26/09/2023
Meaning of Feathers
The Meaning of Feathers and the beliefs and culture of Native American Indian tribes
The Meaning of Feathers plays an important role in the belief system of Native American Indians. Their beliefs are based on Animism which embodies the spiritual idea that all natural things within the universe, including birds, have souls or spirits. Animists believe that souls or spirits exist, not only in humans, but also in birds, their feathers and in animals, plants, rocks and natural phenomena. The doctrine of animism is that everything is alive, and possesses an inherent virtue, power and wisdom.
The Meaning of Feathers
The generalized meaning of feathers signified honor & connected the owner with the Creator and the bird the feathers came from. Native Indian warriors were awarded a feather when they took coup or were particularly brave in battle. When a feather falls to earth, the Native Americans believe it carries all of the energy of its former attachment on a bird to a living being. Feathers are perceived as gifts from the sky, the sea and the trees. Feathers arrive unexpectedly, but not without purpose.
Smudge Feather
Meaning of Feathers and Birds
Birds were revered as bringers of messages and symbols of change and often symbolized light-hearted freedom and their feathers have many spiritual, ceremonial & ritual uses. Decorated feathers were sometimes attached to sacred pipes or prayer sticks. In the ancient culture and traditions of Native Americans the meaning of feathers are inextricably tied to the belief that birds, as spirit guides, walk through different stages of life with a person, teaching and guiding them, and in some instances protecting them.
The meaning of birds and their feathers are of great significance as they are believed to possess supernatural powers that can embody, attach and influence a person empowering them with the powerful traits, attributes and characteristics of the bird. The following chart describes the meanings of feathers providing information of the significance of each bird together with its meaning, attributes, c
Bluebird
A feather from a bluebird symbolizes happiness and fulfilment
Crow
A feather from a crow symbolizes balance, release from
past beliefs, skill and cunning
Dove
A feather from a dove symbolizes love, gentleness and kindness
Eagle
A feather from an eagle symbolizes great strength, courage leadership and prestige. The bald eagle and the golden eagle were considered sacred birds
Falcon
A feather from a falcon symbolizes soul healing, speed and movement
Hawk
A feather from a hawk symbolizes guardianship, strength
and far-sightedness
Heron
A feather from a heron symbolizes patience, grace and confidence
Hummingbird
A feather from the hummingbird symbolizes love, beauty, intelligence - A Spirit Messenger and Stopper of Time
Kingfisher
A feather from a kingfisher symbolizes luck, patience, speed and agility
Owl
A feather from a owl symbolizes wisdom, the ability to see things normally, a creature of the night - silent and swift,
Raven
A feather from a raven symbolizes creation & knowledge - the Bringer of the Light
Swallow
A feather from a Swallow symbolizes peace and love
Turkey
A feather from a turkey symbolizes abundance, pride
and fertility
Woodpecker
A feather from a Woodpecker symbolizes self discovery
Wren
A feather from a Wren symbolizes protection
photo: via Taneika Sadewasser
