Butterfly 3, Digital Art | 2024

A new subject for me, butterflies.  I created the silhouette of this butterfly composition from a photograph I took when I was traveling in Key West, Florida.  I have filled the interior with a variety of photographs I have taken of butterflies over the years.  Enjoy.

Some fun facts about what butterflies represent in different cultures: 

• Native Americans have considered butterflies as symbols of transformation, hope, and rebirth. Native American tribes view butterflies as messengers from the spirit world, carrying messages between humans and the divine.
• In Chinese culture, the symbolism of butterflies evokes the qualities of freedom, earthly beauty, love, and the human soul. They symbolize joy, happiness, and marital bliss.
• In Japanese folklore, the butterfly is believed to carry the souls of the deceased to the afterlife
• The Aztecs believed that butterflies were in charge of taking warriors’ souls, who died in battle or were sacrificed, and the souls of women, who died giving birth, to their resting place.
• Celtic mythology regards butterflies as a symbol of the soul. There’s an old Irish saying that goes “Butterflies are souls of the dead waiting to pass through Purgatory.” They’re thought to be able to cross into other realms and also represent transformation, creation, and rebirth.

• Butterflies have long been associated with love and soulmates in various cultures and traditions around the world.
• Butterfly symbol represents a deeper spiritual connection with God. It is an exceptionally important symbol during Easter as they stand for resurrection, new beginnings, and the start of something beautiful.
• In other cultures, the black butterfly is considered a symbol of transition, renewal, or rebirth. Still others see it as a symbol of fear, mystery, anger, remorse, evil, or sadness. White butterflies are often seen as positive signs of good luck and prosperity.
• Butterflies are the signs of angels. They are sending you messages that you are beautiful and loved. Connect with the angels, especially Archangel Jophiel who is the angel of beauty.