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The Red Butterfly Tattoo Meaning and 110 Tattoos to Take You to New Heights

by Sherri Owens

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.

What Does a Red Butterfly Mean?

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.

Red Butterfly Tattoo Designs

Here are the red butterfly tattoos that you can consider, along with their meanings:

Minimalist Red Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Two Red Small Butterflies Ribs Tattoo

Image by @lauren.b_tattoo via Instagram

Minimalistic Red Butterfly behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @myart_carmen via Instagram

Red Line-Work Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @amylowdontattoo via Instagram

Red Line-Work Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @godrowninyourownreflection via Instagram

Red Minimalistic Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @lostfoxtattoo via Instagram

Small Red Butterflies Hip Tattoo

Image by @sahrachaink via Instagram

Red Stars and Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @waynehartley_ via Instagram

Minimalistic Red Lower Back Tattoo

Image by @erretattooart via Instagram

Red Butterfly Upper Arm Tattoo

Image by @wecanberainbows.bink via Instagram

Minimalistic Butterflies Fingers Tattoos

Image by @exquisitotattoo via Instagram

Small Red Butterfly Thumb Tattoo

Image by @domi_tattoo_ via Instagram

Three Red Butterflies behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @frankie.gonzales.5313 via Instagram

Fine-Lined Red Butterfly Belly Tattoo

Image by @mmbodyink via Instagram

Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @kwcltv via Instagram

Red Butterflies Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @alsbainiart via Instagram

Red Shaded Butterflies Leg Tattoo

Image by @maylisatattoo via Instagram

Red Lined Butterfly behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @tattootherapybytessa via Instagram

Stars and Butterflies Belly Tattoo

Image by @ankh.locinda via Instagram

Red Butterfly Wrist Tattoo

Image by @drawingsbyn.c via Instagram

Red Butterflies Forearm Tattoo

Image by @dist.ink.tive via Instagram

Red Ink Butterfly Thigh Tattoo

Image by @weronika_tattoo via Instagram

Knot and Red Butterfly Wrist Tattoo

Image by @luisa_gamboa_ via Instagram

Small Red Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @tashcosmos_tattoo via Instagram

Big Red Butterfly Thigh Tattoo

Image by @keele_7 via Instagram

Red Outline Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @lotpot_tattoo via Instagram

Small Red Butterfly Ribs Tattoo

Image by @duarteeduardotattoo via Instagram

Minimalistic Red Butterflies behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @_loquito__ink via Instagram

Small Red Butterflies Neck Tattoo

Image by @xotic_tattoo_95 via Instagram

Red Line Butterfly behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @vixxen.tattoo via Instagram

Red Colored Butterflies Wrist Tattoo

Image by @tattooshane37_the_ministry via Instagram

Minimalistic Red Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @tattooist_neko via Instagram

Red Lined Butterflies behind Ear Tattoo

Image by @_madartisttattoos via Instagram

Tiny Red Butterfly Hip Tattoo

Image by @julesdry via Instagram

Small Red Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @zoetattoo123 via Instagram

Red and Black Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @hex.tattoostudio via Instagram

Abstract Red Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Red Butterfly on Fire Biceps Tattoo

Image by @brosinkfactory via Instagram

Red-Lined Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @helen.tattoos via Instagram

Big Abstract Red Butterfly Back Tattoo

Image by @figueroadiamond via Instagram

Velvet Pattern Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @dan.kere.art via Instagram

Small Red Butterflies Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbyedan via Instagram

Dark Red Butterfly Ribs Tattoo

Image by @tinata2 via Instagram

Black and Red Fine-Lined Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @mauraparkesart via Instagram

Red Patterned Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @pame_entraigas via Instagram

Red Matching Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @art_by_kyra via Instagram

Red Cartoon Inspired Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @melodymoonart via Instagram

Thin Lines Red Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @slupo_tattoo via Instagram

Red Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @tattoo_inspo___ via Instagram

Red Skull Butterfly Thigh Tattoo

Image by @adc.tattoostudio via Instagram

Red Butterfly above Elbow Tattoo

Image by @baronarttattoo via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Red Monarch Butterflies Forearm and Hand Tattoo

Image by @princesslena.ink via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @abelrosetattoos via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @ladybug_poke via Instagram

Three Small Red Butterflies Biceps Tattoo

Image by @btn_tattoos via Instagram

Formulas and Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @transcendance.tattoo via Instagram

Bright Red Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @galliane_murmures via Instagram

Group of Red Butterflies Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkdoctor_mark via Instagram

Line-Work Red Monarch Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @leoparditattoo via Instagram

Two Bright Red Butterflies Neck Tattoo

Image by @ogtattoo_s1lent via Instagram

Flock of Red Butterflies Chest and Neck Tattoo

Image by @vx.tattoo via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterflies Wrist Tattoo

Image by @vvstattoo via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterfly Lower Back Tattoo

Image by @poppyrosetattoo via Instagram

Red Ink Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @1loveinktattoos via Instagram

Red Shaded Monarch Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @artedisafir via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterflies Ribs Tattoo

Image by @vvstattoo via Instagram

Couple of Red Butterflies Ribs Tattoo

Image by @orbtattoos via Instagram

Black and Red Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @aztattooing via Instagram

Symmetrical Red Butterflies Both Shoulders Tattoos

Image by @11.tama via Instagram

Black Lines on Red Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @katies_tattoos via Instagram

Line-Work Red Monarch Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @saqra.ink via Instagram

Light Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @frankie_needletattoo via Instagram

Two Red Monarch Butterflies Neck Tattoo

Image by @beasttexas_studios via Instagram

Black and Red Butterfly Belly Tattoo

Image by @trenton_tattoo_co via Instagram

Red Monarch Butterflies Forearm Tattoo

Image by @_ilovehue2_ via Instagram

Stars and Red Butterflies Forearm Tattoo

Image by @jasongeorgeaudet_tattoos via Instagram

Small Red Monarch Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @miss_lucypop via Instagram

3D Black and Red Butterfly Calf Muscle Tattoo

Image by @mystichel via Instagram

Couple of Red Monarch Butterflies Forearm Tattoo

Image by @inkedbylovely via Instagram

Realistic Black and Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @bitchthattattss via Instagram

Thin Lines Red Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @jessicat__tattoos via Instagram

Couple of Small Red Monarch Butterflies Wrist Tattoo

Image by @briansantostattoos via Instagram

Flock of Red Monarch Butterflies Chest Tattoo

Image by @tattoobahar via Instagram

Roman Numbers and Big Red Monarch Thigh Tattoo

Image by @illtastictats via Instagram

Red Butterfly Wrist Tattoo with Message

Image by @shmadytats via Instagram

Three Red Monarch Butterflies Neck Tattoo

Image by @inkedby_jae via Instagram

Red Admiral Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Black and Red Butterfly Biceps Tattoo

Image by @inkoutsidethefox via Instagram

Grey and Red Admiral Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @raquelmel_o via Instagram

Realistic Red Admiral Butterfly Neck Tattoo

Image by @krotattoos via Instagram

Black and Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @zoetattoo via Instagram

Red Admiral Butterfly Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @raquelmel_o via Instagram

Red Tribal Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Red Tribal Butterfly Elbow Tattoo

Image by @dotty_fox via Instagram

Tribal Black and Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @blackbird038 via Instagram

Small Black and Red Butterfly Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @ink_drop_tattoo_studio via Instagram

Tribal Red Line-Work Butterfly Leg Tattoo

Image by @brandgarcia_tattoo via Instagram

Little Black and Red Butterfly Ankle Tattoo

Image by @waymon.r.tattooer via Instagram

Artistic Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @skinmachinetattoo via Instagram

Red Half Butterfly Tattoos

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:

Half Letter M and Half Red Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @tattoosbystephaniie via Instagram

Red Half Butterfly Tattoo with Flowers

Image by @mona_lissa_tattoos via Instagram

Floral Half Red Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @brian_ink via Instagram

Black and Red Tribal Half Butterfly Belly Tattoo

Image by @tattoodesign.io via Instagram

Flowers and Half Red Butterfly Shoulder Tattoo

Image by @s.dreamsstudio1517 via Instagram

Girl Silhouette with Flowers and Half Butterfly Tattoo

Image by @jack_tattoos_studio via Instagram

Red Butterfly and Flower Tattoos

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:

Laurel Wreath and Red Butterfly Back Tattoo

Image by @ink_of_eli via Instagram

Image by @madaink_tattoo via Instagram

Clock and Flowers with Red Butterfly Forearm Tattoo

Image by @timmy_tat2 via Instagram

Black Flowers and Red Butterfly Arm Tattoo

Image by @b.a.s.e.m.e.nt via Instagram

Red Rose with Butterflies Arm Tattoo

Image by @vandal_tattoo via Instagram

Grey Roses and Red Butterflies Sleeve Arm Tattoo

Image by @coco.tattoos via Instagram

Red Flowers and Butterflies Hand Tattoo

Image by @acualli.tattoos via Instagram

Grey Flowers and Red Butterfly Upper Thigh Tattoo

Image by @heatherpilapil via Instagram

Red Flowers and Butterflies Chest Tattoo

Image by @rpdiddatshit via Instagram

What Do Butterflies Tattoos Symbolize?

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.

Is Butterfly Tattoo Good Luck?

Many cultures believe that a butterfly does bring good luck and good fortune to those who see one.

What Does a Butterfly Tattoo Mean Mental Health?

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.

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