Purple combines elements traditionally associated with blue and red, and it is sometimes viewed symbolically as representing both sadness and love.
For families dealing with the loss of a baby, the color can therefore carry emotional significance.
The Story Behind the Purple Butterfly
The purple butterfly symbol became particularly well known through the story of a family who experienced the loss of one baby from a multiple pregnancy while another baby survived.
A purple butterfly was reportedly used to help explain the family’s circumstances to people entering the hospital room.
The symbol subsequently became associated with the idea of remembering a baby who was lost while honoring the surviving sibling.
Why Hospital Staff May Use Symbols
Hospitals can be busy environments.
Doctors, nurses, technicians, cleaners, volunteers, and visitors may all enter a patient’s room.
It is not practical—or emotionally fair—for grieving parents to repeatedly explain their personal circumstances to every person who enters.
A simple symbol can communicate an important message quickly and discreetly.
For example, it may encourage staff and visitors to:
- Speak sensitively
- Avoid insensitive questions
- Understand the family’s emotional situation
- Recognize that the parents may be grieving
- Give the family appropriate privacy
It Does Not Mean the Baby Is Sick
One of the most important things to understand is that a purple butterfly does not necessarily mean that the newborn is ill.
