Swallows, pigeons, owls: what the birds predicted

In the view of the ancient birds were those "signs" through which the gods revealed their will to people. In many cultures, they were perceived as messengers of the creator. The birds were asked about the future, consulted when making important decisions.

For example, in ancient Greece, special servants existed in temples who observed birds and translated their language. Homer mentions such a character as Kalkhas, certainly the best translator of birds, “who knew what was, what will be, or what was”. The character of Sophocles, the seer Tiresias, had a special "bird observatory."

Ornithologists observed the behavior of birds, their flight, and based on this, made conclusions about the weather, the environment, good or bad expectations. This profession was not considered mystical in ancient Greece.

One of the happiest birds on Earth was the swallow. She always flew in first after the winter and carried with her hope for the best, for rebirth.

In antiquity, she was one of the most respected birds. She was allowed to nest in temples and administrative buildings. In Russia, the bird was called the key keeper. The Slavs believed that she carries with her the golden keys to happiness. It was considered a good omen if the swallow made a nest in the house. So, everything will be fine, the house is protected. If the next year she did not return to him, then this is a bad sign. But not everyone treated this beautiful bird like that. In Britain, it is considered the bird of Satan. In Germany, swallows can be a sign of poverty. The Germans believed that if a swallow flies over a cow, then that one will not have milk. In ancient Egypt, they were the birds of the goddess Isis.

Pigeons are also surrounded by mystical representations. In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It was in his image that the Lord appeared to the Virgin Mary.

In Syria, the pigeon was a symbol of the goddess Ishtar, in ancient Greece personified Aphrodite. In India, it was believed that souls in love turned into white doves. Medieval views suggested that evil witches could turn into any animal or bird, but they could not take the form of a dove.

Pigeon heart was used in Russia in witchcraft. Unhappy girls in love, burned him on fire, trying to get rid of their unrequited love. Pigeon blood was used by healers. It was dried, triturated and applied to sore spots. Even the Slavs believed, and some still believe that it is impossible to die on a feather bed made of pigeon feathers. The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and where the Holy Spirit is, there is no death.

Interestingly, pigeons are well treated in all cultures. If you dream of pigeons, then you will be happy.

Owls are less fortunate.

Almost all nocturnal birds cause superstitious anxiety in people. In many nations, owls are companions to witches. In ancient Rome they were perceived as messengers of misfortune. People caught them and burned them. Pliny attributed this to their habit of night flying and a sad hoot. The Greeks considered the bird a symbol of the goddess Athena, a symbol of wisdom. In ancient India, she is the patroness of the night, in China - a symbol of lightning and thunder.

In Russia there were also special birds: Sirin, Alkonost, Gamayun.

Sirin and Alkonost. V. Vasnetsov

The wonderful bird Alkonost had a female appearance and lived on the island of Buyan. With her magical singing, she mourned the fallen soldiers and made her forget everything. Sirin, unlike Alkonost, sang joyful hymns. They were so captivating and encouraging to the listener that they could lose their heads.

Gamayun is a wise messenger of happiness. Her song is a reminder of the highest meaning of life, good news about the main thing.