40 Red Butterfly Tattoo Ideas With Meanings

What does a red butterfly tattoo mean?

A red butterfly tattoo is believed to be a symbol for transformation and freedom. This meaning is due to the fact that a butterfly undergoes a transformative process as it matures from a caterpillar. It is believed to represent the journey of life and the breaking free of limitations. The symbol is also seen to be associated with the idea of rebirth, as it is known to symbolize beauty, joy and hope.

The meaning of a red butterfly tattoo can be different depending on the person who is getting it. It can mean different things to different people depending on their own personal experiences and beliefs. For example, some people may associate it with transformation in terms of finding strength and courage in difficult times, while others may see it as a reminder to not take life too seriously and that freedom is something to be celebrated.

The meaning of this symbol is the same for all genders. Whether you are a man or a woman, the message of transformation and freedom will still resonate. 

Read next: 80 Best butterfly tattoos from Instagram portfolios

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Red Butterfly Tattoo Design Ideas

Red And Black Butterfly Tattoo

Red is the most dramatic color of all, and there is only one way to make it even more expressive and vibrant: pair it with black. That’s the game of contrasts that can never be lost – the red part of the tattoo will bring out your natural passion and sexuality, while its black part will reflect the transience of life thus giving your butterfly tattoo a great philosophical overtone. Like lotus flower tattoo, it will remind its wearer and those people around her how important it is to live right here and right now, without postponing your joy for some future outcome. So, the red ink will be the fire that continuously illuminates this thought.

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Fine Line Red Butterfly Tattoo

Simple sketches of fine-line tattoos are usually chosen by those girls who prefer style and grace in everything they do and believe that’s a great way to express their personality and values. And they are right because the butterflies composed of fine red lines look quite impressive – even without any flashy elements, this tattoo inevitably catches your attention and makes you want to know more about its meaning. It is a rather feminine and elegant pattern that shows the world your fragility and vulnerability. Therefore, it is often preferred by adult girls with highly delicate and sophisticated tastes. Besides, the drawing gives the impression that it somehow appears through the skin and is made of blood, which further emphasizes the depth of your nature. 

Read next: 30 ways to style Butterfly Cut

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Small Red Butterfly Tattoo

A miniature tattoo is usually not designed to attract much attention from others. Rather, it is a detail through which you want to say something to those people who are genuinely interested in your personality. Like a semicolon tattoo, a small red butterfly sometimes has a message about one’s mental health and well-being – for example, it can symbolize that a person has coped with depression or another mental disorder. Also, a girl or a woman may wear this kind of tattoo to show that she has finally gained inner freedom and self-confidence. There is a belief that if a butterfly lands on you, you are blessed from above. Therefore, this pattern helps many people continuously experience that feeling of being surrounded by God’s love. You only need to look at your tattoo to remember that you are the blessed one.

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Where to put

Butterfly Hand Tattoo Red

Tattooing a butterfly or several moths at once on your hand is a great way to show off that you are in control of your life, although you still remember your spiritual origin. This tattoo is the same beautiful decorative element as a bracelet or a ring, but it has a much deeper meaning. In many cultures, the butterfly is the symbol of transformation. Speaking in more detail, it represents the formation of the human soul, its development, rebirth, and flight. And those people who tattoo a butterfly on their hands never forget about the immortality of their soul and would like to remind others of their chance for revival. Perhaps that is why many people also want to get a butterfly tattoo when they see it on someone else’s hand – the pattern looks so beautiful.

Learn more about the most popular tattoo placements.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo On Rib

Tattoos with butterflies on ribs do not always have a deep philosophical meaning. They may be just a hymn to female beauty and sexuality. Therefore, a butterfly in such tattoos is often complemented by lily or Hawaiian flower, birds, and stars. Moths fluttering along the ribs will emphasize the grace and magnificence of your body, accentuate your fragility and femininity, and simply make you look very pretty and attractive. But if the tattoo still has a special meaning, it is most likely the personification of a bright soul that seems to be escaping from the body. Nothing can convey this message better than butterflies, and it does not matter if it is a moth or several of them at once.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo On Arm

The arm is the most common place for tattoos. However, an arm tattoo can also have a special meaning. For example, it can serve as an amulet or remind you of some important event in your life. For some people, it is a regular decoration, while others combine this pattern with an inscription and eventually get a whole manifesto of what they value in life. But there is another interesting point – if you are a left-hander and you choose your left arm to place a tattoo, the drawing will symbolize the desire to control your life and not be led by the crowd. Thus, a butterfly on the dominant arm means you don’t want to lose your individuality and strongly believe in your power, talents, and skills.

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Wrist Red Butterfly Tattoo

A tattoo on the wrist is considered the most feminine. Firstly, it emphasizes the fragility and grace of a woman’s hand. And secondly, this tattoo is always easy to hide under a sleeve, thus keeping your secret away from prying eyes. A small butterfly tattoo on the wrist looks cute and is the best decoration during the summer season when you have a minimum amount of clothing on. Besides, you can combine your butterflies with other patterns, such as ribbons and bows. Roses are also a perfect complement to a butterfly tattoo. Both occur in nature, have beautiful energies, and represent life. But sometimes a butterfly tattoo is decorated with an inscription or an abstract pattern – for example, Celtic symbols are quite popular. If you want your tattoo to make you look more feminine and tender, there is no better option than a tattoo with butterflies on the wrist.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo On Chest

Chest tattoos are primarily popular since they can be either located on the visible part of the body or hidden away from prying eyes. A butterfly tattoo on the chest or part of the bust area protruding to the neckline can become an imitation of a necklace, which helps you feel your unity with nature. It is usually preferred by extremely bold ladies who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd and know what they want and their purpose in life. Small butterflies placed between breasts, as well as a nipple tattoo, are mainly designed for your loved ones. Therefore, such tattoos often have a special intimate meaning. Chest tattoo ideas often arise in response to some external events and are not chosen without a reason – at least because this part of the body is extremely sensitive to pain. However, some people choose a butterfly to close their surgical scars. In this case, your red butterfly tattoo has the very message of rebirth, which everyone remembers when they see a cute moth sitting peacefully on your chest.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo Behind Ear

A tattoo behind the ear is one of the most original options. If you have long hair, this tattoo can serve as a kind of mysterious element that can only be seen if you put your hair up high. However, the tattoo is most often chosen by girls with short haircuts. They see the drawing behind the ear as another way of self-expression: a small butterfly suggests living a life filled with love, pleasure, and joy. The girl wearing a small tattoo behind her ear is usually open to the world and has a light character. She likes to joke and have fun. She can easily cope with difficulties and has a sincere love for life in all its manifestations. And she is always ready for any adventure. There may be only one red butterfly behind the ear. In this case, the tattoo is a metaphor for an important personal statement. Or there may be a scattering of moths and patterns that stretches down to the neck – such tattoos require special skills since they have many small details that should not merge but stay distinct.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo On Neck

A red butterfly on the neck is one of the most daring tattoos because it is visible to all. After all, you cannot hide the pattern placed right under your face. So, it will inevitably become part of your personality. Symmetrically located along the sides of your neck, these butterflies emphasize the independence of your character and the willingness to take risks. This tattoo is a protest against social conventions and a statement of your rebellion. A butterfly tattoo placed right on the front surface of your neck is most likely a symbol of willpower and courage. It takes a lot of patience to get a tattoo on the neck, while the very desire to make it noticeable indicates a creative nature. Thus, such tattoos are most often preferred by artists and musicians. A more modest and secretive option is a tattoo on the back of the neck. However, it is no less spectacular since people will nevertheless notice your red butterfly when you turn your back. They will surely be impressed and will never manage to forget you.

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Red Butterfly Tattoo On Black Skin

The opinion that colored tattoos look bad on dark skin is a long-standing myth. The only difference is the use of more saturated shades of red since its lighter tones aren’t bright enough. A red butterfly on black skin is a very effective solution. It creates a rather dramatic contrast and makes the image literally burn. However, it is better to focus on large drawings since miniature moths may resemble skin lesions from aside. This is especially true for tattoos on hidden areas of the body. But that’s not a problem since large butterflies will look no less gorgeous. The admiring glances of others will be a sound proof of that. You can also combine your butterfly tattoo with traditional ornaments or inscriptions to make it even more impressive.

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In conclusion, it is worth saying that it does not really matter where you put your red butterfly tattoo – choosing a suitable part of the body depends on numerous factors, such as the design of your tattoo, its shape and its size, your physical features and philosophy you adhere to, etc. The main thing to remember is that in European culture this insect will always be the symbol of fortitude and the desire for freedom and beauty. You can also get a tattoo on the ankle or shoulder blade, as well as place it in the bikini area. Any of these options will make you feel happy and look more feminine and charming. A butterfly is a unique and timeless pattern that allows you to tell the world something important or extremely personal, as well as express your idea, feeling, or memory that you want to carry with you.

More Inspiring Red Ink Butterfly Tattoo Photos

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