Birds have always held a special place in Cherokee culture, symbolizing various aspects of life, spirituality, and the natural world. Their stories and significance offer a window into the deep connection the Cherokee people have with nature. In this article, we’ll explore the rich tapestry of Cherokee bird mythology, rituals, symbolism, and how traditional knowledge aligns with modern scientific understanding.
Golden eagle: Sacred symbol of war and spirit
The golden eagle (awâ’hïlï, Aquila chrysaetos), known as the “pretty-feathered eagle,” is revered in Cherokee culture, particularly in war-related rituals. Its beautiful white tail feathers tipped with black were highly valued for ceremonial purposes. The act of killing an eagle was not taken lightly and could only be performed by a professional eagle killer, a person chosen for their knowledge of sacred rituals and prayers required to seek forgiveness for the act.
Without proper rites, it was believed the eagle’s spirit would seek vengeance on the tribe. The Eagle Dance was a significant ceremony held to honor the eagle’s spirit, where only the greatest warriors dared to wear its feathers. The rituals were so specific that eagles could only be hunted after the crops were harvested and snakes had retreated to their dens – a reflection of the deep connection between the Cherokee, the seasons, and wildlife.
Turkey vulture: Nature’s healer and shaper of the Earth
The turkey vulture (sulï’, Cathartes aura), also known as the buzzard, holds a unique place in Cherokee mythology and medicine. According to Cherokee genesis myths, the buzzard played a role in shaping the earth, using its wings to mold the landscape. The bird’s association with healing stems from its diet of carrion, which led the Cherokee to believe it was immune to sickness, particularly contagious diseases.
During the 1866 smallpox epidemic, Cherokee healers used the vulture’s flesh and soup as a preventative measure against the disease. Buzzard feathers were also placed above doors to ward off witches, and its quills were used to blow medicine into gunshot wounds. Despite its revered status as a healer, buzzard feathers were never worn by ball players*, as it was believed doing so could cause baldness.
*In Cherokee culture, ball players were participants in stickball, a traditional game deeply embedded in their social and spiritual life. Often called the “Little Brother of War,” stickball was not just a recreational activity but a way to settle disputes and prepare warriors for battle. The game involved ritualistic practices, and players followed specific taboos regarding attire and symbols, like avoiding certain feathers that were believed to bring bad luck or harm.
Chickadee: The truth teller and spiritual guide
The Chickadee (tsï’kïlï’, Poecile carolinensis) is regarded as a truth teller in Cherokee folklore. It is often seen as a symbol of guidance and protection, with many stories highlighting its role in revealing hidden dangers. In one tale, the chickadee exposes the vulnerable spot of an evil ogress during battle, leading to her defeat. Because of its reputation for honesty, the chickadee’s presence near a home is taken as a sign that important news is coming or that hidden enemies are nearby. This small bird’s fearless nature and complex vocalizations align with its cultural role as a messenger of truth.
House wren: The curious messenger of the birds
The house wren (Troglodytes aedon) is known in Cherokee folklore as a busybody and messenger. The wren rises early and visits every lodge in the settlement to gather news for the birds’ council.
When a child is born, the wren reports whether it is a boy or a girl. If a boy, the birds lament, knowing he will grow up to hunt them with his blowgun. If a girl, they rejoice, anticipating that she will scatter grains while beating corn into meal. This charming story illustrates how even the smallest, most common birds were woven into Cherokee social narratives and everyday life.
Cardinal: Bearer of news and omen of death
In Cherokee belief, the cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a bird of dual significance. Its bright red plumage and melodic song near a home signal the approach of visitors. However, if a cardinal enters a home, it is considered an omen of death, as the bird is believed to carry souls to the creator. Because of its sacred status, children are warned not to touch cardinal feathers. This dual symbolism reflects the Cherokee’s deep understanding of nature’s beauty and its potential to signal both life and loss.
Owls: Symbols of witchcraft and omens of death
Owls hold a complex and often fearful place in Cherokee culture. Three types of owls are recognized:
- Dusky horned owl (tskïlï’, Bubo virginianus saturatus) – associated with witches.
- Barred owl (u’guku’, Strix varia) – known for its hooting, often considered an omen.
- Screech owl (wa`huhu’, Megascops asio) – its cry is dreaded as a harbinger of death.
Owls were believed to be embodied spirits or witches in disguise, and their cries were feared as evil omens. Despite their ominous reputation, owl feathers had ritual uses; soaking an owl feather in water and bathing a child’s eyes with it was believed to help them stay awake at night. Conversely, blue jay feathers soaked in water would make a child an early riser.
Pheasant: Rhythms of nature and the Pheasant Dance
The bird referred to as the pheasant in Cherokee culture is actually the ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). Though not a true pheasant, the ruffed grouse holds a central role in the Pheasant Dance, an important ritual during the Green Corn Ceremony.
According to legend, during a harsh winter famine, a pheasant discovered a holly tree laden with red berries and shared this with other birds. They formed a circle around the tree, singing and drumming with their wings in joy, giving rise to the Pheasant Dance. This dance mirrors the pheasant’s drumming sound, with participants beating the ground in unison. Interestingly, pheasant meat was taboo for pregnant women, as it was believed the bird’s habit of losing many chicks symbolized poor fertility.
Crows and ravens: Shadows in Cherokee folklore
While many Native American cultures celebrate ravens as tricksters or creators, their role in Cherokee mythology is more subdued and often darker in tone. The raven (kâ’länû) appears occasionally in Cherokee folklore, but it is most prominently connected to the fearsome figure of the Raven Mocker (Kâ’länû ahkyeli’skï). The Raven Mocker is a malevolent spirit believed to prey on the sick and dying, stealing their hearts to extend its own life. Its presence was deeply feared, and traditional medicine men performed rituals to protect the vulnerable from this supernatural threat.
The crow, so prominent in the mythologies of other tribes, plays a lesser role in Cherokee stories. Unlike the crow’s association with wisdom or mischief in other traditions, it does not appear frequently in Cherokee myths. However, raven and crow feathers were sometimes used symbolically in war rituals or adopted as warrior names, reflecting their ominous associations and connection to battle.
Scientific connections
Cherokee observations of birds align closely with modern ornithology. The turkey vulture’s role in consuming carrion reflects its ecological function in preventing disease and nutrient cycling. The cardinal’s song is an early indicator of environmental changes, paralleling its role as a messenger in Cherokee belief. The chickadee’s complex communication supports its cultural role as a truth teller. Birds like the pheasant and cuckoo were also recognized as seasonal indicators, marking changes in nature’s rhythms.
Conclusion
Birds in Cherokee culture are more than mere creatures; they are symbols of life, spirituality, and wisdom. Their roles as messengers, healers, and protectors reflect a deep respect for the natural world and its inhabitants. These traditions continue to influence modern Cherokee identity, highlighting the enduring connection between people, nature, and the avian world.