Light. Delicate. Graceful. The butterfly contains numerous meanings that can be easily represented in butterfly tattoos: colored or black and white, stylized or realistic, in 3D or with additional decorations, butterfly tattoos are a timeless must.
Not only because their meanings are important but also because they are beautiful tattoos to look at and that look good everywhere and on everyone. Let's find out together what are the most beautiful ideas, what meanings they have and where to do butterfly tattoos to hit the mark.
Meaning of butterfly tattoo: why and how to choose it
The butterfly is colorful, a symbol of joy and hope. But it is also delicate, with that gracefulness expressed in the round in the flight and in the movements that it draws sinuously in the air and on the flowers. These splendid beings, however, are above all linked to the symbolism of metamorphosis, a well-defined characteristic in the four phases that make up the life cycle of the butterfly.
Initially a caterpillar, with tenacity and resistance it turns into a beautiful chrysalis ready to later take flight in the guise of an elegant butterfly. From flower to flower, dancing in the air, the butterfly can measure from a few millimeters up to 8 centimeters. The wingspan can reach up to 31 cm and can be of various colors, monochromatic or multicolored.
The colors and strength represented make butterflies a perfect subject to tattoo. It is no coincidence that butterfly tattoos are among the most requested because of their ability to express an important meaning, indelible over time.
All the meanings of the butterfly tattoo
But what does it mean to get a butterfly tattoo? The symbolisms linked to this splendid creature are linked to ancient legends from all over the world. Among the most important we find:
- Lightness. Its flight is so graceful that the butterfly is often compared to the feeling of lightness understood as both freedom and lightheartedness. Free from any chain, obstacle or judgment;
- Change. Metamorphosis is the perfect example: to become such a butterfly goes through certain phases where tenacity makes the difference. A caterpillar needs energy and a great desire to live to transform itself and not die before becoming a chrysalis. The butterfly is a symbol of change, resilience, self-affirmation;
- Rebirth. Concept closely linked to change and tenacity, it represents the desire to get involved again with new challenges. The end is never really the end if there is a beginning ready to write;
- Sacrifice. There is no change without sacrifice and the butterfly must sacrifice itself to become beautiful and graceful, at least according to Mexican beliefs that want it to be a symbol of the ability to sacrifice;
- Love. In China, the butterfly symbolizes conjugal love, being well together in harmony;
- Beauty and grace. The Japanese theory tells of the butterfly as a bearer of innate beauty and grace;
- Anima. In Italy the souls of the dead are entrusted to the beating of a butterfly's wing. This is why it is customary not to kill a butterfly if we find it at home: it means that a soul has come to visit us;
- Fortuna. Seeing a butterfly is a symbol of good luck in any aspect of our life;
- Tenacity and resistance. In Greece it is linked to the story of Psyche, Cupid's great love who has to overcome very difficult tests in order to remain next to his beloved.
Tattooing butterflies is a sign of strength, tenacity and endurance. But also of beauty, delicacy and femininity.
Where to get the butterfly tattoo
Let the gracefulness of the butterflies rest on your skin. Where is it? For example, you might consider tattooing a butterfly on your nut: area covered by hair, by uncovering it you will show the part of you ready to take flight. Small butterfly tattoo, large butterfly tattoo, colored or black and white. You choose how to express your desire for freedom.
Another very popular part where to get the butterfly tattoo is the neck. Sensual, sensitive, it is a perfect area for this type of tattoo. You can choose to convey a strong message by doing it in the front or sticking to the sides, below the ears.
How about these beautiful butterflies tattooed on shoulders? Stylized or realistic, the result is always of great effect. Better still if you opt for a butterfly tattoo with initial.
On the back you can instead get tattoo designs with large and small butterflies, according to your preferences. An original idea is the stylized butterfly, a cryptic message that makes everything even more bewitching.
Don't underestimate the butterfly tattoos on hips and groin. Belen Rodriguez caused quite a stir with the butterfly tattooed on her groin, a very sexy idea to copy if you want to leave your partner speechless. On the side you can instead think of a tattoo with flowers and butterflies or with tribals.
And how about little butterflies tattooed on foot, ankles e calves? A sober and elegant idea that denotes charm and delicacy of soul.
3D butterfly tattoos
Made using particular chiaroscuro techniques, 3d tattoos represent butterflies that seem almost real. Ready to take flight or just placed on a flower, they are beautiful to look at and show off. The effect is a realistic butterfly tattoo that almost looks like a painting.
Colorful butterfly tattoos
Black and white butterfly tattoos will be fascinating but color is everything when we talk about these graceful figures. The tattoos with butterflies in yellow, red, blue, gradient, purple and other shades are lively, gaudy and express different emotions. An example? The yellow butterfly is a symbol of joy, hope and will to live.
Tattoo with flowers and butterflies
There is no butterfly without flowers. A tattoo of this type is particularly suitable if you want to represent the lightness of butterflies and all the beauty of nature. Add decorations or the initials of a name you care about to make the meaning even more special.
Tattoos with stylized butterflies
All the creativity and uniqueness of a custom design are well told in these stylized butterfly tattoos. Real works of art in which more meanings are hidden. Sinuous lines, geometric shapes, shades and designs inside the wings that suddenly become human or animal faces. The best idea for those who want a one-of-a-kind tattoo.
Butterfly tattoos pictures: other ideas to draw inspiration from
The ideas are really a lot. Browse the gallery to find more butterfly tattoo images that will leave you speechless.
Do you like these particular tattoos? What does the flight of a butterfly convey to you? Tell us with a comment and if you like these ideas share them!
