The Butterfly – A Symbol of Resurrection
The butterfly has long been a symbol of the resurrection. The butterfly symbolizes the rebirth to a new life after being inside a cocoon for a period of time.
To understand the symbolism, it is important to understand the life cycle of a butterfly. The butterfly has three phases during its life: the caterpillar, the chrysalis or cocoon, and the butterfly. The caterpillar simply eats, symbolizing normal earthly life when people are concerned with taking care of their normal earthly needs. The caterpillar develops into a chrysalis or cocoon, resembling the grave. The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, representing resurrection and a glorious new life, free from material restrictions.
This symbolism also traces the life of Christ. When Christ died on the cross, he was placed in a tomb. After three days he rose from the dead. In the resurrection of Jesus, God was doing the same thing that he does when he makes butterflies out of worms. When people die, because of Christ’s resurrection, we know that they, too, may live again.
The butterfly symbolizes the resurrection. The symbolism is related to the following verses, written by Paul. The theme of Paul’s teaching is that “we will all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51). The Christian hope is that what is sown in the grave as a weak mortal body will rise as an indestructible spiritual body that is not subject to temptation, to pain. , death or pain. (1 Corinthians 15:44-54) Through death the spirit will escape, not from its body but from the vulnerabilities and hardships of mortal flesh. The victory of eternal life over death represented by the butterfly makes it a favorite image on old tombstones.
“So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown corruptible is raised incorruptible; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is born a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
“For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Corinthians 15:52b)
There is a butterfly by the name of the Cleopatra butterfly that appears during the Easter season. In some countries the nickname of this butterfly is the “Easter Jesus”. The “Easter Jesus” and indeed all the butterflies can serve as a reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and how his sacrifice has given us all the opportunity for eternal life.
