Bird #1: Vultures They feed on dead animals and are always around death, so they symbolize the demise of a loved one. This representation often applies to a dream, but also real life when vultures find their way to your house.
Many people believe seeing a cardinal is a “sign” that those who have passed are with us in spirit. These people believe that the redbird is carrying a message from a deceased mother, father, sister, brother or friend. The bird is seen as a go-between from the great beyond to those still here on Earth.
Hawaiian myth includes birds named Halulu, Kiwa'a, and Iwa, who carry souls to heaven (Beckwith, 1970, p. 91).
Certain animals such as crows, cats, owls, moths, vultures and bats are associated with death; some because they feed on carrion, others because they are nocturnal. Along with death, vultures can also represent transformation and renewal.
The phoenix bird symbolizes immortality, resurrection and life after death, and in ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology it is associated with the sun god. According to the Greeks, the bird lives in Arabia, near a cool well.
The Aderyn y corph (a.k.a. Corpse bird) is a bird from Welsh folklore who portends death.
In Finnish folklore there is something known as the Sielulintu, which literally means soul-bird. The Sielulinu was believe to bring children their souls when they were born, and carry it away again when they died. Birds on a tombstone in Helsinki. But the Sielulintu did more than deliver souls, it also protected them.
Additionally, ankhs were traditionally placed in sarcophagi to ensure life after death. While the ankh is a widely known hieroglyph, its origins are somewhat unclear.
The ankh's association with the afterlife made it an especially potent symbol for the Coptic Christians of Egypt in the 4th century CE who took it as their own.
The ankh remains an important symbol in modern times, and it continues to be associated with life, fertility, protection, and the afterlife. It is a popular design for jewelry and other decorative items, and it is frequently used in modern art and pop culture.
Robin. In ancient Europe, robins symbolized divine sacrifice and rebirth. This bird was also associated with spring and the coming of the new year.
To see a Robin flying can indicate a symbol of renewal, passion and new beginnings. They also represent patience and wisdom. The Stork symbolises rebirth or new life. It is thought to represent new physical or spiritual beginnings.
The Holy Spirit as a Dove
Perhaps the most powerful avian symbol is the dove representing the Holy Spirit, which can be found throughout the art of the Basilica.
Cranes are often considered a symbol of everlasting love, youth, happiness, good fortune, and longevity. They are symbols of royalty, grace, and balance. Additionally, these birds symbolize eternal loyalty.
The raven symbolizes prophecy, insight, transformation, and intelligence. It can also represent long-term success in love and finding devoted, faithful partners. Ravens are happier when they are with one person over a group.
All in all, crows represent death, danger, misfortune, and illness but also rebirth, self-reflection, intelligence, and loyalty, and as such can be both good and bad omens, depending on the culture and beliefs. They have carved their place into mythology, literature, and popular culture.
The skull symbolizes death in many cultures. It reminds us that everyone is just a bone underneath, indicating that life is fleeting and uncertain. People carry candles during funerals, memorials, and other events related to death. Candles are also a symbol of peace.
1. Ouroboros. Ouroboros is a Greek serpent who represents death and rebirth. It is a snake eating its tail, depicting the circle of life.
The Ankh
The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol that represents life, death, and rebirth. The ankh is often depicted with a looped cross at the top, representing eternity and immortality.
The phoenix is a mythical bird found in Greek, Egyptian, and Chinese mythology. Known for its ability to be reborn from its own ashes, the phoenix symbolizes resurrection, renewal, and eternal life. This powerful symbol serves as a reminder of the potential for transformation and rebirth in our own lives.
A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine. In ancient Greece the sick would go to be healed at shrines called “asklepieia” where priests often used sacred serpents in their ceremonies.
The phoenix is a mythical bird that dies by fire, then rises from its own ashes after 500 years! Thus it symbolizes renewed life.
A cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed. When you see one, it means they are visiting you. They usually show up when you most need them or miss them.
Birds symbolize key aspects of spirituality, writes Lesley Morrison in "The Healing Wisdom of Birds: An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism." They symbolize freedom, expansiveness, and keen vision. Specific kinds of birds also convey different symbolic meanings.
The legend of the caladrius, a bird with prognostic and healing powers, first appeared in early Indian writings as the haridruva - a yellow bird that cured jaundice. In classical Greek mythology it was a nondescript bird but in the medieval bestiaries it became pure white.