what do owls symbolize?

Answer 1

In many parts of the world, owls have been associated with death and misfortune, likely due to their nocturnal activity and common screeching call. However, owls have also been associated with wisdom and prosperity as a result of frequently being companion animals for goddesses.

Henry David Thoreau summarized one perception of owls, when he wrote in 1854's Walden, "I rejoice that there are owls. Let them do the idiotic and maniacal hooting for men. It is a sound admirably suited to swamps and twilight woods which no day illustrates, suggesting a vast and underdeveloped nature which men have not recognized. They represent the stark twilight and unsatisfied thoughts which all [men] have."

[edit]
Africa



Ancient Egyptians used a representation of an owl for their hieroglyph for the sound m, although they would often draw this hieroglyph with its legs broken to keep this bird of prey from coming to life.[citation needed].

[edit]
The Americas
In the culture of the Native American Hopi nation, taboos surround owls, as they are closely associated with evil sorcery. The possession of owl feathers is considered an indication of witchcraft.

The Aztecs and Mayans, along with other natives of Mesoamerica, considered the Owl a symbol of death and destruction. In fact, the Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli, was often depicted with owls. There is a saying in Spanish that still exists today: cuando el tecolote canta, el indio se muere ("when the owl cries/sings, the Indian dies").

[edit]
Asia
In Japanese culture, owls were seen as either negative and positive symbols depending on species. Eagle Owls were seen as divine messengers of the gods while Barn or Horned owls were perceived as demonic figures.

In Indian culture, a white owl is considered a companion of the goddess of wealth, and therefore a harbinger of prosperity. The owl has been adapted as an emblem to reflect its implications of wisdom (Wise old owl) by a revered military institution in India known as the Defence Service Staff College. In colloquial use, however, it is commonly used to refer to stupidity.

In the ancient region of Akkadia (located in present-day Iraq), the demoness Lilith is thought to have been associated with(screech) owls as well. However, prior to the rise of Islam, owls were considered evil omens and bad luck in most Middle Eastern pagan traditions. In modern times, although such superstitions are less prevalent, owls are still popularly considered "evil" because of their fierce, horrific appearance.

[edit]
Europe
In Greek mythology, the owl, and specifically the Little Owl, was often associated with the Greek goddess Athena, a bird goddess who often assumed the form of an owl. Athena was also the goddess of wisdom, the Arts, and skills, and as a result, owls also became symbols of teaching and of institutions of learning, being included in the crest of arms of many universities. In the Western world, owls continue to be traditionally associated with wisdom.

The Romans, in addition to having borrowed the Greek associations of the owl, also considered owls to be funerary birds, due to their nocturnal activity and often having their nests in inaccessible places. As a result, seeing an owl in the daytime was considered a bad omen. The vampiric strix of Roman mythology was in part based on the owl.

Likewise, in Romanian culture, the mournful call of an owl is thought to predict the death of somebody living in the neighbourhood. Such superstitions caused a minor disturbance when an owl showed up at Romanian President's residence, Cotroceni Palace.

Answer 2

In some cultures,it is an omen of something bad. I like owls and think they are the most majestic and adorable looking of all the bird family. I know that they symbolize wisdom also, although, I don't know how that evolved?

Answer 3

In many parts of the world, owls have been associated with death and misfortune, likely due to their nocturnal activity and common screeching call. However, owls have also been associated with wisdom and prosperity as a result of frequently being companion animals for goddesses.

Answer 4

Owls are the symbol of wisdom and age.
The can also be the pets of witches and pagans because they carry messages to and fro

Answer 5

Intelligence, being wise, and in some cultures the owl is a symbol of magic or wizardry.

Answer 6

In America owls are commonly associated with wisdom.

In my father's homeland (an indegenous village in south-central Mexico, about 70 miles east of Acapulco), they are belived to bring death and misfortune. Once when my family visited my grandmother, an owl, perched on the roof of the porch. She frantically grabed a broom and shooed it away. After which she began to cry because she feared one of us was going to die. She did not sleep that night, praying til morning. She was relieved and saddened a week later when a neighbor died. The neighbor had been sick, but she attributed his death to her superstition and beliefs. (I did think it was funny at the time, but now that I've grown, I understand that as rediculus as it may seem to me, I had to respect her beliefs)

Answer 7

Wisdom

Answer 8

It depends on the culture. On Anglo-Saxon, it symbolize wisdom. To some native American tribes, it represents death. It also means a host of other things.

Answer 9

it is different for everyone. every time i have ever seen an owl it was in the daytime and at that exact time of day someone i knew died. thid has happened to me three times. owls deliver a messages of death to for me. it could be good luck for you. check out the book
animal speakshttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875420281/102-6898616-5653758?v=glance&n=283155

Answer 10

A bird that comes out at night. Kinda like bats.lol