In Eastern folklore, particularly Chinese tradition, the unexpected appearance of certain birds in one’s living space is considered an ill omen. Among them, two birds stand out as particularly unlucky if they fly into your house: the crow and the owl.
Crow – The Harbinger of Doom
With its all-black plumage, hoarse, and mournful cawing, the crow has come to symbolize misfortune in many cultures. In the East, the color black is often associated with mourning, death, and bad luck. Thus, spotting a crow flying into your house is believed to foretell impending disaster.
A common superstition goes, “Hearing a crow’s caw when someone in the family is ill spells bad luck.” Some even believe the crow’s caw resembles a child’s hungry wail, foreshadowing an imminent loss.
In ancient Chinese literature, crows are often depicted in dark and gloomy settings. From oral tales to classical poetry, the bird has become synonymous with adversity. Despite their intelligence and ecological significance, crows rarely receive positive portrayals in Eastern folklore.
Owl – The Nocturnal Omen
Owls, with their nocturnal habits, piercing gaze, and chilling hoots in the darkness, are believed to possess an otherworldly sense of impending death. According to folklore, owls can sniff out “the scent of death” and even predict it.
A popular saying reflects this belief: “It’s not the owl’s nocturnal cry that’s feared, but its silent stare.” Having an owl fly into your house or perch on your roof is considered a bad omen, often linked to illness and death in the family.
With their distinctive biological traits, owls have become spiritual symbols in many East Asian cultures, though not always in a positive light.
Swallows and Swifts – Symbols of Good Fortune
In stark contrast to crows and owls, swallows and swifts are revered in Eastern folklore. These birds are considered lucky charms in feng shui.
According to tradition, having a swallow fly into your house or build a nest under your roof signifies prosperity and good fortune for your family. The saying, “Where swallows build, wealth and honor will follow” encapsulates this belief.
Ancient poems often praise the appearance of swallows as a blessing, a sign of peace and reunion. The return of swallows after winter also symbolizes new beginnings and fresh opportunities.
While these beliefs about omen birds are deeply rooted in Eastern culture, they lack scientific substantiation.
