During the warm spring and summer months, the gardens are filled with flowers and vegetation, and are also visited by birds and insects, including butterflies.
These insects, which enjoy great popularity due to characteristics such as their striking colours, their symmetrical and harmonious shape, the delicacy of their wings and their surprising process of metamorphosis, in which a plump worm ends up becoming a stylized butterfly with colorful wings.
And it is that, despite the fact that science has a well-founded explanation for what happens in this process, the truth is that there is something magical and mysterious in the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Besides, its metamorphosis is a metaphor for rebirth, evolution and transformation from the inside out.
Butterflies represent transformation. These insects give a lesson on how it is possible to go inside oneself to transform, rebuild and evolve. They show the importance of dedication and self-confidence during the process of growth, change and renewal.
these insects they also symbolize rebirth, hope and bravery. Their presence can be interpreted as a sign that positive change is underway in your life through a peaceful and balanced transition. Thus, the butterfly encourages you to confidently flow through your transformation.
Like anyone else, caterpillars have no way of knowing what will come after they enclose their cocoon. But regardless of the uncertainty, they hear their inner call to go within anyway, to allow death and rebirth to occur.
Finally, the butterflies They are also a symbol of freedom, by acquiring wings that allow them to fly far beyond their limits as caterpillars. They symbolize the ability to transform to improve the situation in which one lives.
Butterfly symbolism in different cultures
From the ancient Celts to the Native Americans, different cultures throughout history have attached spiritual meaning and symbolism to these insects.
prehispanic cultures. Pre-Columbian civilizations considered butterflies as messengers of the gods and believed that they represented the spirits or souls of their ancestors. They believed that brave warriors eventually turned into birds, hummingbirds, or butterflies after they died, and drank nectar for eternity.
Native American cultures. For the different native tribes of North America, butterflies represented concepts such as: change, transformation, hope and positivity. While some believed that the ancestors communicated through butterflies, others took the presence of these insects as a sign of joy or hope. However, black butterflies were associated with disease in many of these cultures.
Celtic mythology. Consider butterflies as a symbol of the soul of people who have died. They are believed to be able to cross over to other realms and also represent transformation, creation, and rebirth.
African culture. The metamorphosis of a butterfly is considered a symbol of transformation in different areas, from puberty to social change. Its symbolism is woven into many aspects of African culture, from songs and stories to dance and other forms of art.
Ancient Greece. For the ancient Greeks, the butterfly was a symbol of the primal feminine divinity, which is why it was related to sexuality. Later, it began to be considered as an emblem of the soul. Even the goddess Psyche (Psyche), who was the personification of the human soul, was usually represented with butterfly wings.
Japanese culture. In Japan, the butterfly is the symbol of the geishas, as well as of the female sex in general. When two butterflies are depicted together, they symbolize marital happiness. In addition, this insect is also associated with the soul, since it is believed that a person can reincarnate as a butterfly to return and take care of their loved ones.
What does it mean if you see butterflies frequently?
In these matters there is no absolute truth that applies to everyone equally, so the most important thing is what butterflies and their presence around you mean to you.
As you can see in the symbolisms attributed to these insects, there are several points in common, such as: transformation, rebirth, evolution and freedom, as well as a marked relationship with the soul and spirit.
So, the next time a butterfly appears in your garden, fly around you or see it in your dreams, stop for a moment to reflect on what its presence makes you feel, what meaning it has for you and what relationship it may have with the moment in your life in which you find yourself.
There can be as many meanings as personal situations; For example, it could be a sign that the change you are going through is now flowing in a positive way; or if you have felt stuck, it may be an indication that it is time to spread your wings and fly to explore new paths.
If butterflies touch your life in some special way, it means that you are connected to them and their energy., which is generally associated with positive aspects; so enjoy their presence, take them as life teachers and reflect on the message they could have for you, depending on where you are in your life.
Cover photo: Canva