather - longevity;
- with chrysanthemum:
- beauty in old age, - can serve as a symbol of autumn.
Japan
Thanks to its grace and lightness, it serves as an emblem of femininity, a young woman, and ecstatic joy. Also - female fussiness and vanity, the craft of geishas or temporary mistresses.
A pair of butterflies “dancing” around one another represents family happiness.
The white butterfly is the spirit of the deceased. Airy, as if ethereal, butterflies are considered as wandering souls and a meeting with a butterfly foreshadows the arrival of a guest or the death of someone in the family.
Butterfly wings are a common attribute of wizards in fairy tales.
Moth tattoo - meaning for girls and men, popular sketches, photos and videos of works
Today, the art field boasts a wide variety of styles and techniques.
One of the directions is the application of body images, which is gaining more and more popularity over time and is replenished with various sketches of tattoos that give a person charm or, conversely, express his views and preferences. A moth tattoo may seem boring and unsymbolic to many, especially compared to butterflies, but this is a deep misconception; this image is famous for its mystery and is quite popular in modern times. The moth attracts people with its mystery, because this insect flutters only at night and does not live very long.
Mesoamerica
Among the Aztecs, the butterfly - “papalotl”, serves as a symbol of the soul or the breath of life, flying away with the last breath of the dying.
Butterflies fluttering among the flowers represent the souls of the warriors who fell on the battlefield[8]. The fallen warriors accompany the Sun until noon, during the first half of its visible path across the sky, and then descend to the ground in the form of hummingbirds and butterflies[9].
A symbol of the souls of fallen warriors among the Aztecs, they were sacrificed to some Mexican deities.
Attribute of Shochipili (god of spring vegetation, love, playing ball), depicted sitting among flowers and butterflies.
A butterfly chopped off with stone knives (itzli) is the goddess Itzpapalotl, the night spirit of flaming stars and a symbol of the souls of women who died in childbirth.
Also - a symbol of a swaying fire symbol associated with the Sun. The association of a butterfly with a flame is probably based on the similarity of the bright wings fluttering in flight with the flickering tongues of fire. The Aztec god of fire has as an attribute an ornamental chest plate known as the "obsidian butterfly". Like flint, obsidian is considered a firestone and is also well known for its use as the blade of ritual sacrificial knives. In "The House of Eagles (or Warriors)" the Sun is depicted as a butterfly.
A symbol of daylight and solar fire - and, therefore, the soul of a warrior - the butterfly for the ancient Mexicans also served as a symbol of the “Black Sun”, which passed through the underworld on its night journey. That. the butterfly is a symbol of hidden chthonic fire, associated with the ideas of sacrifice, death and resurrection. In Aztec carvings, the butterfly often serves as an alternative symbol for the number five, the number associated with the center of the Earth[10].
Tattoo options, styles, compositions
The drawing of a moth looks good as a drawing or graphic work. This type of image suits pragmatic natures. The style is expressed in black and white; the drawing is done in a line art or linework manner. They can be combined with finishing techniques, which will allow you to do voluminous work.
Color works look good in realism, watercolor, new school and neo-traditional. Unusual color solutions are most suitable for conveying the non-standard natural coloring of moths. Colored works are composed in compositions with flowers and branches. Lines of geometric shapes suit black and white drawings.
Where is the best place to get a tattoo?
Hawkmoths look advantageous in a frontal spread between the shoulder blades. They can be placed on the chest over the intercostal plate. They can also be stuffed over the forearm and along the line of the ribs.
Other types of moths have a place in the compositions of sleeves and stockings. Women often have moths stuffed on their chests in the subclavian area.
Paired moths on the front of the thighs look charming. Men are more likely to hit moths on their chest and back. The forearm, calf and shoulder blade are popular. Extreme sports enthusiasts stuff the hawk moth's death's head on top of the larynx.
Christianity
The cleansing of the soul by fire, represented in Romanesque art by the hot coal that an angel places in the mouth of the prophet, is depicted on a small Matthias urn in the image of love bringing a butterfly to the fire.[12]
Sometimes a butterfly can be seen in images of the Madonna and Child (usually in the Child's hand) as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. In a more general sense, the butterfly can symbolize the resurrection of all humanity - a meaning that is preserved in the emblematic still life.
As a symbol of death and resurrection, it was depicted on ancient tombstones above the skull and surrounded by other symbols of death. The same symbolism was placed on a number of pirate flags.
The symbolism of the butterfly as the soul freed from the bonds of the flesh is a Christian symbol[13] of both blessing and blessedness.
Prohibitions and restrictions
You should not make a talisman from dead, dried insects. By doing this, a woman can attract negative energies, repel men, and cause hostility in them.
When handling a magic item, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:
- You cannot attach butterflies to a curtain or tulle, or place figurines with their image on the windowsill. This increases the risk that luck will fly out the window.
- There is no need to choose moths in black and gloomy colors, with a skull pattern on the wings, to decorate your home. They can attract negativity.
- Places near the door, near arches, toilets, showers, and storage rooms are not suitable for placing a magical assistant. They promote the outflow of positive energy.
If you want to change your life, let fresh ideas and new people into it, you should pay attention to oriental talismans. Colorful butterflies occupy one of the important places in the teachings of Feng Shui and are considered a female magnet of good luck.
Emblematics
“Clock time, or clocks, are depicted by goddesses with membranous wings, like butterflies, and with sun and other clocks[14].”
“The butterfly is a sign of stupidity, frivolity, inconstancy, sometimes a soul or heart captivated by love. Butterfly wings mean love, games, laughter and fun[15].”
In the emblems, the butterfly carries the symbolism of voluptuousness and empty, vain love; the deceitfulness of pleasures and the grave consequences of destructive whims. She is depicted almost exclusively flying towards fire or burning in flames (probably, all these images are based on Gnostic gems of the 3rd-1st centuries BC (see above).
————
A butterfly burning in a candle flame.
- What seemed like pleasure to me turned out to be deadly.
The symbol warns us against voluptuousness and empty, vain love.
“The human mind strives most persistently for such things, for such a kind of love and for such a way of life, which lead to shame and destruction.” EMSI 32-1, p. 236 ———— A butterfly burning itself on a candle.
- Pleasure is dangerous.
“We whirl around the burning flame, This bright source of pleasure, until we feel the powerful force of its attraction And we fall as its unfortunate and powerless victims.”
EMSI 19-14 p.184 ———— A butterfly burning itself on a lit candle.
- Pleasure is killing me.
A symbol of the pervasiveness of pleasures and the consequences of harmful whims. “Fools caught in the flames of beauty meet death where they hope to find life.” EMSI 9-9, p.142
The meaning of tattoos for men
Images of moths are often found among the male half of society. Basically, they use such images to show their attitude towards the world, they say: “I am free!”
However, you should not think that this means frivolity; you can always rely on such men, they are always in search of a better life and cannot stay in one place for a long time. Together with such a man you can feel safe and enjoy every day you live together. Just like moths fly to a flame, young people always move forward towards their goals without looking back, they learn from their mistakes and turn them into life experiences.
A tattoo with a moth is not just a beautiful and simple picture, it has many different images, from a messenger between the worlds of the living and the dead to the ability to enjoy life and live every day. A butterfly tattoo will suit many people, especially those who do not want to stop there and constantly strive for something new.
Source
Psychology
Lightness.
The metamorphoses of a moth resemble what happens to a person in his bodily shell, when material existence creates all sorts of obstacles to the energy and activity of his heavenly soul. The numbness and insensibility of a motionless doll is a symbol of death. A transitional state of the body and its vital functions and the final liberation of the soul, which is destined to take place in fire.
The fluttering one is a heavenly soul, breaking the bonds of matter to dissolve in the ether from which it came.
Modern psychoanalysis sees the butterfly as a symbol of rebirth[16]. It is also a symbol of the soul and unconscious attraction to light[17]. Seen in a dream means rebirth associated with the process of mental transformation, liberation from the shackles of one’s own Self.
Often used as a sign of psychological parapsychological and psychiatric societies and institutions, often in combination with the letter "psi".
Activation of the amulet
To activate, flowering plants in bouquets or pots should be placed next to the home amulet. It is recommended to ventilate the room frequently. To attract good luck, it is important to balance the composition with the image of a bird.
A simple way to activate a decoration: holding the item in your hands, concentrate and mentally imagine its task. Then take quick breaths, exhaling forcefully into the magical assistant. Silver items can receive the support of the moon if left on the windowsill during the full moon.
To activate the amulet, you need to mentally imagine its purpose.
A charged item should not be given into the hands of strangers or lent to those who ask to wear it. An object that has been damaged or has lost its beautiful appearance must be buried in the ground. It has fulfilled its function and has accumulated a lot of negative energy that needs to be gotten rid of. Items made from precious stones can be cleansed of negativity using holy water and repaired by a jeweler.
Art
In secular painting, butterfly wings have as their attribute:
- Ora or “clock time”;
- Psyche;
- Zephyr is Flora’s husband, “a winged baby with butterfly wings”[18];
- Hypnos and Somnus;
“Pleasant frivolity” brings the butterfly closer to elves, geniuses and erotes (little gods of love), who are also often endowed with butterfly wings.
In paintings depicting life in paradise, the soul, placed by the Creator in the body of Adam, has similar wings.
In Christian art, the butterfly is a symbol of the resurrection of the human soul - in the hands of the Christ Child, an emblematic still life, etc. The natural cycle of caterpillars - cocoon - butterfly symbolizes life, death and resurrection.
Moth tattoo meaning
Moth tattoo for mystical natures. It contains the ideas of the immortality of the soul and the possibility of traveling between worlds. The abundance of forms and types is amazing. Among them, the undisputed leader is the death's head hawk moth.
- Hawk Moth Death's Head - immortality, magical powers;
- comet moth - protection from dark forces;
- spotted sphinx - beauty, grace, eternal youth;
- hawk moth - harmony, intuition;
- moth Yo - protection from the evil eye;
- Cecropia - patronage of the Universe, etc.
In addition to being deciphered by species, the moth has the meaning of the transition from eternal rest to active action. This is a symbol of the beauty of the soul and the rise of spirituality. Each carrier has its own understanding of the symbol, which is aimed at realizing its potential.
The meaning of tattoos for girls
What could be more graceful on a woman’s body than a butterfly tattoo? This design has no negative meanings or associations. The bright colors with which nature painted the wings of a moth will create a real decoration for the skin.
Literature
- Gura A.V. Butterfly // SMES
- Gura A. V. Symbolism of animals in the Slavic folk tradition. M., 1997. P. 486—492 < SMES
- Ternovskaya O. A. Butterfly in folk demonology of the Slavs: 'ancestor soul' and 'demon'. — // Materials for the VI International Congress for the Study of Southeast European Countries. Sofia, 30.III.89-6.IX.89. Problems of culture. M., 1989. P. 151-160 < SMES
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