

Herons are birds that have symbolism in many cultures around the world. They are often seen as being wise and going with the flow of life as they fly up and down waterways hunting for fish. Sometimes, however, they are also seen as opportunistic thieves who will steal fish that doesn't belong to them.
Although they are water birds, in ancient Egypt herons were associated with Ra, the Sun God. One theory about this is that they nest in high places but swoop down over the water, the sunlight reflecting from their huge wings.

In China, the heron is a symbol of patience and long life, while for Native Americans the bird is thought to be a good hunter with excellent skills of judgement and wisdom. Seeing one while fishing is thought to be a good omen, predicting a big catch.
In both African and Greek mythology, herons were often considered to be messengers of the Gods - although the news brought could be good or bad.
Hopefully the news these birds were bringing was the final arrival of spring, heralding a lovely summer ahead.
Links
http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2007/10/08/symbolism-of-the-heron/
http://www.shamanicjourney.com/article/6199/heron_egret_power_animal_symbol_of_balance http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/heron_moorhtm
http://www.helium.com/items/1728746-animal-folklore-the-heron
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/01/bird-watching-portents-and-ornithomancy.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2009/05/phoenix-rising.html
2 comments:
We saw heron in the small lake at Sunray Gardens the other day. It wasn't such a good omen for the frog it was eating.
Lovely pictures, well done. The chicks remind me of young storks in their high nests, which are beginning to appear all over my region of Portugal.
Post a Comment