Butterflies can symbolize many things:

Change
Fertility
Joy
Freedom
Dance
Creativity
Divine Inspiration
Rebirth
Transformation
Spring
Hope
Potential
Life
Good luck
Protection
The existance of Creator

Butterflies have been known as:

A dream carrier
A bringer of sleep
A bringer of news
Magical or mythical beings
The soul
A reincarnated being

Butterfly symbolism around the world

To Christians, the butterfly's metamorphoses is symbolic new life. The chrysalis or cocoon resembles the tomb and the butterfly represents the resurrection into a new and glorious life.

The Greeks placed golden butterflies in their tombs as a symbol of resurrection, new life, and immortality.

In Ancient Greece the word Psyche meant "butterfly" and "soul." It was also the name of a mythical beauty who was often portrayed with the wings of a butterfly.

There is a Native American legend that says -
If you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted.

The sighting of swarms of southward migrating butterflies (especially Monarchs) some believe, are a sign that cold weather is on it's way.

Among some tribes of Mexico the butterfly is a symbol of the fertility of the earth.

In the Solomon Islands, a dying man has a choice as to what he will become at death and often chooses a butterfly.

The Aztecs believed the souls of warriors killed in battle fluttered down to earth in the form of butterflies and hummingbirds to enjoy the flowers of the fields.

In Japanese superstition, the appearance of a colorful butterfly warns of visitors or a death in the family; white butterflies are the souls of the dead.

In China, a young lover might be portrayed as a butterfly drinking from delicate flowers which symbolize his beloved. If his beloved dies, she may been seen rising from the grave in the form of a butterfly. A jade butterfly suggests a wedding of souls, making it an appropriate gift for the groom to give to his bride.

Among the Nagas of Assam the dead are believed to go through a series of transformations in the underworld and are finally reborn as butterflies. When the butterfly dies, that is the end of the soul forever.

Celts thought that women became pregnant by swallowing butterfly souls. These butterfly-souls flew about seeking a new mother.

An Irish Blessing
May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun.
And find your shoulder to light on.
To bring you luck, happiness and riches.
Today, tomorrow and beyond.