Influence of the Dragonfly on Society
Differences in Culture:
The Dragonfly dates back to prehistoric time and has had an influence on human society. Different cultures have had different views of the Dragonfly. Some European cultures have viewed the Dragonfly as being evil and often call them “ear cutters” or “devil’s needle.” One Swedish folk tale says that trolls used the Dragonfly as spindles to weave their clothes and sent them out to poke out the eyes of their enemies. Although Dragonflies are not highly respected in European cultures, in East Asia and among Native Americans the Dragonfly receives a much better response. Among some Native American tribes the Dragonfly represents swiftness and activity. Many Native American tribes also use Dragonflies in their art (pictured to the left). Dragonflies have probably had the greatest impact in Japan where they are seen as symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. They are also often found in art and literature like haiku's. In ancient mythology, Japan was given the name Akitsushima, which meant, “Land of the Dragonflies.”
The Dragonfly dates back to prehistoric time and has had an influence on human society. Different cultures have had different views of the Dragonfly. Some European cultures have viewed the Dragonfly as being evil and often call them “ear cutters” or “devil’s needle.” One Swedish folk tale says that trolls used the Dragonfly as spindles to weave their clothes and sent them out to poke out the eyes of their enemies. Although Dragonflies are not highly respected in European cultures, in East Asia and among Native Americans the Dragonfly receives a much better response. Among some Native American tribes the Dragonfly represents swiftness and activity. Many Native American tribes also use Dragonflies in their art (pictured to the left). Dragonflies have probably had the greatest impact in Japan where they are seen as symbols of courage, strength, and happiness. They are also often found in art and literature like haiku's. In ancient mythology, Japan was given the name Akitsushima, which meant, “Land of the Dragonflies.”
Various Uses of Dragonflies:
Dragonflies have been known to have medicinal uses in places such as Japan and China. In Indonesia and other parts of the world, they have even been used as a food source. They are eaten both in the larval stage and in the adult stage. In Vietnam people use Dragonflies to predict when it will rain. It is said that when the Dragonflies fly at a low level, it is rainy, when they fly at a high level, it is sunny, and when they fly at a mid level, it is shadowy.
Dragonflies have been known to have medicinal uses in places such as Japan and China. In Indonesia and other parts of the world, they have even been used as a food source. They are eaten both in the larval stage and in the adult stage. In Vietnam people use Dragonflies to predict when it will rain. It is said that when the Dragonflies fly at a low level, it is rainy, when they fly at a high level, it is sunny, and when they fly at a mid level, it is shadowy.
Dragonfly as a Spirit Animal and Symbol:
For centuries society has been using the Dragonfly as a spirit animal. As a spirit animal, the Dragonfly represents change, light and transformation. Because the Dragonfly lives the first part of it’s life in the water and then transforms into the second airborne part of it’s life, it is said that when this spirit animal comes into your life you are being called to change and evolve. This change is also represented by the Dragonfly’s ability to swiftly change direction in the air and by its ability to change colors. It is also said that those who have the Dragonfly as their spirit animal are able to take things lightly when most others would not.
In Japan, the Dragonfly is a symbol for rebirth. Some Native American traditions say that the Dragonfly is symbol of the departed souls. Mayan culture says that the Dragonfly is a symbol for the goddess of creativity, Ix Chel. Whatever the symbol, it is clear that human societies around the world view the Dragonfly as important and as an emblem.
For centuries society has been using the Dragonfly as a spirit animal. As a spirit animal, the Dragonfly represents change, light and transformation. Because the Dragonfly lives the first part of it’s life in the water and then transforms into the second airborne part of it’s life, it is said that when this spirit animal comes into your life you are being called to change and evolve. This change is also represented by the Dragonfly’s ability to swiftly change direction in the air and by its ability to change colors. It is also said that those who have the Dragonfly as their spirit animal are able to take things lightly when most others would not.
In Japan, the Dragonfly is a symbol for rebirth. Some Native American traditions say that the Dragonfly is symbol of the departed souls. Mayan culture says that the Dragonfly is a symbol for the goddess of creativity, Ix Chel. Whatever the symbol, it is clear that human societies around the world view the Dragonfly as important and as an emblem.