The Bird is a Cardinal….now what?
Thanks to everyone, on this blog and on twitter, for helping me find out what kind of bird that was. (If you missed watching the video you can check it out here.)
What I want to do now is a little research on the little red rascal. Not the kind that I would write for a 6th grade report…you know, like about what it eats and where it lives….but more about the symbolism of the bird. What it means, uses of the symbol in history, it’s connection to the religious Cardinals.
Good thing I have the internet! Here is a quick list of things I found:
- One strong attribute of the cardinal is it’s bold red colour (males only).
- The cardinal “brings colour to your life and reminds you that all you do is important, you are someone who brightens others lives.”
- It was known as a Holiday bird; it’s billiant look “brings cheer and was a message of hope and spring time during the winter.
- It has become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season.
- As for religious references apparently the bird was named after the Cardinal figures for their red robes.
- Their ’scarlet plumage’ also represents the blood of Christ.
- Portrays and aspect of high importance, a need to give one’s attention to something.
- spiritual freedom; ability to soar to higher awareness.
- To hear them speak is owning one’s inability to to perform tasks that demand great clearness of perception.
Perhaps the most appropriate resource I found referred to the bird as a ‘totem’:
“Those who attract the cardinal as their totem are naturally energetic, love life, and happily help others where/when they can.”
My father emanates these qualities. It’s a big part of him that I once saw in myself. Maybe this bird is a reminder to keep that legacy of him alive and strong. To not let this wretchedness ruin my spirit. It goes on to say…
“It reminds us to hold ourselves with pride – not ego pride. Rather, the cardinal asks us to stand a little taller, be a bit more regal, step into our natural confidence as if we were born to lead with grace and nobility.”
I know this is what my Dad wants for me. He taught me to stand strong, to be honourable to my friends and family, to be fair and truthful, to love fully and not to be weak.
“Call upon the cardinal when you are feeling low…or when you need bolstering for an event you are nervous about – the cardinal is better than B-12 for giving energy and vitality to those who need it!”
Since that moment under the cherry tree I can spot a cardinal’s song from a mile away. My mom tells me that there is a Cardinal that has become quite comfortable in the backyard and makes appearances daily. I hope he continues to stay; his presense is a wonderful reminder of the kind of man my Dad is.