Ancient and Modern Meanings of Butterfly Tattoos

butterfly tattoo

Many people today are seeking more meaning in their lives. Whether it is the hunt for an initiation ritual or just wanting some magic in their lives, tattooing offers them a way to find a closer identification with ancient and mysterious cultures. The choice of the symbol of a tattoo, in ancient cultures, was seen as very important as it could denote a person’s rank, marriage status, personal characteristics, character, religious beliefs or accomplishments. Today, in our barren ritualistic landscape, people often undertake to get a tattoo as a private and personal ritual with meaning known only to them. Many people choose butterfly tattoos when they’ve undergone a transformative experience as a symbol and reminder of their own life path.

Tattoos might have been a way to conform to a culture’s social expectations in the past, but they became more associated with counter-culture in the 1960’s. Today, many high profile celebrities sport tattoos with Britney Spears and others having butterfly tattoos as their choice. Drew Barrymore sports a butterfly tattoo under her navel. This resurgence of popularity and acceptance by high-profile celebrities have re-energized this ancient craft and made them more mainstream.

Butterfly Tattoo