✦ Metamorphosis: In many cultures, it is believed that black butterflies are the symbol of transition, renewal or rebirth. It is also believed that black butterflies could be a symbol of rebirth of something or people. They are also symbolized for longevity and shift in the power. In short, black butterflies are supposed to be the sign of positive change in the present situation.
✦ Death Warning: In various parts of the world including Central America, Philippines, China, black butterflies are considered as a symbol of death. Hence, according to these people, a black butterfly or moth in the house is the warning of death of a member of the house. They also appear in the house when someone in the house has already died.
✦ Dead Souls: According to the fascinating (and a bit scary) lores of the land of the Celts or Ireland, black butterflies are nothing but souls of the deceased people. According to Irish people, when deceased people fail to discover their Afterlife, they turn into a black butterfly. Hence, these butterflies can enter the house or properties where they once belonged as a living soul.
✦ Witch Camouflage: The infamous witches are also associated while explaining the black butterfly meaning. According to the folklores, witches transform themselves into black butterflies so that nobody can recognizes them while stealing various foods that they need to eat! This is especially evident with reference to black butterflies or moths that appear in or around the houses at night.
✦ Fire Goddess: According to Aztec mythology, Obsidian Butterfly or Itzpapalotl was the warrior goddess of fire and infant mortality. In historic documents, Itzpapalotl is associated with moths, deer and black butterfly. She is described as the star demon who devours people during solar eclipse. According to iconography, she camouflages in the forms of various creatures and insects so as to stay unrecognizable.
✦ Positive Symbolism: No matter whether you believe in the black butterfly symbolism or don’t; you can still take out a few positive meanings from the aforementioned butterfly symbolism. At least that is what most of the people do while getting butterfly tattoos! You see, in most of the stories, black butterfly is associated with change, transition, freedom and rebirth. It is symbolized as death – assume it as the death of all the bad things and misfortunes!
So, that was it as far as the black butterfly meaning is concerned. All these things are both mythical and real. Mythical if you want to take them in the negative manner and real, if you want to take them in a positive manner. It’s all up to you now.
By Rutuja Jathar
