The red butterfly tattoo meaning can represent transformation, strength, love, passion, and good fortune.
Here's a fun fact - a red butterfly tattoo was the first tattoo I ever got, so this design is near and dear to me! I wanted my first tattoo to be as meaningful as possible, so I spent a long time trying to figure out which symbol to use.
Once you see all the significance associated with the red butterfly tattoo, you will be able to appreciate just why I got it.
Now, what you need to keep in mind about a red butterfly tattoo is that its significance can be associated with either its color or the traits of a butterfly. However, in some cultures, the red butterfly, as a whole may be seen as an omen.
Part of the meaning of a red butterfly tattoo comes from the symbolism associated with butterflies. Butterflies are often a symbol of transformation - after all, the lowly caterpillar turns into a magnificent butterfly.
They can also be symbols for new beginnings. It could indicate that sometimes you have to work on yourself before you become the person that you were meant to be.
Of course, if this is the meaning that you were looking for, then a yellow butterfly tattoo, a black butterfly tattoo, a blue butterfly tattoo, or purple butterfly tattoo would work just as well.
However, a red butterfly tattoo has the additional bonus of its beautiful and bright color. In many cultures, red is revered as a lucky color. This is true in both China and Japan. It is the color of success and good fortune.
Due to this, a red butterfly tattoo can be a good omen. It can be a sign that a change is going to come and that it is going to be a good one.
In general, red butterflies are also symbols of joy. As mentioned, red is a positive color. At the same time, butterflies bring joy to people who watch them.
Red butterflies and red butterfly tattoos may also be a sign of love. Red is typically the color of passion and love. Even in Japan, it is linked to love and happiness.
Some believe that the fluttering of a red butterfly's wings is a sign of a lover's promise. Due to this, it can be a great matching tattoo idea for a couple to get. It could signify the promise to love and respect one another.
As a red butterfly can be a symbol of love, it could be a good omen for you. You could get a red butterfly tattoo as a way of drawing love towards you.
There are some who believe that red butterflies are the souls of loved ones that have passed away. If you wish to commemorate someone you have lost, then a red butterfly tattoo is a beautiful way to do so.
As red is traditionally associated with passion, you wouldn't see a red butterfly tattoo as a symbol of calmness, but it can be so. As red is related to happiness and matters of the heart, it can be a rather calming color.
As butterflies are good omens and predict good fortune, red butterflies can provide a sense of calm to people.
Red is a bold color and can often allude to strength; inner strength in particular. So, if you believe in yourself and what you can achieve, then a red butterfly tattoo is a good way to announce this to the world.
At the same time, your red butterfly tattoo can be a symbol just for you - a sign that you need to believe in yourself more because you have that strength within you. Whenever you look at your red butterfly tattoo, you can feel emboldened to do all the things you would like to do.
Red is also a great option if you like colorful butterfly tattoos but don't want something too bright such as yellow butterflies or purple butterflies. Red adds just enough of a pop of color without your tattoo feeling like it is too loud.
Here are the red butterfly tattoos that you can consider, along with their meanings:
If you imagine that red butterfly tattoo meanings are tied up in a complex design, think again! Minimalist butterfly tattoos can be just as significant as a more intricate tattoo design.
Due to the unique shape of the butterfly wings, even a simple butterfly tattoo will be easily recognizable for what it is. Best of all, if you prefer tiny tattoos, a minimalistic design is definitely the way to go.
Also, contrary to popular belief, these simple red butterfly tattoo designs aren't boring at all. Rather, the simplicity of the tattoo design allows the color to really stand out.
Here are the basic red butterfly tattoo ideas that you can consider:
Image by @lauren.b_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @myart_carmen via Instagram
Image by @amylowdontattoo via Instagram
Image by @godrowninyourownreflection via Instagram
Image by @lostfoxtattoo via Instagram
Image by @sahrachaink via Instagram
Image by @waynehartley_ via Instagram
Image by @erretattooart via Instagram
Image by @wecanberainbows.bink via Instagram
Image by @exquisitotattoo via Instagram
Image by @domi_tattoo_ via Instagram
Image by @frankie.gonzales.5313 via Instagram
Image by @mmbodyink via Instagram
Image by @kwcltv via Instagram
Image by @alsbainiart via Instagram
Image by @maylisatattoo via Instagram
Image by @tattootherapybytessa via Instagram
Image by @ankh.locinda via Instagram
Image by @drawingsbyn.c via Instagram
Image by @dist.ink.tive via Instagram
Image by @weronika_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @luisa_gamboa_ via Instagram
Image by @tashcosmos_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @keele_7 via Instagram
Image by @lotpot_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @duarteeduardotattoo via Instagram
Image by @_loquito__ink via Instagram
Image by @xotic_tattoo_95 via Instagram
Image by @vixxen.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @tattooshane37_the_ministry via Instagram
Image by @tattooist_neko via Instagram
Image by @_madartisttattoos via Instagram
Image by @julesdry via Instagram
Image by @zoetattoo123 via Instagram
Image by @hex.tattoostudio via Instagram
Are you someone who doesn't really want to play by the rules? In this case, an abstract red butterfly tattoo is just the thing.
There is no real definition to abstract tattoos. The whole point here is to create body art that is similar to the original image but still boasts a degree of separation. That is to say, your abstract red butterfly should be identifiable as a butterfly but still contain a variety of visual art elements to make you see the tattoo design in a different light.
The best thing about these kinds of red butterfly tattoo ideas is that you get to be as creative as you want. There are no rules or limitations - it is about creating tattoo art that is completely unique to you.
The only piece of advice I would give you is to find some talented tattoo artists to design your ink. This isn't your typical tattoo style and a skilled and experienced tattoo artist can make all the difference here.
Here are the red butterfly tattoo ideas you can look through:
Image by @brosinkfactory via Instagram
Image by @helen.tattoos via Instagram
Image by @figueroadiamond via Instagram
Image by @dan.kere.art via Instagram
Image by @tattoosbyedan via Instagram
Image by @tinata2 via Instagram
Image by @mauraparkesart via Instagram
Image by @pame_entraigas via Instagram
Image by @art_by_kyra via Instagram
Image by @melodymoonart via Instagram
Image by @slupo_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @tattoo_inspo___ via Instagram
Image by @adc.tattoostudio via Instagram
Image by @baronarttattoo via Instagram
As you're probably aware, monarch butterflies are orange, black, and white. So, the idea of a red monarch can be a bit unusual.
However, a red monarch butterfly tattoo is a way to combine the meaning of a monarch butterfly with the power of the color red. After all, people choose butterfly tattoos for more than one reason.
The monarch is considered the king of butterflies. So, it is associated with strength and endurance. Monarchs will often travel thousands of miles from where they breed to where they hibernate.
At the same time, there is a softer side to these creatures as well. They are linked to trust and transformation.
The monarchs are highly evolved creatures which is why they might be associated with emotional or spiritual evolution. If you feel like you have been growing as a person or if there is still room for you to grow, this can be an excellent red butterfly tattoo for you.
In Mexico, the monarch is quite sacred. Their migration coincides with the Day of the Dead. Due to this, people believe that the butterflies return the souls of their loved ones to where they belong.
Another interesting fact is that it's the orange and black that marks monarchs out as poisonous. By removing these signature shades and replacing them with a positive red, you can also change the meaning of the monarch.
These red butterfly tattoo ideas could work if you see yourself as a friend rather than a foe. This can also be a great tattoo to get if you have improved yourself and let go of toxic traits that were previously holding you back.
This can be a good option if you want a more realistic butterfly tattoo as well.
Here are the red butterfly tattoo ideas you can consider for this kind of design:
Image by @princesslena.ink via Instagram
Image by @abelrosetattoos via Instagram
Image by @ladybug_poke via Instagram
Image by @btn_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @transcendance.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @galliane_murmures via Instagram
Image by @inkdoctor_mark via Instagram
Image by @leoparditattoo via Instagram
Image by @ogtattoo_s1lent via Instagram
Image by @vx.tattoo via Instagram
Image by @vvstattoo via Instagram
Image by @poppyrosetattoo via Instagram
Image by @1loveinktattoos via Instagram
Image by @artedisafir via Instagram
Image by @vvstattoo via Instagram
Image by @orbtattoos via Instagram
Image by @aztattooing via Instagram
Image by @11.tama via Instagram
Image by @katies_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @saqra.ink via Instagram
Image by @frankie_needletattoo via Instagram
Image by @beasttexas_studios via Instagram
Image by @trenton_tattoo_co via Instagram
Image by @_ilovehue2_ via Instagram
Image by @jasongeorgeaudet_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @miss_lucypop via Instagram
Image by @mystichel via Instagram
Image by @inkedbylovely via Instagram
Image by @bitchthattattss via Instagram
Image by @jessicat__tattoos via Instagram
Image by @briansantostattoos via Instagram
Image by @tattoobahar via Instagram
Image by @illtastictats via Instagram
Image by @shmadytats via Instagram
Image by @inkedby_jae via Instagram
Of course, it would be remiss of me to talk about red butterflies and not mention the red admiral butterfly. This is arguably one of the better-known red butterfly species around.
The admiral butterfly isn't all red, but has black, orange, and white throughout the butterfly wings. Still, it is renowned for its bright red hue.
What you need to know about red admirals is that they are considered the friendliest of the species and may occasionally rest on people. Therefore, if you see yourself as a friendly person or you long to make connections with others, this red and black butterfly tattoo may be right up your alley.
This type of red butterfly tattoo is another ideal option for anyone who wants a realistic butterfly tattoo.
Here are the red butterfly tattoo ideas that you can check out for your own ink:
Image by @inkoutsidethefox via Instagram
Image by @raquelmel_o via Instagram
Image by @krotattoos via Instagram
Image by @zoetattoo via Instagram
Image by @raquelmel_o via Instagram
A red tribal butterfly tattoo is a great idea if you want something simple but also a throwback to older tattoo styles. There is no set definition for a tribal butterfly tattoo.
However, this kind of red butterfly tattoo is made up of spiky black ink, curves, and some innovative elements. In short, there are plenty of red butterfly tattoo ideas to choose from as you can play around with this style.
Here are some red butterfly tattoo ideas for inspiration:
Image by @dotty_fox via Instagram
Image by @blackbird038 via Instagram
Image by @ink_drop_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Image by @brandgarcia_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @waymon.r.tattooer via Instagram
Image by @skinmachinetattoo via Instagram
A half butterfly tattoo can sound a little odd, but hear me out - it's actually one of the top red butterfly tattoo ideas. Here, just one of the wings looks like a butterfly wing. The other is made up of some other artistic element.
This could be flowers, other butterflies, or even skulls included in the other wing of your red butterfly tattoo - the options are endless! This uniquely designed butterfly tattoo is a great way to do something different with your ink. I have also found this kind of red butterfly tattoo to be a very feminine one to boot.
Here are the red butterfly tattoo ideas you should check out. These stunning tattoos could point you to what you should be getting next:
Image by @tattoosbystephaniie via Instagram
Image by @mona_lissa_tattoos via Instagram
Image by @brian_ink via Instagram
Image by @tattoodesign.io via Instagram
Image by @s.dreamsstudio1517 via Instagram
Image by @jack_tattoos_studio via Instagram
You have to agree that butterflies and flowers go very well together - they are such natural partners. A flower and red butterfly and flower tattoo can be quite meaningful as well.
There is no denying that a red butterfly tattoo is a symbol for strength and success. You can probably identify with these beautiful creatures.
Even the strongest person needs a support system, and this is where the flowers come in. It is a symbol of what you rely on, what nourishes you. This could be a person, your faith, or something entirely different.
At the same time, the flower and red butterfly tattoo are symbiotic. Just as the butterfly nourishes itself with the nectar from the flower, the flower needs the butterfly to populate the surrounding areas.
In this sense, you could be the red butterfly and the flower could represent a friend or a loved one - this could be a symbol of how you rely on one another.
If you don't want to get that deep with the meaning of your flower and red butterfly tattoo, you can appreciate how beautiful these butterfly tattoos are, at the very least.
Here are some red butterfly tattoo ideas:
Image by @ink_of_eli via Instagram
Image by @madaink_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @timmy_tat2 via Instagram
Image by @b.a.s.e.m.e.nt via Instagram
Image by @vandal_tattoo via Instagram
Image by @coco.tattoos via Instagram
Image by @acualli.tattoos via Instagram
Image by @heatherpilapil via Instagram
Image by @rpdiddatshit via Instagram
Butterfly tattoos are often used to symbolize transformation and new beginnings. The caterpillar creates a cocoon and emerges from it as a beautiful butterfly.
Butterflies can also be associated with freedom. Due to this, butterflies can be a symbol of gaining freedom. They can also be a sign of future freedom.
Some people also associate butterflies with lightness and fun. This is because these creatures have the tendency to flit from one place in the garden to another.
Many cultures believe that a butterfly does bring good luck and good fortune to those who see one.
The butterfly is used as a symbol of hope for people for those with mental health issues. It is meant to represent the new beginnings that people can enjoy once they take the proper steps to tackle their mental health issues.
Well, there you go - this is the meaning behind the red butterfly tattoo. It is a pretty powerful one. If you are interested in red butterfly tattoos, here are all the red butterfly tattoo ideas you could possibly want or need.