The dealan-dhe' is an Irish term which is used to refer to a butterfly, but also takes several other meanings. It is also the brightness or lightning of the Gods, or it may be used to refer to a burning stick that is shaken back and forth to create the need-fire.

The need-fire is often central to Irish thought. When a fire is created and burned for three nights upon a piece of land, that land belong to the person who created that fire. This is the fire of the householder, which is also the fire of man. At Beltaine the household fire is rekindled in every hearth in Ireland from a central fire.

Another reference between fire and butterflies can be seen within the term tiene-dhe', with the usage of tiene meaning fire. This term refers both to the butterfly and to the fire of the Gods.

The significance of the butterfly in Irish folklore attributes it as the soul and thus it has the ability to cross into the Otherworld. It is also a symbol of transformation and creation.