butterfly
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butterfly
1. any diurnal insect of the order Lepidoptera that has a slender body with clubbed antennae and typically rests with the wings (which are often brightly coloured) closed over the back
2. a swimming stroke in which the arms are plunged forward together in large circular movements
Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
Butterfly
In Christian art the butterfly symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also represents the resurrection of all humanity. Butterflies sometimes appear in Christian art depicting the Virgin Mary and the child Jesus (see also Mary, Blessed Virgin). Often the butterfly rests in Jesus'hand.
The butterfly's own stages of growth require a dramatic transition from one form of life to another. This transition suggests the following symbolic formula. The caterpillar stage represents our earthly existence, the cocoon death, and the emerging butterfly eternal life. The ancient Greeks recognized a similar symbolism in the butterfly. They named the creature psyche, the same word they used for "soul." Although apparently not a popular symbol among the Greeks and Romans, butterflies flutter above the departed in a number of works of Greek art. Christians adopted the symbol sometime during the Middle Ages. In Christian art the butterfly usually stands for resurrection. Nevertheless, its beauty and short, meandering flights also led to its occasional use as a symbol of vanity and aimlessness.
Further Reading
Becker, Udo. "Butterfly." In his The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols. New York: Continuum, 1994. Hogan, Julie. Treasury of Easter Celebrations. Nashville, TN: Ideals Publications, 1999. Hulme, F. Edward. The History, Principles and Practice of Symbolism in Chris- tian Art. 1891. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1969. Knapp, Justina. Christian Symbols and How to Use Them. 1935. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1974. Lord, Priscilla Sawyer, and Daniel J. Foley. Easter Garland. 1963. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1999. Webber, F. R. Church Symbolism. 1938. Second edition, revised. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1992.
The butterfly's own stages of growth require a dramatic transition from one form of life to another. This transition suggests the following symbolic formula. The caterpillar stage represents our earthly existence, the cocoon death, and the emerging butterfly eternal life. The ancient Greeks recognized a similar symbolism in the butterfly. They named the creature psyche, the same word they used for "soul." Although apparently not a popular symbol among the Greeks and Romans, butterflies flutter above the departed in a number of works of Greek art. Christians adopted the symbol sometime during the Middle Ages. In Christian art the butterfly usually stands for resurrection. Nevertheless, its beauty and short, meandering flights also led to its occasional use as a symbol of vanity and aimlessness.
Further Reading
Becker, Udo. "Butterfly." In his The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols. New York: Continuum, 1994. Hogan, Julie. Treasury of Easter Celebrations. Nashville, TN: Ideals Publications, 1999. Hulme, F. Edward. The History, Principles and Practice of Symbolism in Chris- tian Art. 1891. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1969. Knapp, Justina. Christian Symbols and How to Use Them. 1935. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1974. Lord, Priscilla Sawyer, and Daniel J. Foley. Easter Garland. 1963. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1999. Webber, F. R. Church Symbolism. 1938. Second edition, revised. Reprint. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 1992.
Encyclopedia of Easter, Carnival, and Lent, 1st ed. © Omnigraphics, Inc. 2002
What does it mean when you dream about a butterfly?
Butterflies sometimes carry the same range of meanings as birds. However, because of the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies, butterflies are potent symbols of transformation. They also represent beauty and pollination.
The Dream Encyclopedia, Second Edition © 2009 Visible Ink Press®. All rights reserved.
butterfly
[′bəd·ər‚flī] (invertebrate zoology)
Any insect belonging to the lepidopteran suborder Rhopalocera, characterized by a slender body, broad colorful wings, and club-shaped antennae.
(materials)
A color imperfection in a lime-putty finish caused by lumps in the lime that were not broken up during mixing.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
butterfly wedge, butterfly
A double dovetail for joining two boards at their edges.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Butterfly
(dreams)Some say that the butterfly represents the spirit or the essence of the individual: the soul. Butterflies are generally symbols of transformation because they go through a metamorphosis. They are beautiful, evasive, and, at times, inspiring. Your unconscious mind may be pointing out the most positive part of yourself or another.
Bedside Dream Dictionary by Silvana Amar Copyright © 2007 by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.