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This describes four meanings of feathers and how they were represented in four different cultures/religions.

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For as long as there have been birds, humans have always found beauty in their feathers. Worn as jewelry and on costumes, feathers have captivated with their colors and ethereal softness. But feathers are more than pretty; they contain a whole host of spiritual and cultural meanings. Read on to learn the significance of this unique symbol.

Courage and Strength

Among certain Native American tribes, such as the Sioux, eagle feathers are traditionally given as a symbol of honor. A sacred bird, the eagle's feathers represent courage, strength and prestige. If a person is seen wearing eagle feathers on a headdress, it means they've accomplished great tasks throughout their life.

Truth and Order

In ancient Egypt, the goddess Ma'at personified truth, morality, order and justice. She represented the guiding principles that every Egyptian was expected to abide by throughout their lives. As a symbol of her higher principles, Ma'at wore a single ostrich feather in her hair, known as the Feather of Truth.

Celestial Power

Feathers represent sacred power and the heavenly realms. Ancient druid priests were said to don bird feathers on their robes during special ceremonies to connect to the sky gods and obtain spiritual knowledge, while in Christianity, feathers are reminiscent of angels.

New Beginnings

In early Christianity, peacock feathers represented renewal and Christ's resurrection, as the peacock regrows its feathers every year. Byzantine tombs often featured peacock feathers as a reminder of the soul's everlasting life.

Freedom Reminiscent of flight, travel and migration, feathers remind us that we have the ability to take ourselves to wherever we need. We are never stuck as long as we are willing to flap our wings, face the wind, and keep an eye on the road that lies ahead.

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The Significance of Feathers | Elements | Iconography

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For as long as there have been birds, humans have always found beauty in their feathers. Worn as jewelry and on costumes, feathers have captivated with their colors and ethereal softness. But feathers are more than pretty; they contain a whole host of spiritual and cultural meanings.

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This site mentions the meanings of different colors of feathers.

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While feathers are commonly associated with birds and wings, people from various cultures consider them otherworldly and mystical. This does not come as a surprise as cultures consider birds sacred, admiring them for their ability to fly high to the heavens. Since then, people have come to see birds as messengers, carrying prayers and good fortune to the living.

So, since birds are related to good luck, does it mean that feathers also bring good fortune? Read on to learn more about what feathers symbolize in different contexts.

Feather Symbolism

Since feathers have always had a special place in ancient cultures, their meaning has continued to evolve over the years. Here are some of the things that people have come to associate with feathers.

Success and Achievement - The idiomatic expression to put a feather in one's cap is based on a custom where warriors added a new feather to their headgear every time they successfully slay an enemy. In some cases, hunters who successfully catch birds pluck their feathers off and put them in the hat of their bands. Such customs may have led to the association of feathers with personal achievement.

Purity and Divinity - In Christianity, feathers usually represent . This may have been where the expression feathers appear when angels are near come from. People have grown to consider feathers as gifts from the heavens, and as a sign that someone's listening to your prayers. Since angels are often associated with the souls of loved ones, a feather might also mean that a person you lost is watching over you.

Good Fortune - Feathers are also commonly associated with . In Chinese culture, for example, red roosters are considered lucky, making feathers a sign of good things to come. Meanwhile, white feathers are also considered a good luck charm because they are believed to be loving messages from a loved one who passed. This is why superstitious people save white feathers they see lying around.

Feathers also come in different colors, making people come up with various interpretations of what each color means. Here are some of those beliefs:

Black - While white feathers are often seen as good omens, feathers have different interpretations. Some say that it brings bad luck because it is related to crows that are commonly associated with death. However, others say that black feathers shouldn't scare you because they mean that your angel is busy defending you from all sorts of evil.

Blue - Some say that a feather is a sign that your angel wants you to go on a spiritual journey by forging a stronger connection to the divine. Some also say that if you see a blue feather after praying, it may mean that you're being encouraged to either accept something or to remain patient despite the trials that you are facing.

Yellow - Commonly associated with happiness and prosperity, the color has always been associated with the sun and how it spreads joy. Finding a yellow feather could be a reminder to go out, enjoy the sun, and overcome any obstacles that you may be facing.

Green - Green feathers are usually associated with positive things such as healing, success, and money. If you find one, it may mean that you'll succeed in something, like finding a new job that pays better or getting that promotion that you've been waiting for. Since it's also associated with healing, some think of it as an opportunity or reminder to check on their overall health.

Pink - They say that a feather symbolizes love. Finding one might be a sign that you'll start dating someone or that it might be a good idea to spend more time with your current partner. Whether you are single or in a relationship, a pink feather is a reminder to keep your romance alive and burning.

Wings vs. Feathers

While feathers and wings have many similarities because they are both associated with birds and angels, there are subtle differences in what they mean.

Wings are believed to be signs of purity because they are related to doves that bring peace. Like feathers, they have also come to represent success because the act of flying is considered symbolic of achieving one's goals.

However, one thing that makes wings unique is that they also symbolize freedom and escape. In language and literature, being given wings is symbolic of having the liberty to do what you want. In fact, in Greek mythology, the famous and his son Icarus managed to escape by making wings made of wax. However, this eventually leads to Icarus's demise because he flew too close to the sun, which caused him to fall to the sea, and drown. This is also symbolic of the saying that being too ambitious might not always work to one's advantage.

Feathers in the Aztec Civilization

While precious metals like gold and silver have been valuable in some ancient cultures, archaeological records show that feathers were also treated by the Aztecs as prized possessions. Flourishing in central Mexico from the year 1300 to 1521, the Aztecs have become known for their huge feats in agriculture as well as their development of their calendar system and hieroglyphic writing.

Archaeological findings show that the Aztecs used bright-colored feathers to create handcrafted headdresses for their leaders. Feather work was considered one of the esteemed art forms in Aztec civilization, making them known for creating colorful and intricately designed mosaics made of feathers. They also made clothes, decorations, and even weaponry with feathers as one of the main materials.

The Aztec culture's emphasis on feathers may have stemmed from the story about how they ended up choosing Tenochtitlan, a historic city in Mexico, as the capital of their empire. Legend has it that after wandering for years, the Aztecs reached the city and saw an eagle sitting on a cactus. Following the advice of their ancestors, they decided to settle in this area and put an end to their years of exploration.

Feathers in Celtic Mythology

In Celtic culture, religious leaders known as druids wore cloaks with feathers which were believed to help them connect with the sky gods. They held an important place in society as they also played the role of medical professionals, legal authorities, and even political advisors.

While it is said that they didn't leave written accounts because they were illiterate, some argue that their doctrine forbade them to write about their beliefs and practices.

Feathers in Egyptian Mythology

In Egyptian culture, feathers were also believed to symbolize the sky gods. Moreover, it is considered to represent justice because they believed that Ma'at, the Egyptian goddess of justice, used a feather to determine the worthiness of a person's soul. Ancient Egyptian myths state that when someone dies, they had to pass through the Hall of Judgment. If their hearts were balanced with Ma'at's feather, it was a symbol of their righteousness, and they were allowed to make their way to the afterlife.

Wrapping Up

If you're curious about what feathers mean because you keep finding different colored ones or you've had dreams about them, knowing how they're interpreted in various cultures will help. In general, feathers represent good things and qualities, so you have nothing to worry about if you see one lying around. There may not be any scientific evidence that could back these claims, but who knows - maybe there is some truth to these myths and superstitions.

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Feathers - Meaning and Symbolism - Symbol Sage

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While feathers are commonly associated with birds and wings, people from various cultures consider them otherworldly and mystical. This does not come as a surprise as cultures consider birds sacred, admiring them for their ability to fly high to the heavens. Since then, people have come to see birds as messengers, carrying prayers and good fortune to the living.

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The Symbolism of Feathers (Luck and Honor) (2022)

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This blog shares the most powerful meanings of feathers in various cultures and religions.

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The symbolism of feathers is usually directly associated with birds and the symbolism of birds more broadly: including freedom, escape and spirituality. But birds' feathers bring a lot of their own meanings also.

The most powerful feather meanings include: freedom, wisdom, power, strength, trust, and honor. The feather is a communication from our guardian angels, a heavenly realm, and even a god.
Interestingly, different cultures and continents feathers have different meanings. Colors in the feathers also have particular meanings.

The Symbolism of Feathers

1. Honor (Native American Culture)

In Native American history, feathers were broadly used for honoring people for their merits. Even nowadays, Native Americans are using feathers in many aspects of their values.
For example, they're still using it in clothing and other cultural attributes as a sign of a person's and their family's honor.

In the Sioux Native American tribes feathers were used for many other purposes also, such as blessing, healing, cleansing, and awakening.

Many Native American trubes use rituals of feathers before going hunting or fishing. They believe that it will bring about blesssings from guardian angels which will lead to a more successful hunt.

In Native cultures, it is also a huge honor to be gifted a feather by a person of higher prominence. Whenever someone was awarded a feather, they are being honored by their tribe.

2. Protection

Also based on Native American traditions, many people hang feathers in their homes for protection. Even when one of the tribe members get sick, many Native Americans use eagle feathers to protect him and make him heal.

Interesting fact: If suddenly a feather falls from the sky, this phenomenon was considered as a gift from the spiritual realm. They believed that the feather can pass all the energy a bird was carrying in his life.

3. A Bridge to the Spirit World
Native Americans believe that the down feather is a bridge between Mother Earth and Spirit World.
Down feathers they are therefore often used in sacred places and when providing blessings to people. It is belueved that the use of the feather will bring good spirits to the people being blessed.

Similarly, in ancient literature, we can see that feathers were held as direct communication with the divine. This is likely because birds fly up high, closer to the gods in heaven. Therefore, the birds appear to us to be more connected to god.

So, it is no wonder that a feather became seen as a sign from the heavens.

Related Article: Red Headed Woodpecker Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism

Similarly, in Christianity, feathers are associated with the existence of angels.

"Feathers appear when angels are near" it's a quote from the bible.

Angels can fly in Christian spirituality, and therefore, perhaps people have come to believe that angels must therefore have feathers. A feather that we find may be either from an angel or placed there by an angel to send us a spiritual message.
Feathers from some species of birds are also believed to bring us good luck. Keeping a feather of these birds around your home can drive more luck and prosperity to your life.
Birds that bring good luck include:

There are some feathers that bring bad luck, though. Birds that bring bad luck or even death include:
Most of the birds that symbolize bad luck are associated with eating carrion. It's believed that if a bird is eating carrion, he might spread bad news and energy.

Furthermore, many bird feathers that bring bad luck (such as the feathers of ravens and crows) are black feathers, as black historically is a color of misfortune and sadness.

See Also: Black and White Feather Symbolism

The Symbolism of Feathers in Dreams
Usually seeing feathers in your dreams can be a symbol of comfort, wealth, warmth, and lightness.
Let's dive deeper and see what specific situations mean in your dreams.

Receiving a Feather in a Dream - this action in dreams means freedom. You'll receive more thoughts and inspiration for your next or current projects.

Flying of Floating Feathers - if feathers were flying around you, it means you'll able to live an effortless and joyful life.

Buying and Selling Feathers in a Dream - finally your good jobs you will not be left ungrateful. Every good job you do will get a favor back to you.

Earrings of Feathers - a new message is on its way. Dreaming a feather earring means important information is trying to reach you through other people. You might notice some different thoughts your buddies are talking about. If you catch them correctly, you might understand its meaning.

A Feather Necklace - Dreaming a feather necklace implies that you should be grateful for all the good things in your life.

Feathers in your Hair - the main meaning is fertility. If you're dreaming a feather in hair and have another half it means that you have a strong commitment to each other.

I have listed only a few and most appearing feathers in the dreams. There are many more meanings in our other article here. (a great place to insert an internal link.)

Related Article: Dead Raven Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

Black and White Feather Meanings
Black and white feathers are opposite to each other. The white one means good things and the black one means bad!
a) White Feather Symbolism

If a white feather appeared in your life, it means that the person you have loved so much and it's no longer with us, he's still watching you.
Seeing a white feather is a signal from your angel that he is listening to your prayers and can help you guide the directions you wanted.
The white feather is a good signal in your life. It means in your not alone in this big world and someone above is watching you and are ready to help you.

See Also: White Pigeon Symbolism

b) Black Feather Symbolism

You might think a black feather is a bad sign as a black cat, but it's not like that.
If you come across a black feather it means your angel is trying to tell you, that bad energy is surrounding your mind to make you feel lost.
But the good news is that your angel is giving you these signs to remind you, he will do everything in his power to put you back on your path.

But we should not forget that we have the power in ourselves to overcome rough times.

Don't stuck if one problem comes your way, we can defeat it and continue living a beautiful life.
> Read The Full Article about Black Feathers Symbolism
Conclusion

Birds are very spiritual creatures and often symbolize good things. Their feathers carry their symbolism, also.

The most accurate symbolism of bird feathers is freedom and prosperity. If you came across a white or colorful feather you can expect a positive occurrence in your life.

Only black or dark-colored feathers bring negative vibes. Keep in mind that.

For more information on the symbolic meanings of flying critters, check out our articles on the symbolism of flamingos and their flaming red feathers, wren symbolism, the symbolism of sparrows or even bee symbolism!

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The Symbolism of Feathers (Luck and Honor) (2022) - 4 Surprising Meanings

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The symbolism of feathers is usually directly associated with birds and the symbolism of birds more broadly: including freedom, escape and spirituality. But birds' feathers bring a lot of their own meanings also. The most powerful feather meanings include: freedom, wisdom, power, strength, trust, and honor.

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Read this to discover the symbolism of different birds.

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