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Birds in Symbolism

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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Biot, Jean Baptiste

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1910 New Catholic Dictionary
• Symbolism, Birds in
• Birds in Symbolism
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McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Bird (Symbol)
The Catholic Encyclopedia
• Birds (In Symbolism)

In the Old Testament and the New Testament symbolic references to birds occur, and these were multiplied in medieval literature and art.

• The dove was an early type of purity, as in Canticle of Canticles, 5,6; of peace, as in the story of the Deluge; of simplicity and innocence, as in Matthew 10. In early Christian art it typified the Holy Ghost; and after, as the soul, it is sometimes seen flying from the mouth of the dead.
• The eagle, reputed to have the power of looking directly at the sun, is a symbol of Christ gazing undaunted on the brightness of God the Father, and of Saint John absorbed in contemplating the highest truth. The eagle was also a type of Baptism, from the legend that a dying eagle could renew its youth by plunging three times into a spring of pure water (Psalms 102).
• The pelican, feeding her young with the blood of her breast, symbolizes Christ the Redeemer; "nostro pelicano" as Dante calls Him.
• The phoenix, said to rise rejuvenated from its own ashes, is the type of resurrection and eternity.
• The peacock, believed incorruptible, represents immortality, and in later art, pride.
• The cock is the emblem of Saint Peter the Apostle, and sometimes of vigilance.
• The vulture represents greed.
• The raven may symbolize the Jews, or occasionally confession and penance.

As emblems of the saints, birds in general are associated in art with

• Saint Francis of Assisi
• Blessed Joseph Anchieta
• Saint Valentine of Rome