According to Trent Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, the ancient Greeks portrayed the soul as a butterfly, and, in Christian art, Jesus was shown holding a butterfly on carvings and tombs. 

It is an animal that is very prominent in mythology and folklore, representing transformation and resurrection. 

Butterfly tattoos have been around for almost one hundred years. There are records of a woman getting a butterfly tattoo in 1935 in England. They became popular in the 1990s and now that women are getting as many tattoos as men, butterfly tattoos have seen a surge in demand. 

The butterfly tattoo can have many different meanings.

Of course, it is a sign of metamorphosis, so it easily represents transformation, rebirth, a new chapter.
It is also a good choice for memorial tattoos, as it represents the soul.

Or it can simply represent nature, especially if it is incorporated into a sleeve with other nature elements, such as other animals, plants and ferns. 

Butterfly tattoos are slightly finer than moth tattoos, but, when tattooed in a bold traditional style, can compliment any traditional work. 

They do not need to have any special meaning, as they are a beautiful piece regardless of the significance. 

They are good choice as stand alone pieces, especially as symmetrical pieces, for example, on shoulders, upper thighs, above the knees and on the hamstrings. 

We are always happy to tattoo butterfly tattoos here at Louielou. Click here for more information and bookings.