What Does Seeing A Cardinal Symbolize – Now that Halloween is over, it’s officially time to start planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As the holiday season approaches, I’m excited to spend time with family and friends and decorate my home for the holidays. (yay!!)
When I think about Christmas, my head and heart are so full! I love experiencing and enjoying Christmas traditions and parties with all the people I love. If you know me, you know I’m a total bird nerd, so it’s probably not surprising to learn that one of my favorite signs of the season is a bright red cardinal bird. I live in Illinois and Cardinals are our state bird, so I see them all the time; almost every time I look out the window, in fact! Their beautiful red feathers stand out particularly well on a snowy or gray winter day and never fail to catch my eye and brighten my mood. They are a bird you really can’t miss!
What Does Seeing A Cardinal Symbolize
Cardinals are known to represent faith, hope, and love, which is why they are often found in holiday decorations such as greeting cards, wall decor, pillows, wrapping paper, ornaments, and more. I paint them often and have used them as a theme in some of my Christmas prints.
Symbolism Of The Cardinal Bird: What It Means When You See One
Another reason I’m interested in cardinals is that some people and cultures see them as spiritual messengers or even angels. There is a saying that says,
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Which may have been taken from this lovely quote by Victoria McGovern, which can be found in this poem about what it means when you see a cardinal outside your window:
Keep an eye out for the little red bird – it’s there, your loved one will be.”
Cardinal Special Meaning And Symbolism, According To Experts
The belief that Cardinals are messengers of the spirit is not new. The word “Cardinal” comes from the Latin word “cardo” which means “hinge or door”. Thus, the bird was literally named as a representation of a door between the spiritual world and the earth. Pretty cool, right?
According to wikinut.com, “The Cardinal was named the “Christmas Bird” for his spectacular red color. Legend proclaims that the Cardinal is the symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings joy, hope and inspiration on a gray winter day. This is a reminder from nature to focus on our faith; the Cardinal’s scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ that was shed for the redemption of humanity.”
Cardinals also represent virtue, love, responsibility and balance. Believe it or not, they are monogamous birds and mate for life, which can last up to 15 years in the wild. I mean, who knew bird monogamy existed?! If you see a male or a female, you will undoubtedly see their mate somewhere nearby. They really seem to enjoy each other’s company and echo each other’s songs and chirps as they follow each other. It’s so cute! I have even witnessed “couples” of cardinals at my bird feeder bringing food to each other. This apparent “love” and partnership that Cardinals demonstrate explains why Native Americans believe that seeing a cardinal could mean a romantic encounter is on your way!
Knowing and sharing stories like these helps us not only enjoy the season, but also gives us the opportunity to share and connect with each other in truly meaningful ways. Giving gifts or decorating our homes with souvenirs and decorations that tell a story make the holidays a time for deeper relationships. After all, that’s what vacations are all about, right?
Cardinal Spiritual Meaning And Symbolism
Well, regardless of what you believe about cardinals, angels or Christmas, you can’t deny that it is truly charming to look outside and see a beautiful red cardinal or hear its cheerful song and playful chirps. And if you want to believe he’s the messenger of a lost loved one, I can’t think of a better way to do it.
The next time you see a cardinal outside your window, remember a lost loved one and smile. They may have just sent you a message of love and hope through this charming little bird. Or, if you are single, the cardinal may be predicting that someone special will be waiting for you just around the corner.
So my friend, I encourage you to take time and really try to be mindful of the season. Decorating and giving gifts with a special story or meaning can help you build holiday traditions and create special memories and moments for you and your family that you can share and revisit again and again.
And if you’re looking for a special gift that has a cute story to go with it, check out the Christmas section of my store where you’ll find my new Winter Cardinal poster print as well as other wall decor and gift ideas! A man from Foolow, England, has spent time in his backyard for the past three years getting various birds to warm him up. Now they fly into his hand as he feeds them. See the incredible moment!
What Does It Mean When You See A Cardinal?
Cardinals have always had a deep spiritual significance, dating back to the time they were first named.
“When European settlers arrived in North America, they noticed the bright red hue of these birds and how they resembled the red vestments of leading Roman Catholic bishops,” the Farmer’s Almanac reported.
“And the bird’s gay crest is shaped like the helmet of church officials, especially the tall, pointed miter.”
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The bright hue goes beyond the spiky adornments of the Catholic Church. “The cardinal’s color red is seen as a symbol of the blood of Jesus Christ,” Father Jeffrey Kirby, pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Indian Land, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
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Cardinals got their name back when early settlers compared the bird’s red hue and tall crest to the red vestments and hats worn by cardinals in the Catholic Church. Shown here: a male cardinal. (iStock)
“In Christian belief, it was the blood of the Lord Jesus that opened the doors of paradise to humanity.”
It is because of this religious correlation that many believe a cardinal’s visit serves as a heavenly sign or message from a departed loved one.
The cardinal’s festive color—males are bright red, while females are generally light brown, with warm reddish tones on the wings, tail, and crest—brings a great sense of joy to many when they spot the bird.
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Many people have noticed the presence of a cardinal in times of great sadness or when they needed encouragement or upliftment. (iStock)
“Such an encouraging presence of cardinals in times of sadness has turned into a cultural association of birds with hope and the presence of our loved ones who have died,” Father Kirby continued.
Many people have noticed the presence of a cardinal when burying a loved one or in moments of great sadness linked to a deceased family member.
This common occurrence could mean that a loved one is nearby – and that you will always be loved by that person.
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The cardinal is believed to be a positive symbol of departed loved ones who send their love and encouragement in times of need. (iStock)
“People often report that after the death of their loved ones, they begin seeing cardinals frequently,” according to CaringCardinals.com.
“Seeing a cardinal for the first time or more often than usual can be an indication from your loved ones that they will always feel your love and be close to you.”
A pair of cardinals in the wild during winter – the female is on the left, the male is on the right. “It is very possible that God will send a cardinal to someone who is grieving and desolate,” said Father Kirby of South Carolina. (iStock)
Cardinal Sighting: The Meaning Of Seeing A Red Cardinal
Father Kirby again pointed to the religious significance of the cardinal, or birds in general, when examining Matthew 10:29-31.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground, without your Father. And even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”, says the passage of Scripture.
“If God could use a sparrow, he could certainly use a cardinal. It is very possible that God would send a cardinal to someone who is suffering and in desolation,” Father Kirby continued.
Although the cardinal may not be your loved one incarnate – it may be a physical manifestation of the Lord’s providence that you can see.
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Many people believe that the Lord can send a cardinal at a time when you need encouragement or a reminder of his presence in your life. (iStock)
The next time you see a cardinal, it could be the Lord sending you a message
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