In the old tales birds are often messengers, bearers of foreknowledge – for good or ill. They overhear things that humans don’t, come unbidden to help the hero in their quest, although their warnings are not always understood or welcomed.
In Kenya (and other parts of Africa) the Red-Chested Cuckoo is the bearer of good news. Its three note call says the rains are coming – ‘time to dig’, ‘time to dig’. On the other hand, in some interpretive versions, much depends on the geo-location of the call. If you are setting out on a journey and the call comes on the right of the path, then it signifies that all will be well. But if it comes from the left, then there’s danger ahead; better go home and wait for a more propitious day.
I think the two birds in the first photo are rooks. All members of the corvid family (rooks, crows, ravens, choughs, magpies, jays) tend to have a poor reputation on the bad omen front, but since I have a twosome here, I’m choosing to see them as beneficent. I’m also reminded of the magpie sighting rhyme: one for sorrow, two for joy.
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Butterflies also have spirit world connotations. In cultures across the globe they represent transformation and rebirth, joy and happiness. A butterfly may also be seen as the embodiment of a human soul, although a crowd of them might be thought an evil portent. I’m happy, then, to come upon this single tiny Common Blue butterfly, sipping at grasses on a summer’s evening.
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And as for the bees, most of us know that, as pollinators alone, they are absolutely indispensable. The value of their produce too is inestimable. They are admired for their busyness and sound work ethic; the therapeutic hum in spring orchards.
It’s not surprising, then, that in many ancient cultures they were revered. They conferred blessings even on the gods. For instance, Apollo’s gift of prophecy was bestowed on him by three bee maidens, or in older pre-Hellenic versions of the tale by a trio of bee goddesses. Other texts see the bee’s origin as dramatically supernatural. One Ancient Egyptian version has it that they arose from Sun God Ra’s tears as they fell on desert sand. What an image. I think I believe it.
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Lens-Artists: Wings This week Beth at Wandering Dawgs gives us a fabulous theme to work with.
There is something captivating about birds.
Definitely, Pam.
Beautiful images Tish! Birds do know of disaster coming. When we lived in Los Angeles, my son had a cockatiel, and she lived in the dining room. One morning while I was in the living room, I heard her screech and fly around her cage. Not one minute later, an earthquake hit! She knew something was happening.
Yes, I can well believe that birds (and other mammals too) know there’s an earthquake coming.
Tish, thank you for this wonderful response to the wing challenge. Your images are great and I enjoyed reading about the old tales and legends about the birds, butterflies and bees.
Many thanks, Beth. Happy you liked this.
A wonderfully imaginative look at wings, Tish, and that first photo is a thing of beauty xx
Many thanks, Jo. That first photo is a favourite.
Very creative Tish! Love how you tied your lovely images to stories and their significance in other cultures. Well done!
Many thanks, Tina.
Your photos are gorgeous, and they bring your stories to life.
photos went well with the story, Tish
That’s very nice of you to notice that, Yvette 🙂
🙂
Excellent choices and beautiful photos. The Common Blue butterfly is gorgeous.
Many thanks, Egídio. That little blue butterfly has its own magic, doesn’t it.
so interesting-
Thanks, Beth.
Some very interesting facts Tish. The one about the meaning of bird song to your left or right is intriguing. I wonder were that came from. Beautiful, sky in your first photo
I suppose many superstitions about foretelling have a tiny root in something that actually happened to someone. My mother was horrified if she saw her first sighting of a new moon through glass.
I love the way you’ve framed this post in the context of folklore. And the shots with which you’ve topped and tailed your post.
Glad this hit the mark, Margaret. I used the folklore to rein myself in when it came to choosing photos. I have so many bee, bug and butterfly pix.
I seem to have had a Cloud Disaster, and nearly all my butterfly photos have gone AWOL. Which is why I focussed on birds. And enjoy yours instead!
Oh that’s a shame. Has the file slipped into another file maybe?
I’ve searched by every key word I can think of. Very odd.
As Margaret said!
Thanks, Sue.
NIce gallery, Tish, but my favorite is that silhouette! Nice capture!
Many thanks, John.
the last one has such a great atmosphere, it is lovely Tish
Many thanks, Ritva.
I love how you’ve approached this theme Tish, with all the ideas about the significance of these winged creatures. And the idea that bees arose from Sun God Ra’s tears as they fell on desert sand is a beautiful image b🐝🐝🐝
So pleased you enjoyed this, Sarah.
Such a cool read, Tish, I love your take on this challenge and your photos are beautiful, the first one especially.
Many thanks, Sofia.
I can only chime in, Tish – a calm and engaging take on this theme! Beautiful pictures, and somehow I believe I can hear your voice…
That’s a very touching comment, Ann-Christine. Thanks so much.
♥
I believe they are messengers too, Tish. Lovely words.
Thank you, Flavia.
a beautiful post
Cheers, my dear.