Bird Symbolism
Meaning of the Bird Symbol

Since times eternal birds have been associated with eternity and the heavens, due in most part to their connection with the sky.

Birds have been thought of as a supernatural connection between heaven and the Earth.

There are several bird species that have a symbolic meaning.

This page will provide you with many birds that have symbolism involved in their meaning.

In Asia and countries close to Asia, birds are associated with immortality.

Here are some popular birds which are viewed as symbols of something in many cultures.

Crane Symbolism

The crane symbolizes health, long-life, happiness, and also good luck.

In Asia in particular the crane symbolizes immortality, and long-life. The Crane is also the Chinese symbol for wisdom and is often called the blessed-crane or heavenly crane. Amazingly, crane's eggs were used to make magic potions, and those that drank them supposedly were granted eternal life.

In several parts of the world, cranes are known as the messengers of the gods. Cranes are very good at killing snakes, which made them in Christian's eyes as an enemy of the devil.

Cranes have long annual migrations, this fact made them symbols of endurance. The cranes returned each year in the spring and this made cranes symbolic of resurrection.

Hummingbird Symbolism

The hummingbird symbolizes many different things. Because of its speed, the hummingbird is known as a messenger and stopper of time.

The hummingbird is also a symbol of love, joy, and beauty. The hummingbird is able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But, this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward. When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savor each moment, and appreciate the things we love.

Sparrow Symbolism

The sparrow is known as a symbol of the mother goddess, rebirth, and the resurrection.

In Christianity the sparrow symbolizes the concern of God for the least among all people, which are nevertheless, under the protection of God, for even the sparrow came to the Earth only through the will of God.

Twelve sparrows can represent the twelve apostles. Some Gospels, relate the story of the child Jesus, forming twelve sparrows out of the clay of a riverbank and giving them life.

Geese Symbolism

Geese are known by some cultures as a way to help rid ourselves of the difficulties of the past. Geese can help us by expanding our imagination, and they can expand our desire to live our lives to their full potential. Geese are loyal birds, and if one of them were to be injured, 2 of its companions will follow it to a place of safety.

Some people keep geese outside their homes to use them as an early alarm call should any intruders be on the prowl. That is another reason why geese are known to symbolize "being protective", and intuitive.

Peacock Symbolism

It has often been believed that keeping peacock feathers in your house will bring you bad luck, so there is the first symbol that peacocks stand for, bad luck.

Another symbol the peacock stands for is renewal. The reason for that is that the feathers of the entire tail of a peacock are renewed each year.

Some cultures believe that a peacock or 2 peacocks stand guard at the entrance to the Gates of Heaven. Peacocks are also known to be a symbol of the immortality of Jesus Christ.

To the buddhist, peacocks symbolize wisdom.

While Native Americans believe that the peacock is a symbol wholeness, beauty, and dignity.

Now for the Greeks beliefs about the peacock, read the following myth about the peacock in Greek mythology.

Owl Symbolism

To many cultures the owl is a symbol of death and darkness, but also a symbol of wisdom, insight, and virtue.

The hoot of an own symbolizes disappointments and warns that death or deceit is creeping closer in the wake of joy and health. A deceased owl symbolizes a narrow escape from sickness and death.

Due to the fact that the owl hides in darkness and is afraid of the light, it has been known to symbolize the devil, or the prince of darkness if you will.

The occasional presence of the Owl in scenes of the Crucifixion is due to the Owl's ancient attribute of wisdom, and with this meaning, it represents Christ, Who sacrificed Himself to save all of mankind.

Hawk Symbolism

As a high-flying raptor, the hawk shares much of the symbolism of the eagle. It is associated with light, royalty, power, the sun, watchfulness, and the heavens. Many solar gods have the hawk as an attribute or messenger. Gods portrayed in the form of hawks or as being hawk-headed are almost always sun gods. Like the eagle, the true hawk was thought capable of staring directly into the sun.

Pigeon Symbolism

The pigeon represents a youthful generation. Dwelling in the cities, literally and symbolically feeding off the life of the urban society, the pigeon shows us the ignorance, humor, and pleasantly lost culture of the young. Have patience with pigeons. Yes, they leave behind their droppings. Yes, they harrass you for food. They have to live too; they have to evolve, so give the pigeons room.

Eagle Symbolism

The eagle is known to many cultures as a symbol of power, resurrection, and bravery.

For the longest time the eagle has been connected with the sun and heaven. Because of this the eagle symbolizes resurrection and rebirth.

The Bible identifies the Eagle as a sign of God's power over the wicked. Because of the constant care and protection it provides to it's offspring; God's loving care of the Israelite's was compared to that of the eagle.

In Greek and Roman times, the Eagle was referred to as a God or "The King of Birds". In Roman art, the flight of the Eagle, was described as the soul ascending toward heaven.

Dove Symbolism

Dove symbolism has been around for hundreds of years. This page will give you the history and the meaning of the dove symbol. Doves, which are in fact domesticated rock pigeons, are a well known Christian symbol of love and peace.

The story of Noah's ark is one of the best examples of how the dove symbol was integrated in Christian history as a symbol of peace. In the biblical story, a dove was released by Noah after the flood in order to find dry land, the dove came back carrying an olive leaf in its mouth, this fact let Noah know that there was dry land nearby. Ever since then Christians have used Noah's dove as a symbol for peace. There have been other stories that predate Noah's ark that relate the dove with peace, but the most important beginning of the dove as a symbol for peace was the Noah's ark story.

In Christian beliefs, a dove also symbolizes the Holy Spirit, this is in reference to a couple of important biblical stories where the Holy Spirit is shown as a dove descending from heaven at the baptism of Jesus. In Rome early Christians incorporated the dove into their funerary art, the image of a dove carrying an olive branch often joined by the word "Peace"was used. It would seem that the early Christians derived this symbolism from the Gospels, they combined the symbol of the dove with the symbol of the olive branch, this symbol has been used to represent peace by the Greeks and Romans.

The dove and olive branch have also appeared many times in Christian images of Noah's ark.