Butterflies DO Land On People
Back in 2004, I wrote an entry about butterflies and how I had never had one land on me.
I talked about Hawthorne’s quotation:
“Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
Nathaniel Hawthorne
I had decided it was baloney and challenged my readers to post in the comments if they had ever had a butterfly “alight” on them.
“If you have ever once had a butterfly alight on you, I want you to leave a message. In all of my days of staying still and waiting for them, I have never once had a bloody butterfly land on me. Ladybugs? Yes. Flys? Hell, yes! Butterflies? Not once.”
Every summer since, I have received new comments from people talking about the butterflies that have landed on them. Just today, Leslie commented:
“Last Thursday I had a monarch butterfly land on my hand of its own accord while I was getting ready to leave work. The butterfly first flew past me and then turned around and landed on my hand. It was relatively windy that day, and the butterfly had to hold on tightly (which is did). It stayed on my hand for 20 minutes or more! I even put a picture of it up on flickr and called it My Numinous Experience.“
“It was awesome! One of my first thoughts was that it was my Dad’s spirit coming to visit, and that filled me with happiness! Yes, I too will remember this magical time forever!!”
Here is the picture she is talking about:
Since I wrote that piece, I HAVE had many butterflies alight upon me. It’s not because of some mystical occurence, however. Mike and I went to the butterfly exhibit at San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park last spring. With that many butterflies in such an enclosed space, it’s no wonder I had a couple land on me.
Mike even got a picture:
It’s funny how entries that I wrote so long ago have almost found a life of their own. Rereading it was like reading it for the first time. I was so unhappy back then that I didn’t believe that butterflies ever landed on people. With so many lovely comments from people all over the world, my faith in the beauty of the world has been restored.
Laura,
I don’t know if I’ve had a butterfly land on me, but I did rescue a butterfly once and it was a very moving experience for me at the time.
Comment by Braidwood — 9/8/2006 @ 9:37 am
I have been searching for such a thing….For the last 4 years, every year, I can go out to my garden and have this type of black butterfly with a white trim land on my hand at request… I stand there and summon them or him or her, whatever. I have about 4 differant types of butterflies all the time. The only one that will flirt and land on me is this black type. I have had only one time for about 5 months that I couldn’t or they wouldn’t come near me and that was in I was in a relasionship. Or it was winter and they weren’t there…I am not certain because I wasn’t home a lot. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN, i AM PERPLEXED. When I stand out in the garden in a certain place, I am mentally calling them.. My cat seems to “hear” me and it affectionate and come to me thinking I am summoning him…? Help me understand if you can? Thanks and best regards… Heather
Comment by Heather — 9/17/2006 @ 10:59 pm
As a child, I had butterflies land on me each summer from age 9-17 (in VA). I would stand in the same vicinity (at the end of my driveway — same residency for all years) each summer and hold my arms out with my palms up. They were always active around dusk (4-6 PM). Many times they would land on the pavement, but would always land on me at least 5-10 times during a 30 minute interval. My younger sister, parents, friends would all try “the method” but no one but me seemed to have success — I’ve always found it perplexing. Maybe a certain body scent? Anyway, I’m still unsure what kind of butterfly (or potentially moth) it was, however it closely resembles a monarch with the brown/orange coloring — more brown, less orange with distinctive spots at the tips of wings. A wonderful childhood memory. I saw the same butterfly here in Chicago yesterday and today — I held my hand out — no luck as of yet, but they’re fluttering close! Very exciting.
Comment by Julie — 5/8/2007 @ 4:59 pm
I have never seen as many butterflies as I have this year, and the funny thing is they constantly land on me, proposing the question “does this mean I will have lots of good luck.” I really hope so, and help with this question would be greatly appreciated
Comment by Heather Richmond — 9/9/2007 @ 6:19 pm
The butterfly
It is the 3rd of October 2007 at 12:07 AM.
My wife and son were finishing eating our steak sandwich at a most famous Philadelphia landmark and tradition, Pat’s steaks – on 9th and Federal street, or there about – next to Ginos in South Philly.
The most beautiful monarch butterfly few between all, the masked souls eating their steaks and fries, it gracefully guided through the air and landed, then tranquilly gazed into my eyes after landing upon my arm.
We locked in a union that seem to last forever sharing everything that life has to offer – more after life has gone.
The momentary trance ended abruptly, the butterfly guided away in a rainbow like spiral. Leaving me confused, empty, but so very special as Prometheus watching his skin healing.
I thought of poetry of life, its comings and goings of beauty.
To all, all that have touched me or I have touched. thank you
Mark
Comment by Marl — 10/3/2007 @ 12:07 am
01/25/08 This happened the spring and summer before this one. Everytime I walked out the front or back door I was covered in butterflies! My mother always loved them- and so do I . She’s not been able to live on her own lately, and had to be in assisted living; but was pretty healthy; I kept thinking the butterflies were a hint of something to come. I photographed them and did watercolor paintings to send to her in a journal scrapbook as a gift to her. Everytime I walked my dogs in the woods I’d have butterflies stuck in my hair and all over my sweater. She died Christmas week. I still believe the butterflies were there to help prepare me. Now, every morning and afternoon, there are two doves waiting in the tree in my front yard. Call it coincedence? Maybe. And maybe, your turn will come and you’ll change your mind…until then…thanks for letting me share! C.
Comment by Colleen — 1/25/2008 @ 1:50 pm
I jut love butterflies. How amazing to have been that close to them.
Comment by Jan — 1/30/2008 @ 2:51 pm
My brother Matthew had a butterfly land on his figer, just like your picture.. he walk from out side all the way inside the house to show me, after 3 minutes of being on his finger it flew away. I took a picture but my cell was stolen. it was unbeleivable
Comment by Irma — 5/17/2008 @ 11:50 am
May 27th 2008
Today a black monarch with white trim landed on my hand and stayed there for several minutes. I have been talking to it for several weeks now and it landed on me while I was swimming last week. It flies right to me on my lounge chair and sits there and then back and forth to a leaf on the hedge. Since I have been aware of it, I know it knows of me and thats why today when I saw it I said “come here pretty butterfly and put out my hand, it immediately went there. I was thrilled. This happened one other time but about 6 years ago and only for a second. I find it interesting that its the same type described by others. My Mom also passed recently and believed she sent it to communicate with me. Its so nice to share this knowing that others have had this wonderful experience. I guess we are so busy in our everyday lives that we don’t realize that nature is waiting for us to notice and has many gifts to share in the miracle of life. Blessings to All Dj Drea
Comment by Dj Drea — 5/27/2008 @ 9:35 pm
I’ve always had a relationship with butterflies since I was a little girl. My Sister and I would play in our backyard, and each Spring/Summer, a large Yellow and Black, or Brown winged with yellow trim would come and land on each of us, and stay several minutes…then, years later when singing at an outdoors Church camp the song about “butterfly kisses” ( a Dad signing about his little girl growing up), several butterflies came under a packed revival tent, and landed on my hand during the entire song…it was unbelivable, and witnessed by about 100 people – we were all blessed!, and even now, as a 50 year old woman, back in the Family home, after my Parents have passed, and my Sister’s passed, my Teenaged Son watches in awe as I go out to the same back yard, and I put out my hand, and call to the butterflies, and they come to me, and stay awhile. He is amazed, as he watches it happen over and over again…I read today, that the in Japanese culture, the butterfly represent’s a person’s spirit or soul…I feel as if I’m being blessed by loved ones that have passed before, or simply by one of the most beautiful creations God has provided us…I feel as if Heaven must be full of thee beautiful creations just to bless us and remind us that we are loved by God! –I am so glad I found this site….and see others have had these same visitations.
Comment by Janet Hitchcock — 6/10/2008 @ 2:53 pm
Just yesterday [[6-21-08, first day of Summer]], I was outside in my backyard by our pool. I just got out side and it was like super warm outside. I was walking around on our deck when this big brown butterfly circled around me a couple times, and then just landed right on my arm for no apparent reason. It was holding on pretty tightly… And it stayed there for a couple minutes, just looking at me and walking around on my arm. Then my brother opened the sliding door and the butterfly flew away. It was really quite odd… I mean, last year, I would stay out in our flower garden where all the butterflies hang out, and I would stick my finger out next to them on a flower, and gradually, I earned their trust and they would just fly right up onto my finger and walk around there until another butterfly would come and shove it off. :] I’ve heard that if a butterfly lands on you that it’s good luck… I hope that I get lots of good luck for upcoming highschool next fall!!! =)
Comment by Michelle — 6/22/2008 @ 11:12 am
This morning I went outside with my cup of coffee. On the bench where I was gonna sit was a butterfly. I reached down slowly with my fingertip and it crawled on. I couldnt believe it. I went inside and woke my wife up just to show her and ask what it meant. She said she believed it meant good luck so i googled “What does it mean to have a butterfly on you?” and found this place. I held the butterfly for about a minute before i took it back out side to the bench and let it go and then watched it flutter away. Amazing.
Comment by Sean — 6/29/2008 @ 8:25 am
a coulple of weeks ago i was sitting on the deck with a special man admiring the work he had done and wishing that i could be a part of his world there was a white butterfly that went around me once and then landed on my chest, now thats good luck everything has been fantastic ever since….i am a firm beleiver they do bring good luck…and peace to a person
Comment by susan — 7/5/2008 @ 8:37 am
I have had butterflies land on me on several occasions, usually when I’m outside reading or writing a book. In fact, just a few minutes ago I had a butterfly that REPEATEDLY laned on my toes and I couldn’t get it to go away.
Comment by Amy — 7/16/2008 @ 11:04 am
Today I went outside for a smoke and a yellowish butterfly lander on my arm and tonight while I was in the garden a white one flew around me and landed in the same place. I’m eargerly awaiting the lottery results lol
Comment by pete — 7/16/2008 @ 3:55 pm
Wow. Awesome storeis. I guess I’m not alone. Interesting. Over a month ago, a brown butterfly landed on my knee. It left and then returned to exactly the same spot. I thought it odd that it returned to exactly the same spot after flying far away somewhere. Then, I did something to my back and have been suffering with back pain. I dreamt that a butterly landed above my right eye, left, returned to the same spot. Only it was red with a black circle on it. I relayed this dream to my acupuncturist who said it was a message for her. She gave me a specific treatment because of the “message” in my dream. My back is getting much better. For three days in a row, since I’ve been getting better, a brown butterfly has been visiting me, landing on my right toe, as I sit on my deck. It is the exact same one. He is brown with white and yellow spots. He is not one of the most beautiful butterflies I’ve seen, but I feel as though he is my friend. He sits on my toe for 15 minutes. My husband came out, and it flew away. I had white sneakers on one day, and barefoot the next, yet he lands exactly on the same spot. One time he fluttered off the toe and landed on my right arm for a few minutes. I don’t know what it all means, but that is why I googled the internet about this. What is the odds of the exact same butterfly landing on the same spot three days in a row? Is he the same one who visited me about a month ago, before my back ailment? Other butterflies pass through my yard, but none have landed on me as this guy did. It is just bizzarre. It really puts you in a “zen” state of mind when it happens three days in a row. I am leaving on vacation tomorrow morning, and I must say, I am going to miss my “friend.” I wonder if he will be there when I get back.
Comment by Monica — 8/12/2008 @ 2:20 pm
My boyfriend and I was sitting on the porch, out of nowhere a beautiful monarch lands on his pant leg..I was excited saying “look” then it flew off him and landed on my stomach, The weird thing about this is that I think i’m pregnant, 20 weeks to be exact, but since my tubes been tied for 8yrs now doctors think I’m crazy! but that made me think, god works in mysterious ways, maybe thats a sign..
Comment by Celeste — 8/24/2008 @ 5:08 pm
I’ve had the pleasure of having the same butterfly come visit me for the past 18 days, it has been an amazing experience ! I’ve taken numerous pictures. It comes at the same time and leaves at around the same time also…it is really neat !!
Comment by Martha — 10/1/2008 @ 8:13 am
I don’t know what it is but, butterflies follow me all the time. In the spring and summer when they are out of course. It happens in front of people who are looking at me in disbelief! My friends cant believe it because we could all be sitting down outside and butterflies start to come out of nowhere and they start to flock me! I swear its really bizarre! If i get up to shoo them away they come back and follow me. Its butterflies of all kinds and white moths.What does this mean?? My friends will laugh cause I swear its really strange. I mean people are like a foot away from me and the butterflies totally skip them and just come directly to me and there is nothing i can do to get them to go away! Eventually I have to get up and go inside cause they try to get in my clothes.I dont wear any special lotion or anything that could be attracting them so I don’t know what it is. Does any one know what it could be?? Is this a good or bad omen?
Comment by Guisella — 4/13/2009 @ 11:55 am
I just wanted you to know that a friend sent me this web page. I have been sending pictures of butterflies I meet in the wild. They will land on me and I photograph them. I just met two more yesterday. I have lots of stories to tell. Last year over a 1 1/2 period I kept going back to this same spot in the woods at the same time. There were two different butterflies that couldn’t wait for me to show up and they would land on me immediately.
Comment by Patrick Crone — 6/13/2009 @ 7:49 pm
Penguin Dicitonary of Symbols reads that a butterfly landing on a person presages a visitor or death in the family. My father had a Cabbage White rest on his chest the day before he went over to the Other Side.
Comment by fran — 8/8/2009 @ 7:13 am
I’ve had many people tell me different things about what it means for a butterfly to land on me…I’ve had at least 25 butterflys land on me….One today it was a big monarch…If you have any insite on why email me..But all I know is that I dont even have to be still they find me..And the weird thing is I hate insects spider’s anything that crawls I jump when it gets on me.But never have I once swatted or even flinched when I notice it on me…I have to shoe it off me most of the time so I don’t hurt it..
Comment by Joseph Taylor — 9/27/2009 @ 4:23 pm
At my grandparents I’ve had a white butterfly land on my hand. And a butterfly land on my eyelashes. Unaware what had landed on me I screamed and a butterfly flew away. And at a park with my friends a dragonfly landed on my eyelashes I screamed again. My friend said a dragonfly landed on me and they all started to laugh. I do not understand why either the two should land on my eye lashes since I was moving and laughing loudly. So far I know no one in my family to die. Though dragonfly’s still fly at me. Butterfly’s I now seldom see.
Comment by Ailis — 10/18/2009 @ 5:18 pm
I have always been envious of those who have had butterflies land on them and never been successful with them myself. Maybe I am too impatient. However, this morning I had my first butterfly encounter. I have suffered with depression my whole life, More so even after the death of my mother several years ago. Today I was more down than usual feeling quite lonely and despondent during a morning walk. I took a seat in a sunny spot on a bench and a butterfly flew past, turned around and allighted on my sneaker. I was enjoying the small common-looking brown/black spotted fellow, slowly moving my hand toward him, when he accepted my invite and crawled up my arm. I felt blesssed. What a great lift to my day. I could not help but wonder why after so many years of loving the little creatures from afar, one would be so accepting. He looked old, maybe a little battered, like me, although I am not quite 50. Thank you Lord..
Comment by judi — 10/31/2009 @ 12:34 pm
was eating lunch enjoying a young girl laughing as a man parked his hog. She said “rum rum rum” as if she was on her imaginatory bike too. Suddenly an orange butterfly landed on my finger – ‘signs and wonders.’ I’m certainly not going to let that one slip by me. Needless to say, when the biker left McDonalds, the sweet child (once again) got on her imaginatory bike and clapped her hands. What moments to be seized!
Comment by Tamala — 11/5/2009 @ 1:58 pm
When my second son was a baby we went swimming at a lake in ohio, I was sitting by the edge of the water with him when a huge monarch butterfly landed on the back of my hand. I couldnt believe it! It just sat there for a minute or so before flying off. I was so amazed by this I even tatooed a butterfly on the edge of my hand!
Comment by Kristi Wilson — 4/6/2010 @ 9:51 pm
Yesterday while walking in my backyard looking at my garden, a beautiful butterfly (brown,Orange and yellow) landed on my shoulder at first it scared me to death and I jumped. It flew away. But it kept coming back, flying all around me. Back and forth. It landed on me four times. I called my son to bring me the camera. When it landed on the ground I took lots of pictures of it. One time I had the camera and it landed on my shoulder again! I turned the camera around and took the best picture I could. I feel lucky and special. I also feel that this is a good sign, that I am a good person and that good things will come my way.
Comment by Kelly Warren — 5/21/2010 @ 6:48 pm
Several weeks ago, my husband and I noticed a smallish brown butterfly land on a table on my deck. Then we were surprised to see that it came back almost every day in the early evening, perching on a deck post or this same table. A couple of weeks ago, I was bent over checking my tomato planter and the butterfly came around and landed on my backside! I called it Goldie and it is now my routine to go out each evening and stand near that table to visit with my friend. Twice now is has fluttered by me quickly and then returned to sit a while on my shoulder. Once in a while it has a buddy that flits by and picks it up – they go off on their wild flight but my friend always returns to me or the table. I feel so blessed to have these sweet moments! I will be sad when it no longer comes by.
Comment by Barb — 7/1/2010 @ 7:50 pm
Just within the last week, I’ve had two different butterflies land on me. One was on my foot for several minutes, I put my hand closer. Then the butterfly sat on my hand for several minutes, that was a few days ago. Today I was coming out of Wal-Mart and once again a butterfly landed on my leg, so I put my hand closer to it and then it was on my arm for several minutes. Before this week, I can’t ever remember this happening. I felt like I was in a cartoon, just kidding. I was so cool, does it mean anything?
Comment by Teresa — 7/13/2010 @ 11:16 pm
Today while my wife and I were walking through WalMart I had a strange feeling someone was watching me. I turned my head to the right to look behind me and there it was, a butterfly. It was sitting on my shoulder with not a care in the world. My wife used a sheet of paper to remove it from my shoulder. We then placed the butterfly on a shelf. It was the most beautiful butterfly I have ever seen. What does it mean? If anything. I thought it was cool and starting searching the net for explanations. Some say it will bring luck others say it is a dead relative and some say that it just liked the color of my clothes. What ever it means I thought it was great.
Comment by Ken — 7/17/2010 @ 4:49 pm
I’ve felt so happy reading the comments here. I have had many butterflies land on me over the years, mostly just for a few moments. Then last weekend I was gardening and my husband called to me to say: ‘there’s a butterfly on the back of your arm, Sheila, it’s been there for about five minutes’. As he said this and I stood upright and turned to look, it flitted from the back of my right arm to my right hand; a brown winged butterfly with lighter amber markings. I froze and just gazed at it, not wanting to frighten it away. It stayed another several minutes, until I said: ‘well, how am I to do any more planting with you on my hand, little butterfly?’ As if in response, it flitted straight over to my left arm. I went on gardening, my husband stood transfixed. In all it must have stayed on my arm (I’ve only ever had them land on clothing before, not my skin) for at least twenty minutes. Then I held up my arm and told it: ‘I have to go in now’ and again as if in response, it flew away. What a magical experience!
Comment by Sheila — 7/23/2010 @ 9:44 am
I knew as soon as the butterfly landed on my arm it was a beautiful and rare thing!x
Comment by joy — 8/12/2010 @ 3:04 am
Today, August 15th 2010 – Finally a butterfly was on my sundeck. I slowly approach this beautiful butterfly, my boxer (Baby) was with me. First my boxer saw it on the rail of the sundeck and approached quietly and touched it with the tip of her nose. It did not fly away and just walk down a short distance. My husband came out to see what we were doing, I crept closer and I swear this beautiful, colorful butterfly let me pet it a least for 30 seconds and it flew away. My husband said he had never seen or heard anyone petting a butterfly or even a dog coming in contact with a butterfly. Now I can tell you all, I felt so special for having that experience, that love when all over me, my boxer looked at me with love in her eyes as I was looking at her. I will never forget this.
Comment by Joan Hanson Taylor — 8/15/2010 @ 4:28 pm
Today, I was on my front porch busy cleaning on something, and I noticed a monarch fluttering all around me, so I stood very still hoping it would land on me. I really didn’t think it would because I’ve had butterflies fly all around me but they never have actually landed on me. I guess it was my lucky day. It landed on me several times. It would flutter around then land and it continued to do this all over my shirt! I’m taking it as a sign of good things to come. As of late, things have not been so great. My husbands job had been very slow, and I have been very worried about our situation. The past few weeks my husband has been working steady, and things are going better. No matter how small it may seem for a butterfly to land on me,I’m taking it as one more reason to stay positive about my life!
Comment by Michelle Hampton — 8/16/2010 @ 9:14 am
I’ve had a mysterious re-occurrence of butterflies landing on me. There is really nothing that links the breed, but so far I’ve had an albino butterfly on me, a monarch orange black and blue, then finally a meadow colored butterfly with white flecks. It started last year sometime and since then they land naturally on me. I can try to remove them carefully so not to damage their wings and they come back. I’ve even had them on me while trying to find rest. I’ve tried looking up the meaning behind it, but all I can seem to do is find they mean good luck. Well don’t know if it helped, but figured I’d contribute my experience.
Comment by Lindsay — 8/16/2010 @ 1:28 pm
Yesterday I was standing at the gas pump when a butterfly came at me it began flying around me landing in my hair and flying all around the car and then landing on my right shoulder. It was a beautiful butterfly with bright colors of Red, Brown, Yellow, black and more….
Comment by Cee Cee — 8/17/2010 @ 10:20 am
Yesterday i was sitting on the grass with my girlfriend. We had had a pretty serious row, well nearly two days of rowing – she was upset at something i did and i was equally upset as i thought she was over reacting and blaming me in the wrong. Anyway we were making peace with each other and as we started to get close and affectionate butterflies started landing on me. It was a warm sunny day and there were a good few around. But it has been a long time since i have had a butterflies landing on me like that. I feel it was a good sign and it added to the good feeling of making up to my girlfriend. Maybe these creatures can sense things like my spirit being at ease and so feel it is safe to alight. I love my girlfriend and i love butterflies. Right now as i sit at my computer on a Monday afternoon at work there has been a housefly landing on me. I wonder what that means
Comment by Patrick — 8/23/2010 @ 9:16 am
I didn’t know where to go to find out. I have seen the same butterfly, well i think the same butterfly everyday. It is a beautiful black and blue one. I have seen it since Monday outside my work when i go out for a break it fly’s around me and lands beside me never on me. Today when i left for work i say one that looked exactly the same. what does this mean if anything.
Comment by Amanda — 8/26/2010 @ 2:00 pm
Butterflies land on me all the time, almost a weekly accourence, mostly monarchs, morning blories and the white ones. they do not just land on me, they will hang out with me for long periods. they will hover around while i am walking, riding my horse or just doing yard work. since my mom died in 93 it seems to happen when i am feeling down or thinking of her more than usual. i know there is probably no magic behind this attraction they have towards m, but i still like to think there is a little magic in it. i know it makes me happy and makes me smile when i sit on the deck or am doing outdoors stuff and they stay with me the entir time. it is usually just one , but sometimes i get 2 or 3. oh and birds, i have on may occassions had wild birds come into my house and refuse to leave, on spring i had a sparrow and she nested on top of my curtain rod , she stayed and only left after her babies flew off, she then came back and stayed the entire winter in my place, am i sure it was the same bird? no, buti would think it was.
Comment by Linda — 9/3/2010 @ 4:20 pm
Laura,
I found your site by Googling for butterfly landings.
I’ve had not one, but over the past months…about 6, I have had several landings on me!
This will open a grand opportunity for joking, but I have had other more elusive bugs land and stay too…including flies (yeah) that have landed and alloed me to encourage them on to a finger. We all know flies don’t hang around a moving object. This has been almost freaky in nature.
I became ill last April. In convalescing, I began to spend hours sitting on my front porch reading and listening to classical music. I am a radio broadcaster and generally am not “still” by nature, but I had become quite sedate in contrast to my usual self.
Occasionally I noticed butterflies. More and more I found myself mesmerized by their unique beauty and flittering characteristics.
Then, one landed near me on a railing…but just inches from my face. I studied it for a rather long time…it flew off, and I thought…”that was sort of cool…”
A week or so later, another came by…circled a bit, and landed on my knee. I felt as though it knew exactly where it wanted to be…and I began to feel chosen! (who doesn’t want that, right?)
During this same period…bees and even wasps, which were my childhood worst bug fears, likewise began to show increased, unthreatening interest in my position there on the front stoop. On three occasions, they too made landings, that at first caused a flinch…but that I began to welcome without jerking and swatting. We began co-existing there. They all coming closer, and me enjoying their relative familiarity to my daily ritual.
And then this:
A week ago, I attended a childhood reunion with friends I hadn’t seen in 40 years, I was standing in a Park Shelter chatting with awesome love for my old childhood chums. A butterfly flew into the shelter, zig-zagging through 8 people, and landed right on my shirt just beneath my chin. People began pointing..and as the minutes rolled by, the beautiful little bug just seemed content and resigned to hang out with me. It actually flopped from my chest to my arm…back to my chest and finally onto my hand where it allowed me to stroke it’s wings softly for about an hour.
This continued until I noticed it the butterfly began to shiver. That’s the best I can describe it…it shook with a fiercness and nestled deep into my palm..and died.
I have been so absorbed with this event that I Googled to see if others could relate, or offer some thoughts on this happening.
Anyway, there it is. My bug story, my encounter with the unlikely, my taste of love that transcends.
Comment by Ric — 9/9/2010 @ 4:13 pm
I saw a beautiful butterfly just resting on a chair I sit in on my porch and it was there for some time. The next day I was sitting in the chair and the same butterfly came and rested on my foot. Butterflies have been plentiful this summer and I love to see them, however, I do believe that when they land on you it has a special meaning.
Comment by June Fernen — 9/12/2010 @ 12:34 pm
As I started to get gas today, I saw a butterfly fly past me out of the corner of my eye. But, as I looked around for it, I could not find it. I finished getting my gas, got back in the car, turned on the A/C, started up my Ipod, then got back onto the road. As I drove down the road, I look down at my upper right arm, there it sat on my shirt. I drove down the road for about a mile before I could pull off onto the side, away from the traffic. Got out of the car, shut the door, then placed my finger near the butterfly, and it climbed up onto it. I walked to the back of the car, then placed my other hand near it, again it moved onto my other finger. I stayed at the back of the car for at leased 5 minutes, then I walked over to a spot with some grass, bent down and had to persuade the butterfly to get onto the blade of grass. I watch it for another few minutes, but it never flew away. I had a real sense of peace about me, I thanked the butterfly as I left.
Comment by Ralph — 10/1/2010 @ 10:16 pm
Today I went outside to take a smoke break and a butterfly was flying around and landing near me. I wanted a picture so badly, so I got my camera phone ready but it flew away. I went back to sit down and shut off the camera when all of a sudden it comes back and lands on my foot-flies off-lands in the same spot-flies off-then lands on my left arm. My camera phone was still on and I took a picture to post to Facebook. The Monarch was HUGE and everyone said it meant Good Luck. I hope so, I sure could use it.
Comment by Tammy — 10/6/2010 @ 2:14 pm
i was at church during an outdoor service and had a butterfly land on my shoulder. i did not notice til my son said look you have a butterfly on your shoulder. i let it be and it left a very short time later. i asked the question what does it mean, and this page was in the responses to the question. i felt compelled to let you know about my experience. this was the first time i had had this happen in forty years that i can recall. the feeling i had at the moment when this happened was that i was at peace and the butterfly was welcome to enjoy my peace with me. another great pleasure is to have a bird fly down and eat crumbs from your hand. if you want to experience that feeling it is the feeling of being non threatening to another living creature. i chose to not squish a bug that i saw on the sidewalk today, because i know all living things have a place in this world, and none of them should be harmed.
Comment by jeff — 10/14/2010 @ 10:48 pm
I was on a Caribbean cruise this past week and one of the islands we visited was St. Thomas. Five hours after we left port to travel to the next island, I was up on one of the top decks with no one else around when a very large, beautiful butterfly landed on the side of my purse. It must have ventured onto the ship from the island. It was so windy, and being in the middle of the ocean at that point, it had nowhere to go. I walked around for a good hour as the butterfly clung to my purse and eventually made it’s way to my abdomen and then chest. I googled “What does it mean when a butterfly lands on you?” and came upon this site. It’s neat to read everyone’s stories. I think having a lone butterfly land on you on a ship in the middle of the ocean is kind of special :)
Comment by Jennifer — 11/1/2010 @ 1:26 pm
wht looked like a baby butterfly (white)landed on my left hand ring finger after the loss of a loved one that I was thinking about, just as the thought came, the baby butterfly landed on that finger, I looked at it in marvel, it flew away and my faith was restored once again.
Comment by Diane — 11/11/2010 @ 11:16 pm
Well, as a kid(Although Im still within the age range of one), I’ve had numerous encounter’s with monarch’s, moth’s, and several other vibridly colored butterflies. With every living moment that I’ve witnessed a butterfly with my own two eye’s, most have landed on my arms. On four unusual landings, upon my head, shoulder,on a basketball, and in the palm of my hand, they’ve all seemed to sit for roughly 5-10 minutes. This left me questioning myself as to what it meant. I’ve heard it means you’re wise, lucky, and many more good things, but I’ve never actually thought it through thoroughly. I proposed taking a survey, but it failed, do to some people’s lack of lust for nature’s beauty. Until this day, I’ve still had regular visit’s from butterflies of all kinds. I just hope something unveils the true meaning of their landings.
Comment by De'Marquis — 1/20/2011 @ 8:28 pm
on feb 18th right before my wedding I was walking to the car and a little black/gray butterfly with a yellow and red spot landed on me, it stayed there for a few seconds and flew off before I got a picture. It was amazing and I love butterflies.
Comment by Megan — 4/1/2011 @ 5:30 pm
Does anyone know of something that you can spray onto clothing to make butterflies land on you. I was told that a bride can put it on her wedding dress and the butterflies will flutter about and land on her for hours….. is this true????
Comment by cathie — 4/6/2011 @ 1:35 pm
Hi just seen this website and wanted to say that i am a big lover of butterfly’s and i have many tatoos of them all over my body.I seem to have butterflys land on me all the time i like to think that they love me as much as i do them :]
Comment by charlotte — 6/2/2011 @ 2:56 pm
I was on my way to the esc office in high point n.c just as i unlock my bike my friend said that i had a butterfly on myhead,i said i had to see this ,so i walked slowly to the window ,and there was a small black and white butterfly sitting on my head so i wonder what it means,so i went to this web page and a wonder to know all the sames comments.
Comment by DARRYL — 7/27/2011 @ 9:39 am
I’ve loved reading everyone’s stories of butterfly landings and feel I need to share my own. I have always been afraid of moths from being a child and if I ran away from them, they have always chased me, I am now 30 years old and work in an office with 27 other people and one day a moth flew past my head whilst I was sat at my desk and made me jump, I made a swift exit for the door & as I turned to see where the moth was, it was in hot pusuit! Then a couple of days ago I was sat in my garden reading and saw a beautiful cabbage white butterfly with black markings dancing along, I continued to read and felt something on my right arm, it was the butterfly, I jumped slightly and it flew away but then I felt something on my head, I turned to look at my reflection in a window & I could see it was the butterfly. It stayed there for a few seconds & then left. I felt so blessed & peaceful. I’ve heard that it’s good luck or that it is loved ones in spirit visiting. It makes me smile when I think about it :)
Comment by Vicki A — 8/11/2011 @ 4:28 pm
A week ago this beautiful yellow Monarch lay dead at my front door. This morning as I was leaving my house, I looked down and another Yellow Monarch lay dead in the exact same place. Why? What could have killed them, I wonder? They are so wonderful and I have many butterfly bushes for them, but to come to my front door in the same spot is amazing.
Comment by Joan — 8/21/2011 @ 4:57 pm
How nice and refreshing it is to read what previous people have posted so far! As many before me, I have surfed the net after a butterfly has landed on me. It happened like half an hour ago – the time for me to read the comments. It was strange and amazing, this little night butterfly, bronze in colour – hence very similar to my now tanned skin – landed on the back of my hleft hand while I was sewing. I shooed it mechanically, thinking it was a fly, and what a surprise when I noticed it was a little butterfly! Which eventually started flying around me, then going away, then coming back and going around me again. So I went searching for the meaning of it. The feeling I got was really beautiful.
Comment by Rossana Uff — 9/9/2011 @ 7:01 pm
I live in the city in New Jersey, last week, Oct. 2011 I took my german shepard out to the backyard and a monarch butterfly came right up to me, obviously fluttering around me looking for a place to land. So I put out my right hand and it landed on my hand and let me pet him!! I wwas amazed. I thought right away that it was some kind of sign–from my deceased father or from God. It has never happened to me before, it made me feel very special. It stayed about 20 minutes and let me walk around without leaving. My dog didn’t bother it, nor was the butterfly afraid of my dog???? Dale (female) I am 58 years old.
Comment by Dale Medvetz — 10/20/2011 @ 10:40 pm
For about the past 8-10 years there have not been many butterflies in my area. Or maybe it is just that I hadn’t noticed. My Granddaughter and I were getting ready to go down to the woods and have a silly little picnic. Just before we left, the two of us were sitting outside, a butterfly fluttered around and landed right on my nose. Both of us were just shocked. Everyone thought it must have meant something. I don’t know???
Comment by Donna — 12/27/2011 @ 6:44 pm
Butterfly landed on me to day, i feel God blessing and favour around my life
Comment by Okocha martin — 3/3/2012 @ 7:59 am
A small butterfly landed on my nose today and then flew to the balcony railing,i extended my finger and it inspected me,then came back and landed on my forehead and stayed for a minute before flying away. Is this supposed to mean something>?
Comment by Joe — 4/13/2012 @ 10:35 am
HEY I WAS ON VACATIONS AND Y WENT TO THIS FOREST-PARK BY MY FAMILY HOUSE WITH MY SON QAND FIANCE… WE I SAW A BUTERFLIE FALLOWING ME AND NO ONLI THAT SHE OR HE LAND ON ME SEVERAL TIMES IT EVEN LOOK AT ME IN THE YES LIKE IT WHANT TO TELL ME SOME … SINCE IT WAS LOOKING AT ME IT STARTED TALKING AND TELLING HOW BEAUTIFULL SHE OR HE WAS IN A LOVING WAY MY FIANCE WAS COLD BEC NEVER SAW ANITHING LIKE IT AND TUCK LOT OF PICS WITH THE BUTERFLIE IN MY BACK MY HEAD AND EVE IN MY HANDS … SHE OR HE FALOW ME IN TILL THE EXIT OF THE PARK….
Comment by NATALIA — 4/27/2012 @ 11:40 am
Today was an especially emotional day at work. I was assaulted by a customer when I asked him if he wanted to pay for the stolen merchandise he was concealing within his oversized jeans. Before I knew what happened he lunged toward me hitting me with all his strength throwing me about five feet out of his way and into a glass door. The door did not break, but my spirit did. I picked my self up with the help of my coworkers. Of course the necessary actions occurred police, paperwork, etc. My brain was cottages cheese. I left work and went home to collect my thoughts. It was a beautiful day oherwise. Blue sky, warm temperature of about 85, and the smell of spring all around. My daughter was home from college. She had finished her exams early. She insisted we go out and sit by the pool. She said it would take my mind of things. It would make me happy. While she and I were outside lounging, a small butterfly landed on my big toe. I was amazed. If this had ever happened before today I could not remember it. I called to her to see, but as she turned the butterfly flew away as fast as it landed. To my amazement another butterfly landed on a smaller toe on the same foot, sat for a brief second, and flew away. Then another landed on the big toe of my other foot, sat long enough for my daughter to see, and fluttered away. “Mom you know that means good luck when a butterfly lands on you.” As she was announcing my good fortune, she then said “Mom you have butterflies flying all around you.” I looked and I certainly did. Three small butterflies were circling me. It was the most wonderful thing. They never touched me again. Just flew around me several times and fluttered away. I am not sure what this meant today. Will it bring me luck like my daughter thinks? For that I am not sure. I do know that my mind was cleared of the events of the morning as I spent the day outside with my daughter enjoying our precious time together. She and I wil always have the story of the day I was kissed by three butterflies.
Comment by Laura — 5/3/2012 @ 10:15 pm
I’ve been terrified of butterflies ever since the age of 5. I’m in my 30’s now and especially despise the colorful ones. I wish this fear would leave but not sure how to make it go away.
Comment by Tonya — 5/14/2012 @ 10:30 pm
I have my hair colored pink, so I get attacked by butterflies on a regular basis :) They think I’m some big pink flower and I LOVE it. Sometimes I can’t get them to leave me alone. Yesterday I had 4 or 5 harassing me while I was out at the lake. I gotta remember to carry a can of nectar around with me for them :)
Comment by JadeSpartan — 5/28/2012 @ 11:51 am
Today at a lake at the Rifle River Recreation Area near Rose City, MI, a monarch butterfly landed on me. It kept flying around me & it landed on both of my ears, head, back, arm, and finger. I was in my canoe & it stayed on my shoulder while I paddled across the lake. Pretty cool!!!
Comment by Joel — 7/3/2012 @ 8:10 pm
I am 64 and always a lover of butterflies. I was sitting alone outside my house this week very depressed over my two poodles being very sick. I had been crying a lot. I was sitting there and this beautiful black with blue and orange spots landed on my leg and then moved to my arm. It sit there and just looked at me for the longest. The peace that I felt was incrediable. I feel this was Gods way of letting me know he was there with me and I wasn’t going through my hard time alone. I will never forget this as long as I live. Wonder!!!
Comment by KennedyDale — 7/13/2012 @ 3:39 pm
This happened about 30 years ago at the Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights specifically. I and a few of my friends had rented a beach house for the week. One day while lying out on the beach, a monarch butterfly flew around us and settled down on my big toe. I was amazed, in fact I still am. It was the 80’s so I was in a Speedo, black, so color didn’t draw it. I didn’t use lotions or oils so no perfumes on me. Anyway, being that it was the beach, the air was not still and so it took some effort for the little one to fasten itself to my toe. As people walked by, I’d wiggle my toe and damned if it didn’t flutter straight up and back down to my toe as if somehow tethered to it. After doing this a few times, a small crowd had gathered around me watching this site. All told I’d say that butterfly hung around my balancing appendage for a good 30 minutes. Even after, no during the walk I made from our lie down back to the boardwalk….GO SEASIDE! One of my fondest memories…..x>
Comment by Craig Sharp — 7/26/2012 @ 5:13 pm
Today as I was taking the dog out for a long walk, I spotted a Butterfly Flying all around me and It was keep on following me and landing on the ground near the puddle of water and each time I saw the butterfly land It took off and fly away and then I saw it again following me around and flying on the ground flapping it’s pretty wings and then I went over to it again and It flew away .I was so amazed to see the Butterfly around me Like it knows Me
Comment by Dana — 9/9/2012 @ 12:02 pm
I went to a butterfly enclosure in Westford, MA on 9-18-12. I had 2 butterflies land on me. I couldn’t believe it. Alot of guests there took my picture. An employee there said they seldom land on people and I had two in the same day. What beautiful moments for me!
Comment by Debbi — 9/19/2012 @ 8:25 am
Was sitting out in front of my k5 blazer having a smoke. Saw a beautiful monarch butterfly flying around the grass. It got closer and as a joke I stuck my hand out. This thing landed on my middle finger and just kept there checking my finger for about a minute. Was really neat.
Comment by chris — 10/23/2012 @ 12:45 pm
All my life i’ve waiting for butterflies to land on me and last sunday it happened at the most unlikely places – in an open air pub. it was a brown meadow butterfly and it sat on me for full five minutes or so :) i am super thrilled because butterflies in our culture represent marriage and if a butterfly sits on you, it means that you will get married :D
Comment by dingo — 11/18/2012 @ 4:14 am
I work in the CBD so really busy with foot traffic and traffic. I was with a work colleague just causally talking outside when we both notice what looked a bug flying toward us. At first I was about swipe it away and only realize that it was a butterfly. So I let it fly up to us and it landed on my index finger. This took us by surprise as watched it sit there for a five seconds before it flew up toward my colleague but did not land on her but instead it away. Unreal especially in the city.
Comment by Mena — 3/8/2013 @ 4:11 am
just a couple of minutes ago after having my lunch i sat down beside my car reading holy bible in my handphone then suddenly a small butterfly allighted and stay for a few seconds in my finger and walk to handphone as well,just now when i wrote this comment same butterfly comeback and landed on my arm its amazing! what is the meaning of that anybody have an idea?
Comment by al nicolas — 6/17/2013 @ 11:10 pm
I have been spiritually opened for a few years now. Letting my mind see nature and the world for the beauty that it holds. Times have been tough this past year, almost losing my daughter to suicide, the same way I lost my father in 2000. Thankfully, she is alive and will be attending college in the fall. Sadly, we lost a 14 year old family friend to suicide only a month earlier than my daughter starting her struggle. Life has been tough to say the least. The day after the family friend passed away his brother was outside sitting, shock the sudden loss of his brother when I butterfly flew near him. He lifted his finger and the butterfly alighted and stayed for what seemed forever. He would look it straight in the eye and it never moved. I told him to cherish this moment because it doesn’t just happen to everyone and that it was a gift from his brother assuring him that he was ok. Not long after this I started noticing dragonflies around my car wherever it was parked and outside of my home. About 6 months ago, I started noticing butterflies, everywhere and really wanting to spend time watching them. One day we were camping and I kept seeing two butterflies fluttering under a canopy tent we had up. The dark blue one caught my eye. I just couldn’t stop watching it playfully fluttering around. At some point, it landed and I thought to myself, that would be great if it were to land on my like our friend. I thought it would be the greatest thing in the world…..guess what?? It landed on some tools that were sitting on a table under the canopy and I gently walked over and slid my finger close to it. I held so still, just hoping. The butterfly alighted on my finger. It just stayed there while my husband took many pictures. Then I began taking pictures. Then I held out my finger to my husband and it went onto his finger, I took a picture of both of our fingers as it made its transition. It was the most beautiful experience ever. I am so thankful. The second time I was at my father’s gravesite and not only did I see a deer that just stood looking at me but a butterfly flew towards me and I held out my finger and once more, a butterfly landed on my finger. This butterfly let me get beautiful pictures (one handedly which was tricky) again I was so thankful. I still see butterflies and get lots of up close pictures. I believe they are not only bringing us peace and meanings of change but of spirits letting us know that not only are they ok but they are watching over us as well. I am truly blessed at 37 years of age.
Comment by Crystal foreverdadsgirl — 7/25/2013 @ 6:20 pm
I was in bobcaygeon Ontario Canada, sitting ln a public beach on a swing and had a monarch land on my right shoulder. It sat there for a good minute then flew away.
Comment by Basia Malota — 8/19/2013 @ 10:53 pm
i had a butterfly land on me today while i was at the park,I was scared but I wouldnt not shew it away ,I looked as the butterfly just sat on my arm and the funny thing is it looked just like the butterfly you posted above,when i came home i googled “what does it mean when a butterfly lands on you” and I was lead to your page.
Comment by katonja — 9/9/2013 @ 10:07 am
Since but a child I have always felt a strong connection to nature, a respect and love for all living things around us. And had always had an attraction to butterflies, waiting for them to land on me, always hoping the one day it would happen. Well, today, it did. I was standing just inside my porch doorway, when a cute little orange butterfly flits its way up to my legs and back about to my lavender plant I have about two feet away, that repeats a couple times and I have this strange sense that if I called to it it would come to me. So I did, it flits over and as its coming up to me I put out my hand. He landed on my thumb. I said hello, and then we just looked at each other for a bit. After about 15 seconds or so he flitted off, and I was left with a very warm and happy feeling inside. Encouraged, as if that is why he had come. To let me know that the changes in my life that are happening are supposed to be, that I am choosing the right path… I’m not sure exactly, but I feel very encouraged and inspired within. And I just can’t stop smiling. :)
Comment by Andrea N. — 9/9/2013 @ 5:31 pm
Hi
I have a relationship with monarchs that I can’t explain. For the last say 5 yrs I have had tons of them in my house, they also come & hibernate in my house every year. Last year I have 5 at one time hibernating in two rooms … How mad is that. I have had numerous occasions where a monarch has come sit on my finger or hand and I am lucky enough to be able to get my phone on occasions & take pictures.
Today was even more special. We are at e start of a cold spell, which has come late this year, although we keep flitting from bitterly cold to quite warm. Early Saturday mornings we always have our granddaughter over while her mum works in a salon. Me & she get the cartoons or a film on & chill out up in our bed while grandad goes down & has some football viewing on the other telly. Id switched the heating on earlier but left the blinds shut so we were all cosy me on the iPad & her watching Madagasca. Noisy fluttering started behind the blinds so I got my phone & opened up the blinds … Addi wasn’t even interested as she’s past that in awe stage due to me having so many butterfly experiences. He was restless and fluttering up & down the window, I didn’t want to open it & let it go as I was worried it was too cold And may kill it. Hubby reckons that he may have been hibernating & because I put the heating on he woke it up. As he was settling I started to speak to him & started to stoke him. I have attempted to stroke others in the past & as they didn’t seem to appreciate it I haven’t continued. Today I started to stroke this one & he didn’t flinch in fact he lifted his wings open & closed a couple of times as a cat would arch it’s back in appreciation ….welcoming the touch. I have it all on video which I have put on face book & YouTube if any of you want to view it . My FB is Lynne sweeney was Jameson just request to friend me so you can view it. I’ve got some of my other pics with monarchs on there too. My YouTube profile is lynziswez and I have titled the video Amazing butterfly stroke with a Monarch … How privileged am I !!!!!
Comment by Lynne sweeney — 10/19/2013 @ 6:02 am
Last summer I had one beautiful butterfly that when I put my hand down on the deck where he had been sitting for about 20 minutes he crawled up my hand up my arm and onto my neck. I was freaking out a little but I also loved it I put him down and the he crawled up on my foot up my leg and onto my chest My husband couldn’t believe it and we figured he must be injured but he flew away and came back a few minutes later. I too believed that this must be my dad revisiting me after having passed away several years ago. He loved nature but never had a major thing for butterfly’s I have several pictures of this episode since it was such an incredible moment for me I truly believe that it was my dad finally making a grand entrance to me in his usual magical style
Comment by Phyllis — 4/29/2014 @ 5:11 pm
9th May 2014, Mother day. I am a Muslim n we don’t really celebrate mother day. My mom past away in March 2014. I was sad, I struggle with school. But i believe sadness is a blessing. A beautiful butterfly landed on my head, on my hijab. I pick it up n smile. It’s so beautiful I greeted the butterfly. It’s been years I last see these butterfly. Perhaps as some say rebirth, born or happiness may be upon me. I miss her. I do not know, but somehow the beauty of the butterfly Really smoothen my mood and somehow colored n replace my sadness.
Al-Fateha to my dear mother, Fatimah Abdullah.
Comment by Maya Izwana Mohamed Ridwan — 5/10/2014 @ 3:26 am
As i write this, i have this lemon yellow butterfly comfortably perched on my left index finger. For 40 odd minutes it was perched on my head in the cafeteria, later when i tried to shoo it away, it didn’t budge. then i slowly ran my finger through my hair and it comfortably shifted to my index. Not sure is it the comfort that is making it sit so still on me or is it some kind of blessing. I am feeling blessed to enjoy this beautiful experience. God bless this tiny beauty. I hope it brings some good tidings for me.
Comment by Ranjita — 6/12/2014 @ 2:40 am