Hummingbirds have long been associated with myths, legends, and superstitions around luck and fortune. These tiny, colorful birds seem to have captured people’s imaginations across many cultures throughout history. But are hummingbirds actually harbingers of good or bad luck? Let’s take a closer look at some of the folklore and beliefs around hummingbirds and luck.
Hummingbirds as Good Luck
In many cultures and traditions, spotting a hummingbird is considered an omen of good luck and positive fortune. Here are some examples of hummingbird mythology associated with blessings, prosperity, and destiny:
- In some Native American traditions, hummingbirds are seen as messengers from the spirit world bringing luck, joy, and love.
- In Latin American folklore, a hummingbird fluttering around you may signify incoming positive energy, happiness, and good financial news.
- In the Andes Mountains, locals believe that hummingbird feathers bring good luck in love to those who find them.
- In the Caribbean, spotting a hummingbird near your home means blessings and luck will soon come your way.
- In ancient Aztec mythology, deceased Aztec warriors were reincarnated as hummingbirds.
So throughout history, hummingbirds have developed a strong symbolic connection to concepts like renewal, vitality, lightness, joy, hope, and new beginnings – all closely tied to ideas of good fortune.
Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Seen as Good Luck
There are several theories as to why hummingbirds have become so emblematic of good luck and positivity across cultures:
- Their speed and agility. Hummingbirds can flutter their wings up to 70 times per second, allowing them to deftly change directions in an instant. This gives them an aura of energetic lightness and dexterity that people associate with luck.
- Their resilience. Despite being one of the smallest birds, hummingbirds migrate remarkably long distances and survive in a wide range of habitats and climates. This toughness and endurance inspires perceptions of strength and tenacity – key traits of fortune and prosperity.
- Their beauty. Hummingbirds captivate with their vibrant, shimmery plumage. Their appealing aesthetic evokes a sense of wonder and joy in those who observe them.
- Their association with flowers. Hummingbirds drink the nectar of flowers, connecting them symbolically to blooming, thriving, and the sweetness of life.
- Their energy. Hummingbirds buzz around tirelessly as they feed, emanating an aura of vibrant energy people associate with the motion of luck or good chi entering one’s life.
So for these reasons, hummingbirds tend to evoke uplifting emotions tied to optimism, vitality, and blessings when we see them.
Hummingbirds in Mythology and Folklore
Let’s explore some of the good luck myths and folklore around hummingbirds from various cultures:
- Native American legends – As mentioned, some Native American tribes consider hummingbirds sacred messengers of luck and joy. There is a Navajo legend that hummingbirds originated from a brave warrior whose spirit was transformed into a hummingbird by the gods as a reward for his courage.
- Mayan mythology – In stories from Mayan culture, deceased souls are reborn as hummingbirds to taste the nectar of flowers and experience the joys of life once more. So they are symbols of renewal and rebirth.
- Brazilian folklore – In Brazil, spotting a hummingbird by your house may signify that money and blessings will soon come your way. They use the expression “pássaro beija-flor lhe trará fortuna” meaning “the hummingbird will bring you fortune.”
- Andean traditions – Old legends across the Andes link hummingbirds to romantic love and luck. Couples who spot a hummingbird together believe it is an omen that they will have a joyful marriage.
- Chinese culture – In Chinese tradition, hummingbirds are said to be lucky charms and their feathers were once worn as talismans to attract financial prosperity.
Across cultures, vibrant hummingbird imagery has become intertwined with positive superstitions, myths, and lucky symbols.
Hummingbirds as Bad Luck
While most legends paint hummingbirds as good luck, there are a few cultural traditions that associate hummingbirds with ill fortune or even evil:
- In some West African folklore, hummingbirds are considered a bad omen, perhaps linked to their aggressive territoriality.
- Some Native American tribes saw hummingbirds as gossipers that spread secrets. If a hummingbird flew by gossiping, it meant rumors might spread about you.
- In Appalachian culture, one old mountain superstition states that hummingbirds flying around a house signifies impending death or tragedy.
- Some early European settlers viewed hummingbirds as diabolical or evil birds associated with witchcraft, possibly due to their rapid fluttering.
However, these negative associations are rare. In general hummingbirds are overwhelmingly viewed as magical creatures that uplift the soul and attract positivity.
Signs Hummingbirds Bring Good Luck
According to various superstitions, here are some specific signs that hummingbirds may be bringing fortune your way:
- A hummingbird buzzing around your head may indicate incoming money or success.
- Seeing a hummingbird near your home or entering your yard suggests blessings and abundance soon to come.
- A hummingbird tapping on your window is believed by some to signify luck and positive energy trying to get your attention.
- Hearing a hummingbird’s trilling song means joy and good vibes are headed your way.
- Finding a hummingbird feather brings personal luck to the finder, especially in matters of love.
Of course, these signs should be taken lightly as superstitions. But they illustrate the strong perceived connection between hummingbirds and good fortune.
Ways Hummingbirds May Enhance Luck
Beyond just being signs or omens, here are some ways people believe interacting with hummingbirds can actually boost your luck:
- Put up feeders to attract hummingbirds. Doing so increases your exposure to hummingbirds and the presumed energy and luck they bring.
- Plant red flowers they are attracted to, like bee balm and cardinal flower. These red blooms will draw hummingbirds and their blessing energy nearer.
- Hang a hummingbird charm or trinket by your window to beckon hummingbird spirits and their power of prosperity.
- Make a wish or say an intention when you spot a hummingbird to activate its good fortune magic.
- View hummingbird imagery and symbolism to lift your spirits and prime yourself to attract luck.
While not scientifically proven, these practices rely on the spiritual and symbolic perception of hummingbirds as lucky in various cultures.
Conclusion
Throughout history and across many cultures, hummingbirds have developed an uplifting reputation as bringers of blessings, joy, prosperity, and good luck. This perception stems from their captivating beauty, speed, endurance, association with flowers, and energetic buzzing. While a few traditions do link hummingbirds to ill fortune, these are rare exceptions. Most legends and superstitions agree that if a hummingbird graces you with its presence, luck and good fortune are soon to follow.
So while scientifically unproven, the folklore throughout the ages connecting hummingbirds and luck persists. And spotting these shimmery sprites can certainly lift one’s spirits and brighten the day. In that sense alone, hummingbirds may always be considered lucky birds.
