Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience that can leave us feeling lost and searching for signs of connection. For centuries, birds have been seen as messengers between the earthly and spiritual realms, and many cultures believe that certain birds carry special symbolism when it comes to death and the afterlife. If you find comfort in nature’s signs, here are 8 birds that are said to symbolize the death of a loved one.
The Symbolism of the Owl in Death and Spirituality
There are a great number of people who are comforted by the sight of an owl. The owl’s stoic and watchful posture exudes an air of wisdom and constancy that many people find reassuring. It is unsurprising that many cultures hold the owl in high regard due to its link to wisdom and spirituality.
However, some consider it to be an omen of a loved one’s death. This is especially true in the case of aboriginal cultures, where the owl is seen as a mediator between the physical world and the spiritual world among other things.
Considering the strength of feelings about the owl, it’s best to take a moment to reflect on what you’ve experienced before jumping to any conclusions. What emotions does the owl evoke? Have you previously associated the bird with a particular individual? What does the owl mean to you? They are all questions that help you put your experience into perspective.
The Crow: A Bird of Omen and Transformation
Many people around the world believe that crows are omens of death because of their dark black feathers, but they are also seen as symbols of transformation. This is why you will often find stories about crows in many cultures. For example, in Japan, crows are believed to be the guide for the dead and their koan is often associated with transformation. Where as in Russia and Spain, they are consider to be bringers of good luck and protection.
Sometimes, they are also believed to be the guardians or bringers of spiritual knowledge, and at other times they are regarded as carriers of the soul. With all these beliefs, it is no wonder that people believe that seeing a crow is usually an indication of change or transformation, rather than a simple omen of grief or death.
The Cardinal: A Symbol of Love and Presence
The cardinal is known for its distinctive red plumage. In the world of birds, the cardinal stands for love and relationships. Throughout history, cardinals have been a symbol of passion and strength. In the case of death, cardinals often represent a sign from someone who has passed.
In the 1980s, Dr. Harold W. Wolff, a neurologist, wrote about a personal experience with cardinals in his book A Psychic Study of the Music of the Spheres. After losing his wife, he began to notice cardinals all over his property. This sparked his interest in parapsychology, and he started to document any other strange events that happened whenever he saw cardinals.
Many people claim that cardinals are messengers from heaven or loved ones. They are often seen at funerals and usually appear to those who are mourning. In Catholicism, cardinals represent hope, faith, and eternal life. The red color represents the blood of Christ, which is why they are often used to signify Jesus’ love for humanity.
The Raven: A Bird of Mystery and Connection to the Otherworld
There are a lot of cultural depictions of ravens: myths, legends, and stories. But to us, the raven best represents the idea of one family member watching over another. This symbolism was first documented in a medieval Christian legend. The legend claims that a 13th-century saint, Saint Benedict, had a twin sister. When the sister passed away, the saint saw her soul turning into a blackbird flying away to heaven. This particular legend led to the crow and raven being associated with the dead, and eventually turned into one of the most famous English superstitions:
- When someone dies, a crow or raven flies over their house
Because of this, we have to be careful when discussing the symbolism behind the raven in relation to death. For many people, this bird may remind them of their deceased loved one. But there is another side to the bird with a similar cultural attachment to it. And it comes from our Native American ancestors.
For them, the raven was a representative of transition and change. They saw this bird as a bird of mystery, and they saw the Earth as a portal to another world. This belief is still present in some Native American cultures today.
To them, seeing a raven is something special and it’s an important sign to watch out for.
The Dove: A Symbol of Peace and the Spirit
It is widely known that doves are symbols of peace, love, and the spirit. The dove often represents spiritual renewal and rebirth in many religions. It is believed that seeing a dove can represent the spirit of a loved one, particularly if it approaches you in a calm manner or if it appears to be staring directly at you. If it is the spirit of a loved one, don’t be surprised if the dove appears to make contact by looking directly into your eyes.
It is also believed that doves can lead a soul into the afterlife. The bible describes the holy spirit as descending like a dove on Jesus’ baptism. The idea of a dove being a symbol of love and connection with a loved one in death is a common belief across many cultures, so much so that it’s even mentioned by Shakespeare.
Shakespeare was one of the most famous British poets and playwrights. He was closely associated with the English language and its literature, and for this reason, many English idioms have been attributed to him. In one of his most famous works, titled Hamlet, he wrote that “Each funeral in it seems as if it shrined the corse to mock the reader”.
It’s easy to see why these birds are believed to symbolize the death of a loved one. They are closely linked to religious practices and beliefs across many cultures, and their gentle nature makes them an ideal candidate for such a special task.
The Sparrow: A Sign of Hope and Rebirth
The Native American tribe, the Navajos, and the Cree tribe both have stories concerning the sparrow and their creation. As such, it has symbolized protection and hope, especially for the Navajo people, who believe that sparrows are good luck and should be treated with respect.
It is often believed that when a sparrow finds itself trapped in a house, it is a sign of good luck for the household. This is believed to have started in England when the King and Queen were reported to have had a sparrow visit their bedroom; it was believed to mean that no harm would come upon them.
It is also worth mentioning that sparrows used to be a symbol for those who had died at sea. Sailors would have tattoos of sparrows on their shoulders, and if they were approached by someone with a sparrow tattoo, it meant that they would guide them to heaven upon their death. .
The Swallow: A Bird of Longing and Soulful Connection
Widely respected as a harbinger of death, the swallow is often associated with the concept of the soul and transformation in both Eastern and Western cultures. In many cultures, the swallow was hailed as a bird of freedom, with spirits able to easily hop between different worlds and dimensions.
The ancient Greeks worshipped the swallow as the sacred bird of the goddess Aphrodite, a significant deity that represented love, beauty, and fertility. They believed that the swallow was her messenger to the human world, guiding souls through death and into her divine embrace.
On the other hand, the Chinese saw the swallow as an emblem of happiness, and while they did not specifically associate it with death, it was forbidden to kill a swallow for fear that it would bring about death. This is because the Chinese word for “swallow” (yan) sounds similar to their word for “long-lasting”, which is why they believe the swallow brings good fortune and prosperity to those who are pregnant. Therefore, it could be said that the Chinese understand the swallow as a sign of rebirth and immortality, much like how western cultures interpret the swallow as a symbol of everlasting love and undying loyalty.
The Eagle: A Powerful Symbol of Transcendence and Renewal
In the Bible, the Eagle is seen as a powerful force with amazing vision. It is said to soar above the clouds, closer to the heavens than any other creature. In many cultures, the eagle is a powerful symbol of healing, strength, and renewal.
Because the eagle is so revered and thought to be so close to divinity, it is often associated with symbols of death and the afterlife. Many people believe that when they see an eagle, the bird is sending them messages from their loved ones who have passed away. In a way, it is a way to help those still on earth feel connected to those they have lost.
The Vulture: A Bird of Cleansing and Transformation
Despite their somewhat sinister reputation, vultures are a symbol of transformation and cleansing in many different cultures. This likely stems from the fact that vultures are scavengers, and they play an important role in the natural world by cleaning up decomposing carcasses. Because of this, the ancient Egyptians believed that vultures were capable of transforming the body and the soul of a lost loved one into something pure. They could then rise up to join the sun gods in their celestial realm.
Vultures are also seen as symbols of transformation in Christian beliefs. The birds were said to be able to locate and devour the bodies of sinners, leaving only the spirit behind.
The vultures are often associated with death because they frequent places of death, like battlefields, and they’re so closely linked to carcasses. However, their association with death and spirituality has also been shown as a source of inspiration.
The Albatross: A Bird of Spiritual Journeys and Divine Purpose
What bird is associated with death when it comes to The Albatross? People may be familiar with the term “an albatross around your neck” from the 1798 poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The lengthy narrative poem tells the tale of a ship driven off course into the frigid Antarctic, where the crew encounters a massive albatross that leads them through the ice. However, the mariner, a novice, ‘for no cause, kills the bird. Initially, the crew was furious with him for it, but then decided that they could use the bird’s bones as divining tools to predict the weather. However, as time passed and they continued to encounter storms, the mariner is forced to wear the dead bird around his neck as punishment for his reckless and despicable act.
While the tale describes the giant seafaring bird that has been linked to good and bad luck for thousands of years, either blessing a voyage or dooming it, other cultures describe it more as a spiritual journey. For instance, in Christian teachings, an albatross can be seen as a sign of the divine purpose and that you’re on the right path.
In conclusion, birds have long been associated with the realm of spirits and can serve as powerful symbols of the death of a loved one. While these interpretations may vary across cultures and belief systems, the connection between birds and the afterlife remains a common theme. Whether you choose to find comfort in the presence of these birds or see them as mere coincidences, the important thing is to honor your own process of grieving and finding meaning in your loved one’s passing.
