Bird Lore: What Does It Mean When a Bird Flies Into Your House? And Other Superstitions

A bird that flies into your home can create panic. How will it be extracted? Will the cat pursue the object? How much will it defecate? The significance of birds flying into houses may be larger than you realise. Different civilizations have evolved a vast array of symbolic meanings for such occurrences over the years. Among the most prevalent superstitions is the belief that birds carry messages.

Whether the message is positive or negative depends on the species of bird. If a cardinal serves as your messenger, it may portend good news, but ravens are typically messengers of bad news. Check out some further fascinating bird symbols and superstitions from different cultures.

Morrigan and the Celtic Crow Signification

As with crows and ravens, blackbirds often receive a negative reputation. This is likely due to the fact that they are carrion birds, meaning they feed on dead animals. As a result, they are frequently connected with death.

In Irish tradition, crows are associated with the Celtic goddess Morrigan, who is claimed to have the ability to shapeshift at whim into a crow. Morrigan was one of the most formidable and dreaded deities in Irish mythology. She was the queen of conflict, fate, and death. In a book published in 1870 titled The Ancient Irish Goddess of War, Morrigan was shown as a crow circling battlefields and foretelling the deaths of warriors.

For Celtic warriors, seeing a crow during battle was a dreadful omen that either inspired them to fight harder to survive or compelled them to flee for their lives. In this manner, it was often believed that Morrigan might affect the outcome of a fight.

The Tower of London is home to ravens.

Occasionally, blackbirds, such as ravens, will be connected with something considerably more beneficial than death or devastation. The ravens of the Tower of London are one of history’s finest examples.

Since the 1600s, the Tower of London has retained at least six ravens at all times. According to mythology, all began when astronomer John Flamsteed complained to King Charles II that the abundance of ravens surrounding the first Royal Observatory obstructed his view of the heavens.

King Charles II ordered the death of the ravens, only to receive a prophecy stating that “if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown and Britain will fall” This not only persuaded the king to grant the birds a swift pardon, but also motivated him to require that at least six ravens be kept in the tower at all times.

Currently, nine ravens reside in the tower that is 1,000 years old. Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Rocky, Erin, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar, and Branwen are their names.

Honor the Magpie

If you encounter a magpie while walking down the street in the United Kingdom, you should greet it and inquire about its family. Sound absurd?

Perhaps, until you realise that the United States and Canada celebrate an entire holiday in honour of the groundhog. The British superstition of “salute the magpie” may derive from the fact that magpies mate for life. Therefore, if you see a solitary magpie, it may be in mourning after losing its spouse. By asking about its wife and children, you are implying that it hurried out to get worms for the children and would hopefully escape acquiring its ailment.

If you witness a magpie couple, it is a sign of good luck because everything is going well.

Birds As Luck in Feng Shui

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practise of arranging objects to encourage the flow of positive energy. Feng Shui recommends a range of techniques and tactics for arranging the interior of your home to enhance its energy, attract riches or good fortune, and establish harmony.

If you could use a little more good fortune in your life, Feng Shui suggests adding additional bird art or symbols to your home’s decor. Before filling your Amazon shopping basket with random bird décor, make sure to choose the appropriate species.

Here are some common Feng Shui birds and their associated meanings to get you started:

Phoenix – Health and Longevity

Mandarin Ducks – Affection

Peacock – Abundance

Magpies – Happiness

Doves – Good tidings

Parrots – Good fortune, prosperity

If you are ready to go all out, you can utilise the “100 birds” emblem as a wall decal or photograph. According to Feng Shui, a display of 100 birds is said to bring good prosperity. Ensure that they are positioned so that it appears as though they are flying into your home.

When Bird S**t Is Considered Fortunate

While the concept of a bird defecating on your head would likely be considered unlucky by the majority of people, several cultures view it as a sign of good fortune. It is believed that the superstition originated in Russia, although no one knows for certain where or why it began.

One of the more plausible explanations for why getting pooped on by a bird is regarded fortunate is that the likelihood of it occurring is low. It is stated that the likelihood of a bird using your head as a toilet is even less likely than winning the jackpot.

Okay, this superstition is a little strange, but that hasn’t stopped many individuals from believing it.

NBA superstar Dwayne Wade is among those who accept the bird poop blessing’s symbolism. Wade once took to social media to explain a series of fortunate occurrences that occurred immediately after random birds soiled his head.

Whatever makes you feel better, right? We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these fascinating bird superstitions from different civilizations. In addition, remember to salute any magpies that you encounter.