Briefly
Bird symbolism carries profound meanings and interpretations across cultures and religions. Generally, birds represent freedom due to their ability to fly, effortlessly transcending the earth’s bounds. They are often seen as messengers, bridging the gap between heaven and earth. Symbolically, birds can also represent love, peace, and transformation. The symbolism varies by the bird species. For instance, the dove commonly symbolizes peace and love, the eagle stands for strength and power, while the raven or crow often symbolizes magic and mystery.
Bird in Dreams
In terms of dreams, birds are interpreted as symbols of goals, aspirations and hope. Psychologically, birds flying in dreams often represent the dreamer’s ambitions and the ability to overcome obstacles, denoting a sense of freedom and liberation. On the other hand, seeing a bird in a cage may reflect the dreamer’s feelings of being trapped or inhibited. Dreaming about specific types of birds can also hold unique interpretations. For example, dreaming of an owl could reflect wisdom or suggest that something is hidden from view. It’s important to note that dream interpretation is subjective and can differ based on individual experiences and feelings.
Bird in Myths and Folklore
The role of birds in myths and folklore is also significant. Many ancient cultures regarded birds as divine creatures, spiritual messengers or even gods. For example, in Norse mythology, Odin, the god of wisdom, had two ravens named Huginn and Muninn who flew across the world daily to gather information for him. In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a famous bird, symbolizing rebirth and renewal due to its ability to rise from its ashes. Similarly, in Native American legends, the thunderbird is a powerful spirit respected and feared, as it is believed to create thunder and lightning. These examples illustrate how birds are deeply rooted in our cultural narratives, symbolizing a wide range of concepts from wisdom to power.
Reviewed by Alexander Lys, M.L., a specialist in the field of symbolism research and dream psychology. A certified participant in numerous psychological seminars and courses, the author of hundreds of articles on psychology, including studies on symbolism in dreams and myths from a scientific perspective.
