A dragon fly can stand for a number of things symbolically. For instance a pair of mating dragon flies is believed to have been a symbol of love. The most important dragon fly symbolism however is found in Japan. One of the ancient names of Japan was Akitsu-shimu which meant Dragonfly Island. It was the official symbol of a Japanese warrior clan approximately sixteen hundred years ago and was later adopted by the Emperor of all Japan as his official emblem. Japanese farmers associated the dragon fly as the rice plant's spirit. In Japan they find a special place and symbolize joy and light. In England the dragon flies were for a long time considered dangerous and evil. They got the nickname of horse stingers as they hovered near horses. The Native Americans believed them to be souls of those who have passed.