The Ancient Egyptians saw a similarity between the cloth wrappings of their mummies and the chrysalis of a butterfly. Both the Egyptians and the Greeks, who placed golden butterflies in their tombs, associated the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection, new life, and immortality.

The Definition and Meaning of the Butterfly as a Catholic Christian Symbol
Catholic Christian symbolism in art provides a clear graphic illustration which represents people or items of religious significance. What is the definition and the meaning of the Butterfly? The Butterfly Christian Symbol represents and symbolizes the Resurrection. The butterfly has three phases during its life:

1. The caterpillar - The caterpillar which just eats symbolises normal earthly life where people are preoccupied with taking care of their physical needs.

2. The chrysalis or cocoon  - The chrysalis or cocoon resembles the tomb.

3. The butterfly  - The butterfly represents the resurrection into a glorious new life free of material restrictions.

Reference to Related Bible Verses
The Butterfly symbolizing the Resurrection:

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown 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)

Butterfly Christian Symbol

• The Importance of Catholic Symbolism or Icons in Religious Art
• Religious Information, Meaning and Definition of the Butterfly Catholic Art Symbolism
• Butterfly Christian and Religious symbolism with Bible References
• Symbolism and early religious meaning in art of the Butterfly Christian Symbol
• Ancient history, biblical meanings and practices of the church
• Facts, Information, Meanings and Definitions about symbols
• Significance and representations of the Butterfly