Superstitions About Birds and Their Influence in Folklore
Throughout history, birds have played a prominent role in superstitions, symbolizing both good and bad omens across various cultures. One widespread belief is that if ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will face disaster. Charles II’s decree ensured six ravens are always present there, with their wings clipped to prevent their departure. These birds receive considerable care, including a dedicated Ravenmaster. This is prepared by SSP.
In folklore, certain birds are harbingers of luck and misfortune. For instance, killing an albatross is infamous for bringing severe bad luck, especially to sailors, as depicted in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner. There are also beliefs around birds turning into humans: in Poland, an unmarried girl's death might transform her into a dove while married women become owls.
Divine and Magical Birds
Birds have connections to deities and the divine across multiple traditions. Greek, Roman, and Christian myths often represent gods through birds. E.g., Odin is associated with ravens, Zeus with eagles, and Christian folklore uses doves for the Holy Spirit and ravens stained with Christ’s blood. In Christian belief, sparrows were viewed very negatively when they supposedly encouraged the mistreatment of Jesus.
Death and Bad Omens
Many cultures associate certain birds with death. A bird entering a house, especially landing on a bedpost in a sick room, is a common superstition predicting death. The whirring of an owl over someone’s head or near a dwelling is also ominous, while the crowing of roosters can foretell death if done at unusual times or places.
Protective Norms and Mutual Respect
Name-dropping crows and ravens seem universal, either respected or feared. In North America, the crow might be a symbol for survival and greater good, despite its trickster nature. In some regions like Southeast Asia, a crow’s flight can symbolize destiny, either good or bad depending on its path. There's a widespread European belief against owning peacock feathers either in homes or theaters due to the 'evil eye' myth.
Birds hold a mystical place in various traditions, linking human existence to the natural and supernatural realms. From warnings about family deaths to ideas about divine intervention, birds continue to serve as a profound source of cultural lore and mystical superstition.
Using folklore and modern reporting, these fascinating yet eerie flights of imagination incessantly enchant us through legendary tales rooted deep within human history.
