What Is the Meaning of a White Butterfly? The Facts About the Auspicious Symbol
When a butterfly crosses your path, it’s only natural to take a pause to register such natural beauty and splendor. Like catching sight of a rainbow, seeing a butterfly feels like a special and fleeting privilege, a moment that triggers reflection and gratitude.
Butterflies in dramatic jewel tones and vibrant multicolored patterns are rarer to behold, but white butterflies are even more common across the country, so you’re most likely to encounter one of these graceful beauties in your everyday life. (The Cabbage White is the most common among 60 whitish butterfly species in the U.S.)
But what does it mean when you do? Read on for the symbolic and spiritual meanings of white butterflies and thoughtful ways to interpret seeing a white butterfly in a dream, tattoo, or other everyday context.
What Do Butterflies Symbolize?
Because of the way butterflies undergo a complete metamorphosis — that is, transforming their bodies in multiple ways before emerging in their most beautiful form — they are often associated with journeys of transformation and rebirth.
Butterflies are often used as metaphors for undergoing change, trusting the process, and emerging in a totally new — even better — form.
White Butterflies as Omens
White is the color commonly associated with purity and innocence. So, when you see a white butterfly, you may associate it with a pure or innocent transformation or journey.
White is also associated with healing, so seeing a white butterfly can be a sign that points to a journey of healing.
Because butterflies begin their lives as earthly creatures and eventually grow wings to fly away, butterflies are often associated with freedom. In this way, seeing a white butterfly can indicate a journey of healing that results in newfound freedom of body or spirit.
Some people also register seeing a white butterfly as an indication that someone who has passed away has returned in this form as a sign of their presence.
White Butterfly Symbolism in Dreams
White butterflies symbolize purity and innocence, so seeing one in a dream may serve as a reminder to regard yourself and others with pure intentions and to let wholesome intentions guide your actions and relationships. Seeing a white butterfly in a dream may also be interpreted as a spiritual message from beyond, encouraging you in the direction of hope or change.
White Butterfly Tattoo Meaning
Butterflies in general are popular inspirations for tattoos, often symbolizing personal journeys of transformation or rebirth in a beautiful graphic form. White butterfly tattoos specifically can connect with the notions of peace, healing, freedom, spirituality, and evolution. They can also connect to the themes of innocence or purity. (Of course, a white butterfly tattoo can also signify whatever meaning resonates with you!)
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