Meaning of Red (crimson) butterflies in Japanese culture?

  • Thread starter Thread starter J K
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J K

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I saw the cover of a Horror Movie called "Arang" where a girl dress in white has red or crimson butterflies in her hands, I also know that the second video game in the Fatal Frame series which is titled Crimson Butterfly has a red butterfly theme. I was just wondering if anyone knows their meaning or symbolism in the Japanese Culture.
 
In Japanese culture, butterflies have a slew of meanings. Their most obvious symbolism is metamorphosis or transformation. This symbolism of transformation is taken one step further to represent those who have died (or that they 'carry' the recently departed souls). Sometimes, butterflies are interpreted as messengers, and following them will lead to a mystery's (or problem's) solution. Since butterflies have a very obvious cycle of transformation, birth, and death, it's easy to see why they have been used to represent spirits.
 
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