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There is a widespread belief that moths represent bad omens; however, moths can symbolize many different concepts that are not inherently negative or unlucky. When analyzing moth symbolism in literature or other forms of media, think about the cultural or spiritual background of the creator and the audience.
Moths are often symbolic of positive transformation because they fly in the dark of night towards light. In some traditions, moths are seen as a symbol of a holy union of light and dark needed for a soul's transformation.
Moths with certain colors can represent specific concepts. Here are a few examples of color symbolism and moths:
Moths can also represent caution due to their ability to disguise themselves or change color to hide from predators.
Moths can symbolize unconditional love and trust. In England, if white moths visit a "spinster," she is said to find true love. In some cultures, such as Chinese and Celtic cultures, moths are believed to carry messages from loved ones.
However, in Navajo tribe, moths are considered symbols of love as well as temptation or foolishness.
Moths are essential pollinators, alike to bees and butterflies. Therefore, they can represent fertility — although, this does not strictly mean fertility in the biological sense, as moths can also symbolize financial or career growth.
Click through the tabs above to view the examples of moths used in literature.
It takes years for the moth to evolve from an egg into an adult,” he said. “In its final stage the caterpillar spins a cocoon and then it dissolves completely until it’s just liquid, then it transforms. It becomes something else entirely. A huge emperor moth. But it’s not that easy. Before it can live as a moth it has to fight it’s way out of the cocoon. Not all make it.”
“They would if I was there,” said Ruth, taking another gulp.
Gabriel was uncharacteristically silent.
“What? What is it?” demanded Ruth.
“They need to fight their way out of the cocoon. It builds their wings and muscles. It’s the struggle that saves them. Without it they’re crippled. If you help an emperor moth, you kill it.
In the excerpt above, the moth represents patience and resilience. The speakers are discussing the life cycle of the emperor moth, but there is an emphasis on the moth's struggle to make it out alive in the world by itself.
Click through the tabs above to view the examples of moths used in literature.
Adrift in the liberating, late light
of August, delicate, frivolous,
they make their way to my front porch
and flutter near the glassed-in bulb,
translucent as a thought suddenly
wondered aloud, illumining the air
that's thick with honeysuckle and dusk.
You and I are doing our best
at conversation, keeping it light, steering clear
of what we'd like to say.
You leave, and the night becomes
cluttered with moths, some tattered,
their dumbly curious filaments
startling against my cheek. How quickly,
instinctively, I brush them away.
Dazed, they cling to the outer darkness
like pale reminders of ourselves.
Others seem to want so desperately
to get inside. Months later, I'll find
the woolens, snug in their resting places,
full of missing pieces.
In the poem above, moths symbolize the loss of love, or the remnants of fleeting love. The moths serve as a reminder that the speaker's guest has left.
