Animal Symbolism - Damselfly/Dragonfly

(Photo credit: Graeme Asher)

Hi guys,

Continuing with the Air theme this week, I thought I would introduce you to my new colleague at work. The little beauty above joined us for an afternoon. Wouldn't listen to the training, though, so we didn't keep him on. lol.

This beauty above is an atrocalopteryx atrata, according to a reverse image search. Although, it says they are native to Asia, they have either spread, or this is a slightly different genus. I am no entomologist, so please do correct me if I am wrong.

Damselflies, and dragonflies, symbolise both air and water as elemental associations, generally, they hatch under water, and take to the air one they have transformed from the larval stage.

It is hard when researching to differentiate the two species in mythology and cultures, some believed that the damselfly was a female dragonfly, although they are distinctly different. This on above is a damselfly, as she sits with wings up.

(Photo credit: Kerenza Jinks)

Some superstitions about both dragonflies and damselflies are:

• If you see a swarm, rain is on the way
• If you see one, make a wish and it will come true
• Good fishing grounds. Plenty of dragonflies meant plenty of fish, and if one hovered nearby, it was going to be a good catch
• If you catch one, you will be married within a year
• If one lands on you, you will hear good news about a friend
• If you see a dead one, you will receive bad news

In spiritual teachings, it is a sign to go with the flow, but it is a warning if seen in a dream.

In Native American culture, the damselfly is seen as representing change. It symbolises new beginnings and hope. 

There is always the opportunity to start afresh, no matter what we are going through. We are constantly growing and evolving.

One Native American myth is that the dragonfly was once a dragon who was tricked into shapeshifting into a dragonfly by a coyote, and he could no longer change back, this is the symbolism of transformation. Also linked with speed, illusion and change.

The Celts saw the damselfly as a bringer of light. A joy bringer, they were seen as a symbol of the sun of Summer.

Also related to the Celtic goddess Arianrhod, the goddess of love and beauty.

The damselfly here is associated with femininity, beauty, grace and light-heartedness.

In Christianity the damsel fly is connected to the resurrection, given the complete and utter transformation this insect goes through, that is an understandable link to make.

It can also represent hope, Springtime and new beginnings.

It is a symbol of joy and happiness.

In China, the damselfly is associated with good fortune, and in Japan it is a symbol of prosperity.

Also seen as symbolising new beginnings, hope and growth in both cultures. 

In some European countries, the dragonfly is linked to the devil. In Wales, they are called Adder's servants.

In English folklore, it is considered bad luck to kill a blue dragonfly

In Norse mythology, they are linked to the goddess Freja and to fertility and beauty.

In general terms, these beautiful creatures seem linked to emotional growth and hope in MOST regions, either way, they are just a sight to behold.

If I have got anything wrong in this post, please let me know in the comments below.

Kerenza x