The Symbol of a Dragonfly

Dragonflies have been on the earth for 300 million years. That’s over 50 million years before dinosaurs existed! The Dragonfly has a special meaning for many people.

As a symbol of protection

Indigenous Americans lived closely with the natural world. Each part of Nature had a special significance. Dragonflies were considered to be species of sacred birds rather than insects (5) and one of the mysterious elements of creation. Pictures of dragonflies were often painted onto people and horses, or sewn as beadwork on clothing. This was thought to summon the dragonfly’s power of protection (2). 

As a totem or ‘spirit animal’  

Animal totem’s or symbolism is the idea that spirit guides assist and speak to humans through the form or animals. This idea is found in many cultures in the world (3). As a spirit animal, the dragonfly represents having the wisdom and resilience to adapt to change.

Because the dragonfly changes form throughout its life, it represents becoming your true self through transformation (4). The dragonfly also represents a connection to nature and the ability to see the true nature of situations (3). 

As a representation of joy

In Japan, the dragonfly is the national symbol and represents joy and rebirth. There are 172 dragonfly species in Japan (6) and in ancient times, Japan was named "Akitsu shima", meaning "Dragonfly's Island" (7)

In Mayan folklore, the dragonfly is the animal of the goddess of creativity, Ix Chel (4).

References

1. British Dragonfly Society (2019) Discovering Dragonflies Day, 28.02.2021 https://british-dragonflies.org.uk/event/discovering-dragonflies-day/

2. Green, R. (2012). The dragonfly motif in plains Indian art. Whispering Wind, American Psychological Association 6th Edition, 41(3), PP 4-7

3. Gunn, C (2017) Totem Animals, Orion Publishing Group, London

4. Harris, E (2021) Dragonfly Spirit Animal & Totem, Sprit Animal, 28.02.2021 https://www.spiritanimal.info/dragonfly-spirit-animal/

5. Keyser, J.D. (2013) The Dragonfly Shield at Writing-On-Stone, Whispering Wind; Vol. 41, Iss. 6, PP 10-13

6. Miller, J. (2015) The Significance of the Dragonfly in Japan, The Dragonfly in Japanese Culture, 28.02.2021 https://jamiemillerdragonfly.weebly.com/