what do dragonflies represent?
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In Paganism, they are...\n\nAccording to Animal Wisdom by Jessica Dawn Palmer:\nOf the South\nOf the Air Element\nAssociated with Mystery, Mirage, Deception and protection received thereby, magick, the land of faeries
5004
It means good luck. The Orientals way back when used to keep them in special gilded aquarians. True. Not kidding.\nSo are spiders. Not the biting or poisonous kinds, of course. Daddy long legs and mantis I used to keep. (I didn't kill them in other words.)
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You know there's no real answer, but here goes..\n\nIn Chinese culture dragons are symbolic of all sorts of good things.  They are not fire-breathing menaces that need to be killed.  They are symbols of good luck and mostly things like fertility, both human and agricultural, and bumper crops, and this kind of thing.  Chinese dragons are in fact symbols for rain, since that what makes the crops grow.\n\nSo if Chinese dragons breathe out anything, it has to be raindrops.
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Damsel flies feed on other insects, as do their relatives the dragonflies. They fly during the day and sleep at night. Some species do fly in dark areas of forests only, though still during the day. Odanates (dragonflies and damselflies) are really cool bugs. They can display amazing colors. They can be amazingly fierce hunters, taking insects larger than themselves. For some great damselfly photos see http://www.martinreid.com/Odonata%20website/dragind.html
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Dragons have been depicted throughout history as guardians, messengers, destroyers, and the embodiment of Christian evil. None of that really matters in the 21st century.\n\nDepending upon what specific dragon(s) your collection represents, they could be either...or none. \n\nYour dragon art, in itself, is not evil...any more than a framed print of Gustave Dore's work from The Divine Comedy would be evil.\n\nPeople that look at a piece of art and declare it is evil really need to relax and keep their opinions to themselves.
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♡The other answers already have some great info! I live in Japan too so let me try to answer your Q. the best I can from what I know. This image is used for Japanese Congratulations- omedetou おめでとう (omedetai) and good fortune, prosperity and good luck as well. It has a GOOD meaning. When I was married to my hubby here in Japan, some of our wedding "gifts" were wrapped in Japanese cloth with this image. The bird is a crane, as everyone already said and is the symbol of longevity, long continuance. The kanji is for the word "crane" (bird) - "tsuru" 鶴　as also mentioned, in Japanese. The tree is a "Pine" (tree), or "matsu" 松. (It's part of my last name!) The center circle is the sun, often seen in such scenes. This design can be found on some wedding kimono in Japan as well as Japanese screens, decorative plates (I have one) and dishes. It's rather beautiful and I think it would be a gorgeous tattoo! Hope this helps!♡ EDIT: The small red symbol under the big black kanji is just the "hanko"- Japanese stamp of perhaps the artist. Not really part of the design.
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DRAGON HEART SIGNIFIES TWO ASPECTS...BRAVERY AND GOODNESS OF HEART INSIDE  A FORMIDABLE BODY...\nIF YOU SUM IT UP..IT ALSO SUGGESTS THAT BRAVERY AND HAVING A NOBLE HEART GO HAND IN HAND...A BAD PERSON CAN NEVER BE TRULY BRAVE...
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According to ancient texts and the oracle, snakes in dreams are a warning or different kinds of problems, obstacles and treachery. Snakes are a powerful ancient symbol with many meanings. They can mean power of sexuality and can also convey healing and wisdom. In the negative aspect they imply cunning and deceit. \n\nThe snake is a phallic symbol in its psychological interpretation. If you see a long snake coiled all over your body it means that you could be enslaved by your sexual passions or repressions. If you see yourself trying to throw the coiled snake off your body and fling him far but do not succeed, it denotes treachery where and when you least expect it. \n\nIf you dream that a snake bites you it means that you will have to face a period of real hard times and struggle against events and circumstances. A snake ready to strike means treachery from one you least expected; killing it means victory over enemies \n\nIf you find yourself surrounded by numerous snakes of all kinds, and are unable to kill more than one or two, it means that you are in extreme danger of being back stabbed by someone you trust the most. If you manage to kill them all and /or get rid of them it means that no matter what the opposition or how hostile, you will succeed in overcoming it. \n\nIf you walk over innumerable snakes without getting bitten it means that finally you will come out the winner by turning the tables successfully on your enemies and those who are trying to harm you. \n\nIf you see yourself playing with snakes , it means that you are in bad company and unprincipled friends and associates will lead you astray endangering your reputation and causing you losses. \n\nIf you see a snake charmer at his job in your dream it means that you will have to defend your name and reputation against malicious gossip. \n\nAdder \nThis poisonous snake warns of deceit, back stabbing and betrayal from friends and loved ones. There could be loss of prestige through deceit of others. If you see yourself killing this snake, it means that you will destroy your enemies and triumph over them. \n\nCobra \nIf the snake is a Cobra, it is a definite warning to watch out for and guard against accidents in the next few weeks. \n\n\nRattlesnake \nAs one would expect this dangerous snake in a dream is a symbol of unsuspected treachery from someone you trust, but if you heard its warning rattle and/or avoided its strike, you are likely to forestall the hostile manoeuvres. If it bit you, you must be prepared for a fight \n\nPython \nThis big snake signifies that someone is trying to snow you by intimidation. No matter how strong the pressure, stand your ground and victory will be yours. \n\nHiss \nTo hear or see a snake hiss in your dream is a warning that you will have to control your temper and/or your impulsive actions in order to avoid antagonizing someone whose respect you value. Human hissing is a dream of contrary. If you did it, you can expect to be caught in an embarrassing situation; but if you were hissed at, your progress toward your goal may be slow but it will be steady. \n\nA snake, being the ages old symbol of evil or Satan who beguiled Eve in the garden of Eden, so bringing about the downfall of man, makes it a bad omen to have one show up in a dream. To see a lone snake and feel threatened by it shows that you have a bad enemy that is even then working against you, it also a warning against bodily harm from an enemy. To dream of many snakes in a pit is the foreboding of much bad luck in love or business.\n\nHope this helps!
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In a religious/philisophical context, flowers symbolize renewal.  Either renewal of the body or of the soul. Also, perennial plants (ones which flower yearly) are analogus to the religious doctrine of ressurection.    A lot has to do with the ancient's perception of illness and the role that plants/flowers played in that.  Medicinal plants/flowers restored ill people to health, so there is a subconscious need to maintain a "relationship" with flowers/plants.  I know that this is a little disjointed, but I'm just giving you the tip of the iceberg to work with.\n\nGood Luck
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Probably a komodo dragon or crocodile. Most people don't know what a komodo dragon is so I have included a link with some pictures.
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nice! i get along great with people that have this combination, even my husband has this combination.\n\nthe dragon is one of the most powerful and lucky Signs of the chinese zodiac. its warm heart makes the dragon's brash, fiery energy far more palatable. this is a giving, intelligent and tenacious sign that knows exactly what it wants and is determined to get it. dragons possess a certain natural, charming charisma that ensures they can always influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. this sign is truly blessed, too; dragons are considered to be very lucky in love! the dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say and when it comes to dispensing advice, the dragon has the floor.\n\nthose of you born under the influence of the chinese element Fire burn through life with your fierce charm, your impulsive enthusiasm and your restless emotions. a natural leader, you inspire with your decisive action and dramatic expression; people can't help but be magnetically drawn to you. where will you lead your followers? likely into an exciting adventure of some sort. you're instinctual, but your mind sparks with new ideas and clever solutions. \n\nto read more, click links by source
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Fireflies are beetles in the order Coleoptera.  Moths and butterflies are in the order Lepidoptera.  There are several families of moths and several families of butterflies.  \n\nThey are all in different families and the terms are broad enough to encompass several families.
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You answered the question urself\nBUTTERfly..........DRAGONfly
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_(zodiac)
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In Chinese mythology there are five types of dragon:-\n\n   1. Those guarding the gods and emperors\n   2. Those controlling the wind and rain\n   3. Earthly dragons which deepened the rivers and seas\n   4. Guardians of hidden treasure\n   5. The first dragon\n\nThe First dragon appeared to the mythical emperor Fu-hsi, and filled the hole in the sky made by the monster Kung Kung. Its waking, sleeping and breathing determined day and night. Season and weather.\n\nThere are many differences between the classical dragon and the Chinese dragon, these include the ability to fly even without wings, shape-shifting abilities, and of course the general benevolent behaviour to the populace.\n\nThe Chinese dragon is made up of nine entities. The head of camel, the eyes of a demon, the ears of a cow, the horns of a stag, the neck of a snake, it's belly a clam's, it's claws that of an eagle, while the soles of his feet are that of a tiger, and the 117 scales that cover it's body are that of a carp.\n\nThe Chinese dragon has four claws as standard, but the Imperial dragon has five, this is to identify it above the lesser classes. Anyone other than the emperor using the 5 claw motif was put to death.\n\nThe Chinese dragon (Lung) was a divine bringer of rain, necessary for the good of the people. Throughout Chinese history the dragon has been equated with weather. It is said that some of the worst floodings were caused when a mortal has upset a dragon. The dragon was also a symbol of the emperor whose wisdom and divine power assured the well-being of his subjects. Many legends draw connections between the dragon and the emperor. Some emperors claimed to have descended from the dragon.\n\nChinese dragons of myth could make themselves as large as the universe or as small as a silkworm. They could also change color and disappear in a flash. They rise to the skies in the spring and plunge into the waters in the autumn.\n\nAncient China Dragon occupies a very important position in Chinese mythology. It shows up in arts, literature, poetry, architecture, songs, and many aspects of the Chinese conscience. The origin of Chinese dragons is unknown, but certainly pre-dates the written history. \n\nIn the mythology of various Oriental countries, notably Japan and China, the dragon is the supreme spiritual power, the most ancient emblem in Oriental mythology and the most ubiquitous motif in Oriental art. Dragons represent celestial and terrestrial power, wisdom, and strength. They reside in water and bring wealth and good luck and, in Chinese belief, rainfall for crops. The dragon in traditional Chinese New Year's Day parades is believed to repel evil spirits that would spoil the new year. The five-clawed dragon became the Chinese Imperial emblem (the four-clawed being the common dragon). The three-clawed dragon is the Japanese dragon.
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The Red Dragon of Wales, is the symbol of resurgent Wales. The Red Dragon was originally a griffin on the standard of a Roman legion ... \nSorry couldn't tell you more about it.\ngood luck on finding the whole story.\nTry different searchengines, it must be out there somewhere.
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Dream analysis is something only you can do. Early psychologists like Freud tried to analyze dreams, but they relied on universal symbols which ended up being wayyyy to culturally (and individually even) constrained. For instance, in Western culture, a dragon may mean something scary or creepy, huge, destructive. The chineese see the dragon as a playful symbol of good luck. So if you dream about a dragon what does it mean? Maybe that you had heartburn.