What Does a Hummingbird Symbolize?
Humans have been fascinated by hummingbirds for probably all of human history. What is it about this little bird that captivates us so?
- Fly backwards, hover up and down, and go from flying full speed to an instant stop
- Has wings that beat up to 80 times per second, creating an almost bee or insect-like humming sound
- Has the smallest bird eggs in the world
- The world's smallest bird is the bee hummingbird of Cuba, which measures a mere 5 centimeters from the tip of its beak to the end of its tail.
The tiny hummingbird reminds us of many important things. Have you ever been outside for a walk, perhaps feeling a bit tired and depressed, when suddenly, a hummingbird flits into your view?
In the excitement of hearing its buzzing wings and seeing its rapid movements as it darts about looking for the next flower, you have momentarily forgotten what you were brooding about. It's as if the hummingbird was saying, "Hey, things aren't so bad. Lighten up - just look at all the beautiful flowers and sweet nectar we have yet to find!"
Hummingbirds, in their seemingly carefree and happy flight, remind us to live in the moment and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Also, because they often seem to appear out of nowhere, they remind us that joy is unpredictable and can often be just around the corner.
With their long, thin beaks, hummingbirds can reach beyond the tough, untasty parts of a flower to find the sweet nectar within. In this way, they remind us to always be seeking out what's good in life.
Hummingbirds are also a symbol of tenacity and endurance in the pursuit of our dreams because some hummingbirds are known to travel up to 2000 miles to reach their destination.
Furthermore, because of their unique ability to fly backwards, sideways and hover up and down, they remind us to stay adaptable and to accept the reality of change with a happy heart.
Have you ever thought that hummingbirds seem like something out of a fairytale? There is something magical about their colors, shape and the way their move, as if they are reminding us to seek out the magic in life.
Lastly, did you know that hummingbirds alone have the ability to fly moving their wings in the pattern of an infinity symbol (the figure 8)? In this way, they are a symbol of eternity, continuity and infinity.
The meaning of a hummingbird visit
Hummingbirds have a long history of folklore and symbolism in native cultures. The Aztecs saw them as messengers between them and their ancestors or the gods. In Native American culture, hummingbirds are seen as healers and bringers of love, good luck and joy.
In Central America, they are a sign of love and will bring love to the person who spots them.
While there is no direct mention of hummingbirds in the Bible, they are sometimes considered to be a messenger from Heaven, gently nudging us to move on and release the burden of people or things that have passed and can no longer be a part of our lives.
When a loved one has recently passed away, they may be a sign that the loved one has successfully made it to the other side and is doing just fine.
Some people also see them as signs from Angels, reminding us to follow what makes us happy and to enjoy the present moment.
Hummingbirds in Dreams
Seeing a hummingbird in your dreams may be a reminder to you to pay attention to the small or budding ideas in your mind. Like the little hummingbird, little ideas have the potential to become great things, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
A hummingbird in your dream may also be a reminder for you to embrace your freedom and to trust in your instincts, just as a hummingbird lives and flies along, happy in her pursuit of the next sweet flower.
Conclusion
In the end, hummingbirds are a reminder that our happiness lies within us. Only when we accept that there are bitter parts to life, will we be able to allow our inner peace to grow, which in turn, gives us the freedom to enjoy the sweet side of life.
Just look at the tiny, insignificant hummingbird, who everyday finds delicious nectar deep within the tough, bitter parts of the flower.
And she does this joyfully. Though she must work to find food, she does it cheerfully, while humming with a happy heart.
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Photo credits:
The picture of the hummingbird on a branch is by GuideYourPet (https://guideyourpet.com/where-to-hang-hummingbird-feeder/)
Hummingbird eggs photo by Yerandy1990 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
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He listens when I talk and I see his head going this way and that as though indicating to me that he is paying attention and giving thought to my words.
Yesterday evening, in the process of packing the decorative items in my credenza (which was originally a stereo console purchased from J C Penney in the early 70’s) I came across the delicately carved wooden hummingbird made by my dad. When I last visited him before his passing in 1998, he told me I could choose any 3 carvings from a shelving unit filled with his work.
I chose a bell-ringer, a figurine that bore a remarkable resemblance to Phineas T Bluster, and the hummingbird. Its feathers are so intricately carved that when you run your fingers over them, they almost feel lifelike.
You may have heard people say that when a cardinal appears it represents someone who has passed on and is visiting you for one reason or another. I wonder if the same is true for hummingbirds?
Perhaps Walter is here to tell, or reassure me as the case may be, that the changes that are taking place in my life and those that are yet to come, are changes I will be making with loved ones by my side.
We are told that God’s eye is on the sparrow and I think it’s on Walter also. I believe this little fellow outside my window for more than just a fleeting moment morning and evening, is a God sent personal messenger, one that brings not only sweet memories from the past but promised hope for the future.
As I close tonight’s message, I wish each of you your own moments of remembrance and promises of hope for the future.