Hummingbirds are beloved for their beauty, acrobatic flight, and ability to hover in midair. Their diminutive size and vibrant plumage have inspired many notable quotes throughout history. In this article, we will explore some of the most famous sayings about hummingbirds and the meaning behind them.
Famous Quotes About Hummingbirds
“The hummingbird that hovers near my window is only the size of a tangerine, yet it is a knight in shining armor to me” – Phyllis McGinley
This quote from the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet beautifully captures the whimsical nature of hummingbirds. Though they may be tiny, their presence brings immense joy. Hummingbirds are like knights that guard and uplift our spirits.
“Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark” – Rabindranath Tagore
In this poetic quote, Tagore uses the hummingbird to represent faith and inner light that persists even in difficult times. Like a hummingbird sensing the first rays of sunlight before the sun has risen, faith allows us to feel hope amidst darkness.
“Nobody gets there alone. And that’s really the spirit of ensemble – the idea of being greater than the sum of your parts. Owning your own success is great, but being accountable to others is so much more empowering.” – Anna Kendrick
In this inspiring quote, actor Anna Kendrick uses the collaborative nature of a bird flock or ensemble to illustrate the importance of community and teamwork. It speaks to the power of shared purpose and collective effort.
“My heart is like a hummingbird, always on the verge of flight.” – Jarod Kintz
Kintz beautifully captures the racing, excitable nature of falling in love through this hummingbird metaphor. It speaks to the thrilling feeling of a heart ready to take flight at any moment.
“A hummingbird does nothing but small things, yet her life is rich.” – Michael Levy
This insightful quote reminds us that a fulfilling life is often found in appreciating and consistently doing small acts rather than pursuing only big goals. Like a hummingbird joyfully visiting flower after flower, purpose can be found in the little things.
The Symbolism and Significance of Hummingbirds
So why are hummingbirds so commonly used in inspirational quotes and metaphors? What is it about them that captures the human imagination? Here are some of the symbolic meanings and cultural significance associated with hummingbirds:
- Energy – Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and are constantly active, flitting from flower to flower. Their energy and liveliness symbolize vigor, vitality, and an enthusiasm for life.
- Joy – The sight of these colorful, tiny birds buzzing around flowers brings delight. Their presence conveys lightness, sweetness, and contentment.
- Resiliency – Despite their small size, hummingbirds are incredibly resilient. They make epic migrations and can endure all sorts of environmental extremes. This makes them a symbol of inner strength, adaptability, and overcoming adversity.
- Lightness – Hummingbirds are one of the lightest bird species. Their weight and delicate nature represent agility, optimism, and levity.
- Love – In some Native American cultures, hummingbirds represent love. Seeing a hummingbird can be a sign that love is on its way or that a loving message is being delivered from the spirit world.
- Appreciating beauty – Hummingbirds are drawn to vibrant colors and sweet nectar, much like we are drawn to beauty in the world. Watching them is a reminder to appreciate and be present with the small delights around us.
So in essence, hummingbirds symbolize joy, vitality, resilience, and the spiritual ideals of lightness and love. They remind us to find meaning in the smallest of moments and see beauty in the world around us. Any quote or metaphor invoking a hummingbird taps into these rich symbolic meanings.
5 More Uplifting Hummingbird Quotes
Here are 5 more positive, inspirational sayings about hummingbirds:
- “The hummingbird that flies backward to sweeten its song teaches us to draw sweetness from adversity.” – Terri Guillemets
- “Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.” – John Lennon
- “Nobody can see a hummingbird still. They dart and zoom; they poise and hover. They’re in constant motion.” – Awynn Kok
- “Little birds with broken wings can heal… all they need is time.” – Sanober Khan
- “Joy is a hummingbird sitting on your palm, restlessness is its wings.” – Vera Nazarian
Each of these quotes uses the whimsy, vigor, and resilience of hummingbirds to share perspectives on seeing beauty, healing, and finding joy and meaning amidst the challenges of life. They capture the magical quality of hummingbirds that makes them so inspirational.
Hummingbird Sayings in Poetry
Some of the most beautiful expressions of hummingbird symbolism can be found in poetry. Here are a few excepts showcasing hummingbirds in poetry:
“One heart is hummingbird wings – adrenaline rush and anticipation of nectar” – John Mark Green
“A hummingbird sat down on a limb;
I cupped red blossoms gently under her feet,
She stabbed deep into each sweet heart,
Like a small god accepting sacrifice.” – Amy Clampitt
“I saw it once, a tiny green hummingbird, its wings a delicate frenzy, whirring toward the nectar of any flower near my window, outside looking in.” – James Kavanaugh
These excerpts demonstrate the rich visual imagery and emotional resonance hummingbirds can provide within poetry. Whether expressing the excitement of new love, the poignant ephemerality of life, or the appeal of an elusive wonder, the hummingbird is a powerful muse.
The Use of Hummingbirds in Literature
Hummingbirds have made memorable appearances in many works of literature as well. Here are a few examples:
- Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston – The opening line reads “Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others, they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time. That is the life of men. Now women forget all those things they don’t want to remember and remember everything they don’t want to forget. The dream is the truth. Then they act and do things accordingly.” This metaphorically sets up the book’s theme of longing and humility.
- The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – The elusive hummingbird appears in a melancholy scene representing lost joy and freedom. Hawthorne writes, “The beautiful bird sat there, the fair sunshine gleaming on its plumage, its bill buried in the blossom… and little Pearl laughed, and began to dance up and down.”
- White Oleander by Janet Fitch – The hummingbird is invoked as a symbol of the protagonist’s mother, with the line “My mother is a hummingbird, she darts from one thing to the next” describing her erratic, excitable nature.
The diversity of these examples demonstrates how hummingbird symbolism can be adapted to serve very different literary purposes, from representing themes to developing characters.
Hummingbird Mythology and Folklore
Hummingbirds have been featured prominently in myths and folklore among many indigenous cultures of the Americas. Here are some examples:
- Aztec mythology – The Aztec god Huitzilopochtli is often depicted as a hummingbird. According to legend, he led the Aztecs to what would become their capital city Tenochtitlan.
- Mayan mythology – To the Maya, hummingbirds represented light, joy, and life. Their feathers were considered sacred and thought to carry prayers up to the sky.
- Taino culture – For the Taino peoples of the Caribbean, the hummingbird was a messenger representing seduction and temptation.
- Cherokee culture – In some Cherokee tales, hummingbirds play a role in bringing fire to humans. Their fast fluttering wings are said to have helped spread the flames.
Across these cultures, the hummingbird is seen as divine, mythical and powerful – a symbol of vital forces beyond human understanding. Their incorporation into folklore speaks to the longstanding awe and appreciation hummingbirds have elicited throughout history.
Hummingbirds as Spirit Animals
Many cultures consider hummingbirds a spirit animal guiding wisdom, joy or communication from beyond. Here’s an overview of hummingbird symbolism and meaning for some who view them as spirit animals:
- Native Americans – Signifies luck, joy, harmony. Hummingbirds may appear in dreams or visions to provide guidance or Represents overcoming adversity.
- Ancient Greeks – Associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. Hummingbirds signal new love is coming or remind you appreciate existing relationships.
- Celtic tradition – Represent magic and mysticism. Seeing a hummingbird is a sign you have access to these forces or it may be an ancestor reaching out.
- Christianity – Symbolize spiritual purpose, service, and God’s presence through the Holy Spirit because of their wings’ cross shape and sustained flight.
Across cultures, the spirit of the hummingbird represents joy and overcoming life’s challenges. They are viewed as messengers signaling new beginnings, love, and meaning is within reach if you open your heart and mind.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds have inspired many famous quotes throughout history due to their captivating nature and rich symbolic meaning. Their diminutive size belies immense strength, which serves as a metaphor for resilience. The joy they elicit reminds us to appreciate beauty and life’s simple pleasures. And their seeming magic engenders a sense of mystical possibility. Hummingbird sayings use these uplifting attributes to share perspectives on love, meaning, belief, and what truly matters. They capture imaginings of better worlds so that, like hummingbirds, our spirits might also take flight.
