Symbolism, Symbolism Everywhere! By Maggie

Human culture is obsessed with assigning a meaning, idea, characteristic, prophecy or fortune to anything and everything. Flowers can have a secret meaning, the month of your birth highlights specific traits, and a cup of tea reveals your future. As for insects, some species have been present long enough to catch that attention.

A dragonfly can represent many ideas and characteristics. For the most part, this insect is used to personify a maturity of character, power, poise, awareness of the moment and defeat of self-doubt.

Japanese culture takes these positive traits a step further by associating dragonflies with victory in battle. Samurais also believed dragonflies to represent agility and power. The Chinese culture believes that dragonflies bring good luck, prosperity and harmony.

Some Native American traditions take dragonflies as a sign of speed, happiness and purity. When included in a totem, it is used to depict wisdom and change.

A few other cultures have less rosy outlooks towards dragonflies, however. Some European countries have nicknamed dragonflies ‘Devil’s Needle’, ‘Ear Cutter’ and ‘Horse Stinger’. In ye old time of witches and dark magic, it is believed that these names were created due to misconceptions and superstition.

For example, ‘Horse Stinger’ came about because people noticed horses stamping their feet when dragonflies were nearby. The assumption was the insects were upsetting the horses by biting and/or stinging them. With current knowledge about the insects’ habits, it is strongly believed that the dragonflies were actually assisting the horses by consuming the bugs doing the stinging. 

So much meaning and history for one small insect!

Currently, it is the mating season for dragonflies. The inevitable population boom will occur in late summer, specifically late July. But for those that wish to be blessed with good luck and grounded in the moment, dragonflies are plentiful at the water’s edge. If you visit Statehouse Lake on a sunny afternoon, try sitting still at the end of the dock. You’ll have plenty of visitors!