Jan 10, 2023 | Native Hope
In Native American culture it is believed that all things possess an inherent virtue, power, and wisdom. The feather, for example, is a powerful symbol that signifies honor and a connection between the owner, the Creator, and the bird from which the feather came. It symbolizes trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom. It is an object that is deeply revered and a sign of high honor.
The Meaning of the Feather
Native American warriors were awarded a feather when they won a battle or were particularly brave in war. When a feather falls to the earth, it is believed to carry all of the bird's energy, and it is perceived asa gift from the sky, the sea, and the trees.Feathers may arrive unexpectedly but not without a purpose.
The Eagle Feather
Each type of feather represents something different. The eagle’s feather, however, is one of the most esteemed. In Native culture, the eagle is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. It has strong medicine.
United States law recognizes the unique significance of eagle feathers in Native American culture, religion, and tradition. The eagle is a highly protected creature under U.S. law, but special exceptions are made to allow Native Americans to possess, pass down, gift, and acquire eagle feathers within specific conditions.
An eagle's feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are displayed with dignity and pride.They are handled with great regard.In fact, if an eagle feather is dropped during a dance, a special ceremony is performed before picking it up again, and the owner is careful to never drop it again.
The eagle feather is also used to adorn the sacred pipe because it is a symbol of the Great Spirit who is above all and from whom all strength and power flows. When a feather is held over a person’s head, it is a blessing, wishing bravery and happiness. Like many Native American symbols, some even choose to tattoo feathers on their bodies to help them on their journey or to tell their story. To wave it over everyone present means everyone is wished peace, prosperity, and happiness.
The Eagle–Wanblí is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds.
Watch the video below to learn more.
We invite you tolearn with us as we seek to preserve Native American culture and Native American history and empower the next generation of Native youth to thrive in the authenticity of their heritage.
FAQs
The feather, for example, is a powerful symbol that signifies honor and a connection between the owner, the Creator, and the bird from which the feather came. It symbolizes trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom.
What does the feather mean in Cherokee Indian culture? ›
Feathers are widely believed among North American Indians to signify the connection between The Creator, the owner of the feather, and the bird from whom the feather came. Deeply revered, the feather symbolizes high honor, power, wisdom, trust, strength, and freedom. As such, feathers are seen as gifts from the sky.
What does the Lakota feather mean? ›
Lakota Spirit Animals
For this reason, Native Americans have chosen the eagle and its feathers as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. In Lakota culture, eagle feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are worn with dignity and pride. They are treated with great respect.
What do 3 feathers symbolize? ›
Finding three feathers could represent harmony between body, soul, and spirit, or the manifestation of balanced energy in your spiritual life. Divine trinity: In some religious traditions, the number three is linked to the divine trinity, such as the Christian Holy Trinity.
What do the 7 feathers mean? ›
The crosswalk will feature seven feathers representing the seven guiding principles adopted by many Indigenous communities and organizations, which are Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility, Truth and Wisdom.
Is a feather a symbol of hope? ›
In Christianity, feathers are associated with the presence of Angels and represent prayer and faith. The symbol of three feathers was popular in ancient Christianity, especially among the Medici, who used them as an emblem representing the three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.
What is the symbol of the feather for Native American? ›
For this reason, Native Americans have chosen the eagle and its feathers as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest and holiest. In the Native American culture, eagle feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are worn with dignity and pride.
What do the Cherokee believe about feathers? ›
Birds, Feathers, and Ritual in Southeastern Cultures
These characters represent spirit beings whose attributes parallel those of their bird counterparts. Feathers are also considered to be spiritual agents of great power, as demonstrated by a Cherokee narrative on the origin of corn and game.
Who wears feathers in Native American culture? ›
This stereotypical image was ubiquitous when American television series and western movies depicted nearly all Native American tribes wearing feathers in this manner. However, these types of headdresses were worn almost exclusively by the chiefs and war shamans of the Great Plains tribes.
What feather did Native Americans use? ›
Plains Indians use eagle feathers as the most significant part of the headdress to represent honor and respect.
When you wear or hold an eagle feather, you are honouring the Creator and all the gifts in your life including your health, your family, your work and your relationships. The Ojibway word for 'feather'
What tribe wears feathers? ›
Which Native American cultures wore feather headdresses, and what is their significance? Plains cultures are the historical groups that use what we would recognise as feathered headdresses, such as the Lakota, Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho, Crow, Blackfeet, and many other groups in the Great Plains region.
What does the Bible say about feathers? ›
Psalms 91:4 In-Context
4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
What God is associated with feathers? ›
It is believed that these feather gods represent the war god Kuka'ilimoku, though others, including forms of the gods Ku and Lono, were probably also represented.It is likely that such images developed from the crested Hawaiian featherwork helmets.
What does a feather symbolize in a tattoo? ›
Feather tattoos have many different meanings depending on the type of feather. Generally speaking, however, most feather tattoos are a symbol of freedom like a bird in flight. Feather tattoos can also be part of angelic symbolism and hold a much deeper and profound meaning for the wearer.
What is the spiritual connection to feathers? ›
However, feathers represent multiple spiritual facets: the wind, guardian angels protecting you, and the spiritual connection to God or a higher power. Feathers are also considered a connection to the divine realm, and are symbols of freedom associated with your mind and spirit.
What does a GREY and white feather mean spiritually? ›
Grey and white are both colors associated with renewal, hope, and wisdom. They're also associated with peace and tranquility. If you find a grey and white feather during a difficult period or transition, it could be a sign from the universe that your situation will soon improve.
Should you keep feathers you find? ›
In almost all circ*mstances, that feather you found has to stay where it is. The exceptions are as follows: Gamebirds — any bird which is legally allowed to be hunted, as such, must be legal to possess in some capacity. This still doesn't mean that just anyone can pick up their feathers.
