FOLKLORE: This is for the Birds

June 30, 2008 02:38 pm

— Bird watching can be a very pleasant pasttime, especially now that winter has passed. Have you ever wondered how birds got their various colors?
Some Native Americans believe that back in the Dreamtime, all bird tribes were the same color - black. One day, the peaceful dove caught his foot on a broken tree branch. The dove called out for help, and all the other bird tribes, hearing his frightened call, came to the place where the Dove lay. He was in great pain and his foot had swollen.
The other birds gathered round him and provided shelter with their wings. Some brought water for the dove to drink, while others bathed his foot with water. All except the crow, who was in a bad mood and angered by the attention the other birds were giving the dove.
The crow scolded the other birds and told them that they were wasting their time, the dove would not live. And indeed, the foot was festering and swelling even more. However, the other birds paid no attention to the scolding of the crow. Finally, they had enough of his insensitivity and chased him away. The Dove weakened and paled to gray, and then white, and it was feared that death was truly near.
One of the birds had an idea. She rushed forward and bit the dove's swollen foot with her beak. The Dove cried out in pain. Those gathered around him gasped in amazement as a myriad of colors flowed out of the dove's wound, and splashed all over every bird there. Some got only a little color, while some birds got one or two colors. Some were covered in every color of the rainbow. That's how all of the bird tribes got beautifully colored plumage, all except for the selfish, bad-tempered crow and all members of his family, who to this day, still remain black as night.
Ravens have had a long history of myth and lore associated with them. In some native tribes, they are known as the "Keeper of Secrets." It is believed they hold the teaching of mysticism and magic. Their inky black color is associated with darkness where unconscious fears live. Because ravens would feed on the corpses of the dead hanging on the gallows, the bird was feared and considered to be an ill omen.
The Cardinal is one of the most easily recognized birds, and chosen by several states as their official state bird, including the Hoosier state. The Cardinal, with its brilliant red color, can be seen throughout the twelve months of the year and is often depicted on Christmas cards and gift wrap. The number twelve connected with the cardinal is why their is a folkloric belief that they are lucky. When a Cardinal flies into your life, expect a change for the better to occur within twelve days, twelve weeks, twelve months, or the hour of twelve. Or, if you observe a cardinal flying upward toward the sky, you will have good luck. Be sure to welcome the bird to your windowsill, for it is the spirit of a dead friend or deceased relative.
We all eagerly watch for the Robin, known as the harbringer of spring, because of its early arrival before most other migratory birds. In Medieval Europe, the Robin was often depicted attending the Christ child. In legend, we learn how the robin was received his red breast. A drop of Christ's blood mingled with the Robin's blood after the bird valiantly tried to pull the thorns from Christ's head at the crucifixtion. Ever since that day, the little birds have worn red breast feathers as a badge of courage and honor. It is unlucky to harm a robin for this reason as well. Breaking their eggs will result in something valuable of yours being broken.
The owl is a bird with a poor reputation despite being known for being wise. Perhaps this stems from the fact that the owl leads a nocturnal existence and that night is associated with the time when darker forces and negative energies are present. The ancient Greeks revered the Owl and believed them to be sacred to Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and Learning, thus deeming them kind and wise creatures. An Owl flying over a Greek army guaranteed them victory. And of course, there are numerous superstitions associated with the wise feathered creatures as well. If an owl lands on the roof of your house, it is an omen of death. If an owl nests in an abandoned house, the dwelling must be haunted. If an owl hoots during a burial service, the deceased is bound to rise from the grave and haunt the living. In order to prevent bad luck after hearing an owl's hoot, take off your clothes, turn them inside out and put them back on.
Even if you don't believe in superstitions, the eerie call of an owl in the stillness of the night can send cold chills up your spine. These are just a few flights of fancy srrounding our many feathered friends.

Wanda Lou Willis is an author and folklorist, whose works include "Haunted Hoosier Trails," and "More Haunted Hoosier Trails."

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