Tribal Butterfly Tattoo

A tribal butterfly tattoo is one of the most popular designs chosen by men and women.
I think that generally speaking men tend to get a larger image, and would prefer a tribal to a daintier coloured butterfly. The position of choice is usually across the top of the back, chest or arm.
Women seem to prefer smaller more colourful butterflies often in combination with flowers, fairies or shooting stars, that can be placed virtually anywhere on the body and still be considered attractive.
The ankle, wrist and top of the breast are popular positions, adding a subtle decorative touch.

I believe that the butterfly's life cycle adds to its mystique.
Starting as a fuzzy curly caterpillar (often pretty and colourful itself), changing to a hard chamber like chrysalis and finally emerging as a brand new beautiful butterfly.
Many see this as a symbol of their own transformation from childhood into adulthood.

There are literally thousands of different designs to choose from.
These images can be found in a number of different places and if you are looking for a particular type or style of butterfly there are many places to find the one of your choice.
Professional tattoo parlours will usually have a wide variety of flash to choose from.
Internet websites will usually have many butterfly tattoo designs as well, which can be used to find an image that you like and feel is right for you.

I've watched you now a full half-hour;
Self-poised upon that yellow flower
And, little Butterfly! Indeed
I know not if you sleep or feed.
How motionless! - not frozen seas
More motionless! and then
What joy awaits you, when the breeze
Hath found you out among the trees,
And calls you forth again!
~William Wordsworth, "To a Butterfly"

And what's a butterfly? At best,
He's but a caterpillar, at rest.
~John Grey

Bees sip honey from flowers and hum their thanks when they leave.
The gaudy butterfly is sure that the flowers owe thanks to him.
~Rabindranath Tagore, Stray Birds

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