In many cultures, different colors carry significant spiritual significance. However, not all cultures will have the same interpretation of what those colors mean.
Colors may have different significance depending on the medium, such as a butterfly, which also carries significant spiritual and cultural meaning.
Because there are so many interpretations of both animals and colors among multiple cultures, it’s hard to narrow it down to one meaning.
For instance, purple can represent anything from wisdom to romance, to bravery, and even to spirituality itself.
Let’s examine the different ways a purple butterfly can be interpreted spiritually.
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The color purple and spirituality

Purple is arguably one of the most spiritual colors. It is often used to represent spirituality itself, and it makes sense why.
Purple is made through the mixing of blue and red, which are not only common and intense colors, but ones that are diametrically opposed to each other in many instances.
You may find purple often incorporates the intense passion of red, as well as the serene stability of blue.
Hinduism and Buddhism
One cultural region that considers purple a representation of spirituality itself is India.
In Hinduism in particular, purple is associated with peace and wisdom and is the color of the Crown Chakra (which is the meeting point between the physical body and the universe and soul).
Meanwhile, in Buddhism, purple is meant to convey a sense of mysticism. However, that is not the extent, as it also represents a mixing of blue (calm) and red (stimulation).
Because of the dichotomy between these colors, it is important for you to use undertones (of red or blue) in order to emphasize which direction you want to take your use of purple in this context and culture.
In Catholicism

In Catholicism, purple’s importance in Advent is penance, prayer, and personal sacrifice, while purple during Lent represents mourning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
One example of this is how windows will be draped in purple fabric. It also suggests a degree of royalty in both Christ’s resurrection and sovereignty.
In Judaism
The Torah in Judaism touches upon a number of colors, including purple.
In Judaism, red represents sin, and blue represents God’s glory; thus, by mixing blue and red, the colors come to represent redemption and purification.
This is much the same as the concept in Buddhism, though there are differences between the two in execution.
In Islam
In Islam, purple represents spirituality, much as it does in Hinduism and Buddhism. Purple is also a good color to use during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Muslims break their fasts at twilight during these holidays, which is associated with the color purple.
What do butterflies represent?

Butterflies are beautiful creatures, easily some of the most well-loved insects in the world. Butterflies have many different meanings across different cultures.
For instance, butterflies may represent the passing of a loved one in some cultures or be used as a symbol of surviving difficult situations.
These include the passing of a loved one, beating death, dealing with mental health issues, and more.
Butterflies have different spiritual significance depending on the religion in question.
For example, Hinduism includes the concept of rebirth, which is represented through the metamorphosis process of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
Meditation is also a significant factor as an important part of the metamorphosis process from a normal person to an enlightened being.
Butterflies can also represent healing, particularly when they are in flight.
What do purple butterflies represent spiritually?
When it comes to purple butterflies, there are a number of things they may represent.
As we discussed above, different cultures have different ways of interpreting the color purple.
At different points, a purple butterfly may represent wisdom, bravery, courage, and spirituality, as well as the dichotomy between red and blue.
What does it mean when I dream about a purple butterfly?

Dreams often have significant meanings, and dreams about a purple butterfly are no different.
Butterflies represent metamorphosis, and if you dream of one, you may be experiencing a major change in your life.
Purple butterflies in particular may be especially significant.
Being that purple is a mixture of blue and red, dreaming of purple may be indicative of a feeling of indecisiveness or a lack of involvement in some change in your life.
You may also feel a little tepid about the change; not so much happy, sad, angry, or frustrated by the change, but ultimately passive about the change occurring.
It may also indicate a desire to change yourself to become less passive about things.
This desire to become more decisive may manifest in the color of the butterfly changing.
For example, if the butterfly becomes red, it may represent your desire to be more heated and passionate.
However, if the butterfly becomes blue, it may represent you wanting to be more cool, soothing, and/or dispassionate.
What species of butterflies are purple?
There are many butterflies out there, all with a wide array of beautiful colors. We’ve listed some below.
Purple Emperor (Apatura iris)

The Purple Emperor hails from central-southern England, and adults are quite elusive.
While the Purple Emperor has seen a decline over the 20th century, their population and habitats are expanding once more, which is promising.
Both males and females of the species sport orange eye-like patterns on the lower part of their wings.
This butterfly is less commonly known as “Apatura iris,” and while males have purple upper wings with a white streak across the wings, the females actually have no purple on them.
The females have brown wings with a white streak on the upper wings, while both male and female butterflies have underwings that are a mixture of orange, white, and black.
Additionally, the underwings have orange eye-like patterns.
A Purple Emperor can represent many things, though the obvious interpretation is often the royalty conveyed by its name.
Being that they are elusive creatures, being visited by one may indicate that a major change is coming your way.
It may also be indicative of a spiritual reawakening, or you may be at a crossroads (such as between red and purple).
Agathina Emperor (Doxocopa agathina)

The Agathina Emperor, known also as Doxocopa agathina, is primarily located in the Guyanas, the Amazon region, and north Brazil.
Much like the Apatura iris, the Agathina Emperor is known as the Purple Emperor, and similar to the Purple Emperor, males have purple upper wings, while females have orange and brown upper wings.
Male members of this species are significantly more common, as female members tend to stay out of sight.
If you are visited by an Agathina Emperor, much like the above-mentioned Purple Emperor, it may indicate a desire to change parts of yourself.
Common Tit (Hypolycaena erylus)

The Common Tit, also known as the Hypolycaena erylus, tends to be found in India and South-East Asia, including (but not limited to) Singapore and Malaysia.
These butterflies are particularly small but no less striking than other, larger species. Unlike the two above-mentioned species, they are commonly seen in their native areas.
This species is not normally purple; typically, its upper wing is a dark earthy brown color, but under certain kinds of light, they will reflect a metallic purple hue.
However, the females lack this purple sheen. Despite that, both creatures are quite lovely (as are any butterflies, to be honest).
If you are visited by a Common Tit, this could indicate that you are or will be experiencing a small change in your life, but one that is no less important for it.
The hidden purple may also indicate that there is a side of yourself that not everyone understands, only under a certain light.
Red-Spotted Purple (Limenitis arthemis)

The Red-Spotted Purple, also called the Limenitis arthemis, is essentially a sibling to the White Admiral, which is another name given to Limenitis arthemis.
The two of them are distinguished by a white band on the White Admiral, and a pattern on the Red-Spotted Purple meant to mimic the poisonous pipevine swallowtail.
They are also distinguished by their region; the Limenitis themis can be found across North America, ranging from parts of Canada all the way down to Florida.
White Admirals are commonly found in the northern areas, while the Red-Spotted Purple is found in southern areas.
If visited by a Red-Spotted Purple, this may indicate that you are on the precipice of making a change and that change is tilting to the “red.”
This could mean that you’re feeling more decisive and passionate in a decision you’ve made as far as your direction in life.
It may also mean that you are angry about a life change and are finding yourself less able to keep it under wraps.