Red Dragonfly Meaning & Symbolism (Courage & Love)

The red dragonfly is a highly significant symbol in many cultures, particularly in Japanese and Native American Indian cultures, and is considered as a symbol of courage, strength, happiness, eternal love and rejuvenation.

If you see a red dragonfly it is a sign that you are making the right choices in your life, and you will come out of any negative situation you may be in stronger, happier and more fulfilled.

Be sure to honor the red dragonfly when it shows itself to you and consider how the message it is sending can be applied to your situation.

Red Dragonfly Meaning & Symbolism

Red Dragonfly Meaning

1. Courage

The red dragonfly holds a special spot of significance in Japanese culture. It has long been held as a symbol of courage.

If you see a red dragonfly, particularly in person it could be considered to be a sign that you have been extremely courageous and overcome a great obstacle in your path.

This may have been a mental challenge, or a physical obstacle which you needed to be brave to overcome.

If you have felt disheartened by a lack of praise or encouragement following the obstacle, be sure to know that the red dragonfly is a sign that your courage has been noticed and recognized by all those close to you.

If you are experiencing an inner conflict or have been holding on to a lot of stress or anxiety, the red dragonfly could be a symbol that you need to embrace your inner sense of courage and bravery to overcome the feelings. Be sure to consider the outcome that you will be rewarded with if you are courageous and bold.

2. Strength

The red dragonfly is a symbol of great strength of both body and mind. If you are seeing a red dragonfly it can be a sign that you have exercised extreme mental fortitude and strength in an issue you have been facing.

Perhaps you stuck true to your values or stood up to a friend. Whatever the situation, your strength is a testament to your nature, and something to be proud of.

In Japanese culture, when someone is needing to find some strength to overcome an obstacle, many see the red dragonfly as a symbol that the strength is within you and ready to be utilized to overcome the issue at hand.

If you are dreaming of a red dragonfly, particularly multiple nights in a row it is a sign that you need to dig deep within yourself to have the strength and courage needed to be true to yourself. The red dragonfly is a strong symbol which should be celebrated.

Related Article: Dead Dragonfly Symbolic Meaning and Symbolism

3. Happiness

The red dragonfly is considered to be a symbol of happiness and serenity. In moments of struggle or despair, the red dragonfly is a sign that the best is yet to come, almost like a beacon of hope.

If you are in a rough patch and see a red dragonfly, it can be a sign that everything is going to get better soon. It may take time, but before you know it life will feel happy again.

Many children in Japan will craft red dragonflies in class, as a symbol of happiness, joy and excitement. It is a very light-hearted symbol, which serves as a reminder to stay joyful and positive in situations.

If you are seeing a red dragonfly, it may be appearing simply to remind you to look at the bright side in each situation, and not be so focused on the negatives. Take a leaf from the dragonfly’s book and try viewing the world in a positive light.

Related: Happiness Metaphors

4. Rejuvenation

The Native American Indians believe the red dragonfly is a sign of rejuvenation and rebirth after hardship, and that at the end of each negative event the red dragonfly will appear to show that good things will come from each negative.

The Native American Indians believe the red dragonfly is a paradox, in that it means both darkness and light. In that, without darkness, we would not be able to experience pure and full happiness.

In presenting itself to you after a hardship, the red dragonfly is proving to you that life is full of ups and downs, but you will come out of the situation refreshed, rejuvenated and ready for anything.

5. Eternal Love

The red dragonfly is a symbol of an eternal love and is commonly used in wedding or elopement ceremonies.

The red dragonfly is considered to be a positive omen for a couple who are committing to one another that their love will be powerful and eternal. Many cultures believe the sight of a red dragonfly on the day of or around a wedding is a symbol that the marriage will be fruitful, successful and happy until the couple’s death.

If you dream of a red dragonfly, particularly if you are in a relationship, it can be a sign that you are in a deep and true love, which will stand the test of time.

If you have been having relationship issues the red dragonfly could be a timely symbol for you to work through them and work out what is truly important for you both.

Take the time to reflect by journaling or being in nature on what is important for you and take the red dragonfly as a symbol to do what your heart truly wants.

Red Dragonfly Symbolism (Summary)

Red Dragonfly SymbolismMeaning
1. CourageThe red dragonfly holds a special spot of significance in Japanese culture. It has long been held as a symbol of courage.
2. StrengthThe red dragonfly is a symbol of great strength of both body and mind. If you are seeing a red dragonfly it can be a sign that you have exercised extreme mental fortitude and strength in an issue you have been facing.
3. HappinessThe red dragonfly is considered to be a symbol of happiness and serenity. In moments of struggle or despair, the red dragonfly is a sign that the best is yet to come, almost like a beacon of hope.
4. RejuvenationThe Native American Indians believe the red dragonfly is a sign of rejuvenation and rebirth after hardship, and that at the end of each negative event the red dragonfly will appear to show that good things will come from each negative.
5. Eternal LoveThe red dragonfly is a symbol of an eternal love and is commonly used in wedding or elopement ceremonies.

Conclusion

The red dragonfly is a highly symbolic creature, which shows us that through every darkness there will be light. It is a sign to take the good with the bad, and not dwell on negatives in our life.

If you are strong and have courage you will be able to come out of any difficult situation in your life as a stronger and happier person. Be true to yourself and spend time in nature, with loved ones and with your mind. The red dragonfly is a timely reminder to enjoy life and all it has to offer.