Being the only bird that can fly backward isn’t the only special thing about a hummingbird. If a hummingbird visits you, then consider yourself lucky.
Hummingbirds represent joy and healing. The hummingbird meaning and symbolism are about bringing restoration to the life of whoever catches sight of these amazing Passeriformes.
The hummingbird symbolism varies across cultures and religions. These birds have a significance in spirituality, different cultures, and in the manner of how they appear.
Are you intrigued? Read on for more details.
Table of Contents
Hummingbird Meaning and Symbolism in Different Cultures
#1 Native America
The Native American hummingbird is a powerful symbol and they are thought to be a messenger from the spirit world or heaven.
Moreover, in the Native American culture, hummingbirds are believed to be healers sent to heal people from their illnesses. They also symbolize wisdom, healing, and patience.
Native Americans also believed that hummingbirds came from flowers; hence they visit every spring to pay gratitude to the flowers these birds came from.
#2 Mexico
In Mexico, the meaning of hummingbird is deep and goes way back. The Aztecs, or the Mesoamerican people of central Mexico in the 14th—16th century, recognized the hummingbird as the main symbol of their god, Huitzilopochtli – The God of Sun and War.
The Aztecs also viewed the hummingbirds as a symbol of rebirth. Any warrior dying in battle would be reborn as a hummingbird.
At present, hummingbirds are seen as bringers of positive messages and good thoughts from someone you love or someone who has passed. Hummingbirds are considered to be good communicators in Mexican culture.
#3 Asia
In most Asian cultures, hummingbirds are viewed as a symbol of good luck. Therefore, although these birds are no longer common in Asia, they are still highly regarded here.
For example, in Chinese Feng Shui, the hummingbirds have symbolic meaning, denoting they can uplift a room’s energy. As these birds can carry all five of the element colors, they are believed to be able to generate positive qi – the Chinese term for life force energy.
They are also known to carry the spirit of happiness. So seeing a hummingbird meaning will remind you that there will soon be joy in your life.
In Japan, the hummingbird symbolizes good luck in love and marriage. So seeing one on your wedding day means you will have a happy marriage.
Spiritual Meaning in Religion
#1 Christianity
In the Bible, the hummingbird symbolism spiritual is related to the divine concepts of eternity and infinity.
Hummingbirds have a lot of biblical meanings, which include joy, love, positivity, hope, eternal life, and resurrection. These avian species are a symbol of faith and healing in the Bible, while the blue hummingbird signifies hope and rebirth.
They are messengers of God that bring the message of love, peace, and goodness to the people. As the hummingbirds move swiftly, it represents the way God immediately guides us back to faith if we ever fall astray from His path.
#2 Hinduism
Hindus believed the hummingbirds to represent hope and happiness. In addition, the arrival of hummingbirds is seen as a time of new beginnings and high energy because it symbolizes the coming of springtime. This is represented in the way the hummingbirds remain active during this time of year to provide for their young.
#3 Buddhism
In Buddhism, the hummingbirds symbolize contentment–to be happy with what you’ve got and not let your unfulfilled desires bog you down. It represents a reminder that you should not be affected by the external factors that bring you joy, but instead, find peace within yourself and try to live in the moment.
Hummingbird in Different Situations
1. Seeing a humming fly
Have you encountered a hummingbird flying in front of you? Well, that could be the spiritual forces talking to you. The sighting meaning signifies that you are being blessed with that hummingbirds good luck.
When this happens, you can expect good luck to come your way soon, and greater and unexpected things are bound to happen, changing your life for the better.
2. A hummingbird flying to you
Whatever obstacle or struggle you are going through right now, a hummingbird flying to you is telling you that you will soon overcome it, eventually bringing you happiness.
3. Dreaming about a hummingbird
Dreaming about a hummingbird also has its own special meaning. The hummingbird in your dream represents intelligence and new ideas, signaling you to bring them to life and test their full potential.
This could also mean that something deep inside you is being awakened. It is a spiritual message saying that you have finally found your truth, and you are creating the true and best version of yourself.
That said, if the bird lands on your shoulder, it sends the message that you should pause and rest from the stresses of your life.
Read more: Meaning of dream about birds.
4. Seeing a dead hummingbird
It’s not always a bad thing to see a dead hummingbird. It’s simply a sign that a part of your life has come to an end, meaning death of a connection, phase, or mindset. So if you’re still holding on to a toxic relationship, for example, it’s time to let go.
Read more: Meaning of a dead bird.
Colors of a Hummingbird
1. Blue
The blue hummingbird has deep ties with the Native American culture because it symbolizes healing and good luck. If you ever feel lost, the blue hummingbird will serve as your guide on easing your pain and facing new beginnings.
2. Green
Meanwhile, the green hummingbird signifies growth, health, success, happiness, and nurturing in your life. What’s more, when you see one, it can mean there are new beginnings that will come your way.
The green hummingbird also symbolizes prosperity and abundance, be it in your finances, health, or personal success.
3. Red
The red hummingbird represents passion, love, romance, and courage. Seeing this red bird is a sign to muster up your courage and take that leap toward your goals.
Conclusion
Despite being small and tiny, the hummingbird meaning and symbolism are great and deep, even dating back many centuries ago. These birds hold such importance to different cultures and religions that even their feathers are regarded as a symbol of goodness.
Whether it’s a sign you may need or a presence of a loved one you want to feel, the hummingbird carries a message of hope and positivity. The next time you see these birds, you will have something to look forward to.
If you know other hummingbird symbolism we missed, feel free to share.
George and I became friends after a birdwatching trip with our new group. And we have been enjoying every adventure together. When he told me the idea of establishing a site that shares our experiences and fun, I immediately agreed. After trials and errors, here we have Thayerbirding.
