To acquaint you with many different black bird symbolisms you could find on the face of earth, we must first realize what ‘symbolism’ actually means.
Symbolism refers to holding an object, an animal or a creature that indicates a deeper meaning of being because of a unique bond between the two.
Following such a manner, black bird symbolism implies the meanings and interpretations you could find of a black bird, its presence and the activities they perform.
This way, you’d be granted toward a path of wisdom that loosens up the rigidity of your mind and sets you on a path of a spiritual journey – a journey into your own soul to move toward transcendence with each step!
Basic Symbolisms of Black Bird
Let’s start with the basics first and see what black bird symbolisms mean in the general sense.
Contents
Symbol of Knowledge
Source: @petrasprecher
Out of all the black bird symbolisms, the one that inspires knowledge always remains my favorite. Because a black bird sighting can refer to their intellect and make questions about my own judgments. A journey toward the inside paves the way for a self-revelation.
It could also mean that knowledge is being hidden from you or the path toward your mind’s liberation is filled with hurdles. In all cases, seeking out the truth and knowledge utilizing your brain’s power is what this symbol truly aspires to.
Symbol of Intuition
There are a lot of moments in life when you feel an instinct toward something to be positive or negative. But with our limitations as human beings and every sort of bindings we must respond to, these instincts or intuitions often go amiss and we work with our rational sense.
The presence of black birds during such times of dilemma can hint at one thing – listen to your heart. Our mind is a highly complex entity which carries the potential to observe something that’s not laid bare to the naked eyes. Thus, this symbolism makes us remember to pay attention to our inner eye.
Source: @franknphotos
Symbol of Power
As many would agree that knowledge is power, and intellect is its driving force. If you find yourself before a black bird, take a leaf out of its book because most often a black raven or crow indicates the power it contains within a fragile body – a power of its mind that helps in the survival process.
You may know, such black birds have the natural gift of surviving through perils, not with their brute force, but with the way they interact with their surroundings. It leaves behind a trail of encouragement to pick up for us, to trust in our strengths and to play towards it.
Symbol of Mystery
Life is full of mysteries, like a spontaneous, unanswered question of not the physical beings, but of the spiritual. No matter how rational of a person you are, there’s no way you’ve figured out all the meanings and sorted out all the mysteries life has in store for you.
In matters as such, a black bird symbolism encourages you to keep an open mind, a broader perception on things. It teaches us that not everything can be answered, that nature is a large puzzle that we cannot solve with our limited presence. It can make tough aspects seem easy for us.
Source: @sackjo22
Symbol of Life & Death
Before discussing how a black bird indicates life & death, you must comprehend the concept of ‘death’ to begin with. Death shouldn’t necessarily mean somatic incapacitation, rather it can be the death of your mind or soul as well. A once jolly, active, spontaneous person turning into a rigid, cold and uptight being can hint at a death of one’s soul.
Sighting of a black bird can work as a reminder to this very concept. It makes you question your being, your choices, your actions. And with this, it equips you with the power to change that, to find life in death – to be reborn as a new entity out of your own ashes.
Symbol of Transformation
Lastly, in the general sense, a black bird symbolism can refer to a transition point in your life. It might hint that a transition has already begun, or there’s an upcoming change in life that you must endure with arms wide open.
It would also symbolize that you must make the best out of this transition after anticipation. This doesn’t mean you’ll get to control the way things are going to become, but rather keep your mind prepared for anything that might be thrown at you. Attitude like this can help you survive in the long run.
Black Bird Symbolisms In Aspects Of Life
Our daily life is filled with the symbolism of black birds. So taking a stroll through this portion of my article should introduce you to a few of those aspects.
Black Bird Omens
If you spot a black bird and it directly reminds you of your ongoing struggle or confusions, then it’s probably an omen sent to you from the world of spirits. In such cases, it could mean a number of considerable things.
For starters, sightings of a black bird can indicate death. Again, we’re referring to the more metaphorical definition rather than literal. This could be a sign of closure, an ending of a relationship, losing a close friend or anything you might have your mind torn into.
A positive note on black bird death omen is that it could also mean the end of a dark chapter in your life. There’s always an implicit tone suggesting all of the answers you seek are rooted deeply within yourself, all you need to do is to open your spiritual eye and see them.
Superstitions of Black Birds
There exist quite a few superstitions all across the world regarding black birds. For instance, if a black bird poops on your head or plants a nest in your home, it’s considered as good luck and your future endeavors might find success.
On the other hand, seeing 5 black birds or crows together hints at upcoming sickness, and coming across 6 foretells death. Again, death here can be both literal and metaphorical.
Source: @kudan_tattoo
Black Bird Tattoos
Black bird tattoos symbolize a lot of things, so it’s left up to your interpretation which of your inner energy you want etched on your skin. Some tattoos of black birds imply power, while some refer to wisdom, bravery or intellect.
Getting a black bird’s head, wings or an entire body tattooed on to your skin creates a bridge between your soul and physical shape. It can channel energy to encourage your mind, uplift your spirit and keep you motivated to overcome every obstacle you come across!
Black Bird’s Cultural Symbolisms
Source: @happy_haizi_illustratrations
Probably the cultural diversity sees black bird symbolisms under the widest array of perception possible. Here, I managed to compose some of the most remarkable meanings to broaden your horizon of knowledge.
In Islam
In Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:27-31, a black crow carried direct association to the First death. It’s written in Quranic verses that when Qabeel had killed Habeel, his brother, he was consumed with repentance.
At that moment, a crow was sent in after Allah’s command and it landed beside another dead crow. The bird started scratching the ground and buried the dead one after digging the hole.
It took Qabeel’s attention and he followed the same with his brother’s corpse, marking it down as a ritual that most individuals with Islamic faith follow till date.
In Christianity
There are quite a lot of black bird symbolisms and occurrences in the Bible. In 1 Kings 17:5, the verse translates into: “Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening.”
It was when Elijah was lost in the woods and God sent him food via a Raven. This not only indicated God’s help when his beloved servant was in need, but also the power The Superior Being holds over nature at all times.
In Luke 12:24, Jesus states: ““Consider the crows. They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even have a storeroom or a barn. Yet, God feeds them. You are worth much more than birds.”
So it shows that the Almighty cares for all the creatures He has made, even though they aren’t as blessed as human beings.
In Judaism
The Jewish can also find the presence of a black bird in the term of ‘Ba’al Teshuvah’. This refers to a Jewish person who deviated from faith in the past. But upon his return to faith, he is held in a much higher position than the rest because of his repentance.
The Ba’al Teshuvah is symbolically a black bird – which seems sinister from the outside and embodies a dark color. But upon return, it shines so bright with its beauty that even white seems paler standing beside the bird.
Source: @wikimedia
In Greek Mythology
When it comes to Greek mythology, there are quite a few incidents regarding black birds with symbolic meanings. Out of them, the one concerning the God Apollo might be the most moving.
On the ‘Cylix of Apollo’, it can be seen that Apollo is dropping some liquid on the ground sitting before a black bird or a crow. It’s interpreted that the crow symbolizes a messenger, who brought Apollo the news of Koronis, his beloved, who was due to get married very soon.
In Celtic Society
The Irish people in the Celts believe black birds to be the connector to the underworld. In symbolic terms, these black birds were directly associated with God and spirit.
It was said that seeing a black bird in the Celtic society could mean an early grave for the spotter. The bird would achieve this with an unholy, magical ability endowed upon them.
And at the same time, such birds were also associated with the ones who have the power to bring back. Black birds that can sing beautifully can revive the dead with their melodies.
In Norse Mythology
Odin is considered as the most revered and highly respected God in Norse mythology. Odin was associated with two black ravens namely Huginn and Muninn.
Each of these birds symbolizes two things: Huginn in Old Norse translates into ‘thought’ while Muninn from the same tongue is interpreted as ‘mind’ or ‘memory’.
It was stated that this pair would glide over Midgard to collect information on every being, with a special focus on shamans. Upon collection, they’d bring back the knowledge to Odin so that he could stay connected to the spiritual world as well.
In Native American Tribes
Native American cultures hold black birds as the symbol of grains. Due to the presence of these birds, some lands are believed to be sacred in their rituals.
The mythology of Arikara and Mandans place black birds as the retainers of Corn Mother. It was believed by some native people that black birds eating or destroying their crops is divine judgment for their inability to serve the corn god properly.
In Egyptian Mythology
Nekhbet was the guardian of Upper Egypt when the empire was unified back in 3200–3100 BC. It was a spiritual being imagined as a vulture who roamed across the sky to keep the inhabitants safe at all times.
The counterpart of Nekhet was Wadjet, the guardian of Lower Egypt. Wadjet wasn’t a bird like Nekhbet, but was a winged snake. Nekhet’s omnipresence symbolized as a safety and security provider to the people. It is said that Nekhbet did take up a human form later on, with a human body carrying a bird as its head.
In Japanese Lore
“Yatagarasu” is a part of Japanese lores where it’s portrayed as a three-legged black crow, however the literal meaning suggests the interpretation to be “eight-span crow”.
Basically, this flying being is a raven or a crow in reality. It symbolizes divine intervention in human interaction as a proof that the deities send their command from Heaven.
Another symbolic interpretation for this black bird refers to ‘guidance’. There are instances when a Japanese emperor was sent this three-legged crow to instruct his path to overcome hurdles in his path.
Black Bird’s Creative Presentation & Hidden Symbolisms
Source: @gallery_marypraytor
Even in the creative fields of literature, art, film and music hides black bird symbolisms. A few of those are unearthed before you in this section.
Edgar Allan Poe’s “Raven”
Poe’s “Raven” is a first-person narrative poem telling the readers a compelling story. There, the raven creature symbolizes loss and grief, matched with the narrator’s shared feelings.
Many interpretations have been made upon this black bird symbol, some of which refer to the Hebrew incident of Noah sending a black bird as a messenger.
Other interpretations rely on the Norse mythology of Huginn and Muninn. No matter what Poe had intended, the raven in his poem will always remain as one of the classic black bird remarks.
Paul Gaugin’s Nevermore
Paul Gaugin’s painting Nevermore is actually a direct reference to Poe’s poem “Raven”. Apart from the loss or grief of a man who went insane due to these feelings, it also symbolizes a melodramatic mood.
The bridge between these words, artwork and symbolisms were drawn by the title of the painting itself: Nevermore. In the poem, the main character keeps repeating this word and that was visually represented through the black bird’s presence in the painting.
“Blackbird” by The Beatles
The story behind composing “Blackbird” by the renowned band The Beatles is a telling one! It was once discussed by the songwriter McCartney that this black bird in the song symbolizes a black girl in the US context.
There has been a racial upheaval during the 1960s in the US. In that context, The Beatles wanted to symbolically dissipate their message through this song. The songwriter claims that this idea struck upon them one fine morning, when they heard a black bird singing outside.
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
In the first of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the fellowship encountered a flock of black birds flying across them like a dark cloud, creating screeching noises as they passed by.
In this fantasy genre, these birds are called “Crebain” who resemble characteristics with crows and ravens. They were sent in by Saruman in search of “the one ring”.
Although Frodo and his gang managed to keep themselves concealed from these birds, they’re still symbolized as aggressive seekers and messengers who work for the dark side.
Black Bird Spiritual Symbolisms
Source: @luxfay
In the world of spirits, black birds hold significant symbolisms that cannot go amiss. Thus, some of the most essential ones are highlighted to aid your soul into the journey.
Black Bird as Spirit Animal
Basically, a spirit animal refers to someone finding resemblances in traits with an animal or any other creature around them. On this note, you can find a black bird to be your spirit animal in many different manners.
You could find wisdom in these creatures, giving you the ability to understand complex scenarios under a better light. You may find courage, positive energy, right direction and a lot more, holding a black bird as your spirit animal.
Black Bird & Totem Animal
A totem animal implies that you can call upon this creature to watch over you, protect you and push you through adversities. Black birds are thus the superior beings when you place them to be your very own totem animal.
Their intellect is inspiring, so is their natural instincts for survival. When a crisis arises, you can simply call upon your black bird totem to guide you and show you the correct path when others might try to deceive you.
You can even go to the extent of wearing black bird necklace, wristbands or other ornaments to keep your totem animal in contact with your skin. It not only should give you immediate strength, but also stay on guard while you live your life to the fullest!
Power Animal: A Black Bird
Power animal is more of a spiritual concept in the Neo-Shamanic faiths. These power animals are believed to be the guides of your spirit, keeping it pure by their sheer presence in your life.
Black bird as a power animal symbolism is considered to be very sacred. With the intelligence and strength it has buried within, the spirit will take you to the extent that you might not have made it on your own.
Black Bird in Dream Interpretations
Source: @artful_hare
There exists many interpretations of black bird dreams because the meaning is always concealed within the manner of your seeing. However, I’ve listed down a few interpretations for you to get into the process if it fits your description.
A Regular Dream about a Black Bird
In most cases, a dream about a black bird symbolizes something bad is about to happen. You might face loss, disruption or negativity in your life should such a dream occur.
But there’s a silver lining to see a black bird in your dream, despite the negative connotations. Spiritual guides tell us that where there is an end, there’s also a beginning.
This reflects upon a notion that suggests seeing a black bird in a dream can also mean something good in contrast. So don’t lose your heart, because your entire life might change forever toward a better phase with some minor endurance of pain!
A Flock of Black Birds Symbolism
If you’ve seen a flock of black birds in your dream, the symbolism can be interpreted in quite a few ways. Once of which is similar to seeing 5 or 6 birds together, suggesting sickness and death.
Other interpretations aren’t so unkind. Because such a group flying away hints at freedom and liberation which might come in your way, or which is something you’re currently seeking.
This refers to your cobbled up mind with thoughts and worries. So it’s a sign for you to take a break and relax so that you can come back strong again!
Black Bird Attacking You Dream Meaning
Most dream interpreters believe that seeing black birds attacking you in a dream can hint at something harmful. It might be your fear of getting attacked and left alone that’s manifested in a dream.
Or it can be your instinct telling you that someone is trying to cause you damage. Maybe your unconscious mind already knows what’s going on, and your dream is the medium of communicating that message to your conscious.
Black Bird in a Cage Dream – Symbolic Meaning
In the times of peril and discomfort, there’s a chance you’ll dream of caged black birds. These birds are a reflection of your mind that’s caged, unable to break free to pursue your desires.
Your soul is seeking liberation at all costs, and you must take steps to amend this situation. Because your spiritual freedom is one of the most important things to keep yourself contended and allow yourself to grow.
Most Popular Black Birds & Their Localities
As I’ve discussed a lot of black bird symbolism throughout this article, it’s time for me to point out a few black birds in real life. I’ll be mentioning their localities so that you can make sure you’ve seen that particular bird at your locality:
- Crow: all across the world
- Raven: North America, Eurasia, North Africa, Islands of Pacific Ocean, British Isles
- Blackbird: Europe, Asiatic Russia, North Africa, Australia and New Zealand
- Starling: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, North America, Fiji and a few Caribbean Islands
- Rook: British Isles, North and Central Europe
- Grackle: North America
- Jackdaw: Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwestern India
There are other black birds in the world too, but these selected ones are out in the open more frequently, so there’s a good chance of sighting them without even trying to.
Thoughts
A lot has been said and done about the many, many black bird symbolisms, yet it’s never enough to cover the entirety of the concept due to its immense width.
I’ll leave you with a few pointers which you might find to be very helpful in the process. First, it’s essential to keep an open mind because otherwise, your inner vision would be clouded.
Second, you must remember that black birds don’t always mean something bad or negative, rather most of the connotations suggest the other way round.
Lastly, I might have presented this article to you as interpretations and meaning-making process, but in actuality it’s a spiritual intake that aspires to liberate your soul.
I hope I’ve been able to help you in finding solace by showing you the way of seeking answers to the unanswerable questions.
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