These fluttering creatures are not as innocent as they seem. They have been present in stories and customs all around the world for a very long time, signifying a variety of interesting things. Some people thought butterflies represented the spirits of the dead. They represented joy or change to others.

And getting a tattoo doesn’t change that. Tattoos of butterflies are obtained for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they have experienced significant life transitions, like to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Or perhaps they like the notion of beauty and freedom that these vibrant animals embodies.