Does anyone know of any folklore/mythology connected with Butterflies?

Answer 1

There is alot of symbolism and mythology related to the butterfly in many cultures. A few examples:
In Mandarin Chinese the word for butterfly is "hu-tieh". "Tieh" means "70 years", so butterflies have become somewhat of a pun for longevity. In that culture it is also a representative of young men in love.
In the Japanese culture a butterfly represents young maidens or marital bliss. Also in Japan, many family crests have designs based on butterflies.
Butterflies will often hover above milkpails and butterchurns, so in Germany butterflies were believed to be witches trying to steal the cream. The German word for butterfly is "Schmetterling" which is derived from the Czech word "smetana" meaning "cream".
Many cultures relate butterflies to the human soul. In ancient Greek the word for butterfly is "psyche" which means "soul", and was also the name of Eros' human lover. Often when the two figures are depicted they are surrounded by butterflies.
A form of the Russian language refers to butterflies as "dushichka" which is derived from "dusha", which means "soul". Also, there is an old Irish saying "Butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through Purgatory".
A small town in Mexico also sees butterflies as souls, and it is to that town that the monarch butterflies migrate every year on and around the holiday known as the Day of the Dead. They are seen as the returned souls of the deceased.

Blessings )O(

Answer 2

I don't know if in English those huge, black, nocturnal things are called butterflies or moths.
It is said that if you see one of those in your house there will be a death in the family in less than six months. But I don't know any details.
Also, in the statues of Jesus there is usually a butterfly sculpted on the cross, symbolizing rebirth.

Answer 3

Butterfly to Native Americans as a Totem Animal
Transmutation, Dance of Joy
The butterfly is the symbol of change, joy and color.
It is the symbol of the soul.
They remind us that life is a dance,
not to take things quite so seriously.
They also remind us to get up and move.
Dance brings the sweetness of life.
Butterflies bring color and joy to your life.
Look at them and remember what joy is in your life,
if its a lot or a little, it is still joy.
They teach us that growth and transformation does not have to traumatic;
it can occur gently, sweetly, joyfully.
If a butterfly totem has shown up in your life,
make note of the most important issues in your life,
and see what needs to changed.

AND OR


Butterfly/Caterpillar's Wisdom Includes:

The power of the whirlwind
Reincarnation
Transformation
Transmutation
Magick

Or you can typ in Animal Totems in Google and look it up yourself.

Answer 4

I heard a story once that if you chase a butterfly and actually catch it then you should squish it on your chest and ask to be as swift as the butterfly. I dont know if that helped

Answer 5

Ancient symbol of mortality due to its life cycle providing a perfect analogy (life the crawling Caterpillar death the dark chrysalis and rebirth the Butterfly the soul fluttering free
Greek myth of Psyche(literally soul) with butterfly wings she was a mortal freed from death by Zeus when he was touched by her love for Eros and his love for her butterflies as emblems of souls can be found from Zaire new zealand central Asia and Mexico they are on Christian tombs and Jesus is often depicted holding a butterfly of Resurrection
I japan it stands for transient joy There is a whole lot in mexico they were the souls of slain aztec warriors there flickering wings symbolizing solar fire also in the celtic tradition in china a symbol os leisure and a young male lover

In alonon a support group for the loved ones of alcoholics they give butterfly pendants as gifts for life death and rebirth as a new women. they are wonderfull and those people who mistakenly think they are worms and need to love themselves often don't know they are in fact butterflies.
I always buy my mother and my wife butterfly things.

Answer 6

ummmmmmmmmmmmmm Success is like a butterfly. You never know when it's gonna come, but when it does, you never want it to fly away...

Answer 7

Butterfly:
In many cultures the butterfly is thought to be the souls of the dead and keepers of power. There is said to be no negative energies experienced in any otherworld area when there is the presence of butterflies. It is said that they will help you to view matters with greater clarity.
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Butterflies are a symbol of transformation
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Last website is interesting
hope it helps

Answer 8

japnes and soul i think. like the butterflies are the souls of dead people. i might be wrong

Answer 9

Butterflies are EVIL....

Answer 10

sorry i dont