A Crow’s Call
In ancient times, crows were considered ominous, especially when they cawed. It was believed that their call foretold a death in the family.
This superstition may have arisen from the fact that crows are scavengers, feeding on carrion. Their jet-black plumage further added to their association with bad luck. An old belief held that hearing a crow’s caw within the home, especially when an elderly or infirm person was present, was a harbinger of death.
Midnight Rooster Crow: A Sign of Ill Omen
In the past, the rooster’s crow served as an alarm clock, signaling the break of dawn and time to rise for work. While a morning crow is normal, a midnight crow is considered abnormal and foreboding, believed to be a harbinger of natural disasters.
The Unusual Night-Time Bark
In rural areas, dogs are commonly kept as they are loyal companions and excellent guardians of the home. Dogs have a heightened sense of perception, and their unexplained barking into the night air may indicate that they sense something humans cannot. This is a terrifying omen.
Additionally, a dog barking in the middle of the night could indicate the presence of intruders, which is a dangerous situation.
The Hoot of an Owl at Midnight: A Foretelling of Misfortune
The sound of an owl’s hoot in the dead of night can send shivers down one’s spine. It resembles the sound of a child’s cry, evoking a sense of unease. Thus, the owl’s hoot is considered an ill omen.
The old saying goes, “An owl’s laughter in the night brings bad news.”
This fear may simply stem from the uneasiness the sound evokes, rather than any tangible evidence. However, for those who have heard an owl’s hoot in the quiet of a rural night, the feeling of foreboding is undeniable.
The Hen’s Crow: An Ominous Sign
While it is normal for a rooster to crow, a hen’s typical sound is “cluck, cluck, cluck.” However, if a hen crows like a rooster, it is considered a bad omen.