Varying Symbolism

There are 566 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Each tribe has unique ceremonies and varying meanings of each type of feather. They represent power, wisdom, freedom, and honor. Having many feathers meant you were entitled to respect. They signal accomplishments and great deeds.

To some red-tailed hawks are used only in religious ceremonies and rituals. Blue jays and cardinals were used in medicinal ceremonies. Owls feathers often symbolize death and a future prophesy.

Many stories explain the colors and behaviors of birds. Bald eagle feathers are the most prized because the birds fly so high in the sky close to gods. According to the Navajo, all living things climbed up the stalks of bamboo to escapes foods and the wild turkey was the lowest bird and thus the flood washed the color out of its feathers.

    

I guess the important thing to note about this post is that no two tribe has the same meaning for each feather and each ceremony is unique.

picture courtesy lavera-photo-stories.com