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 inauspicious 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 be associated with foreboding and unease. In ancient beliefs, the color black symbolized mourning, negative energy, and all things related to death and bad luck. Thus, the sight of a crow flying into one’s house was thought to herald impending disaster.
A common folk saying goes, “Hearing a crow’s caw when someone in the family is ill spells bad luck.” Many also believe that the crow’s caw resembles a hungry child’s cry, foreshadowing an impending loss.
In ancient Chinese literature, crows are often depicted in association with darkness and decay. From oral tales to classical poetry, crows have become emblematic of misfortune, despite their intelligence and ecological significance.
Owl – The Nocturnal Harbinger of Death
Owls, with their nocturnal habits, piercing gaze, and chilling hoots in the darkness, are believed to possess an uncanny ability to sense impending death. According to folk belief, owls can sniff out “the scent of death” and even foretell it.
A popular saying captures the unease caused by owls: “It’s not the owl’s nocturnal cry that’s feared, but its laughter.” The intrusion of an owl into one’s home or its perching on the roof is often a cause for worry, as it is believed to forebode illness or even death in the family.
With their distinctive biological traits, including night vision, silent hunting skills, and distinctive calls, owls have become an unfortunate “spiritual symbol” in many East Asian cultures.
Swallows and Swifts – Symbols of Good Fortune and Blessings
In stark contrast to crows and owls, swallows and swifts are revered in Eastern folklore. These birds are considered harbingers of good fortune in feng shui.
According to traditional beliefs, if a swallow flies into your house or builds its nest under your eaves, it signifies prosperous qi, a thriving family, and financial success for descendants. The saying, “Where swallows build their nests, there will be great wealth and honor,” reflects this folk belief.
Numerous ancient poems celebrate the appearance of swallows as a blessing, a sign of reunion and peace. The return of swallows after winter also symbolizes new beginnings and fresh prosperity.
While these beliefs about auspicious and inauspicious birds are deeply rooted in folk culture, they lack absolute scientific basis.
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An ominous tale from ancient lore: Beware the foreboding messengers of misfortune, for when two avian creatures of ill-omen enter your abode, a dire fate awaits.
In Eastern folklore, the unexpected arrival of certain birds in one’s surroundings is often regarded as an ominous sign.
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