Bald Eagle Symbol

Bald Eagle Symbol
There is no exact definition for any symbol; each symbol is open to interpretation and birds are no exception to this. Their symbolism can vary greatly depending on different cultures and religion. The Bald Eagle is generally thought to be a symbol of great strength, courage, leadership and prestige. Most cultures believe that the eagle is a symbol of the sun and the 'King of Birds'. The eagle is an important symbol for Native Americans who believe it can carry messages between the gods and mankind. Traditional Native American head-dresses contain eagle feathers, this is a symbol used to represent the Thunder God and is also a symbol of success in hunting and war.

Bald Eagle Symbol - Meaning
The Bald eagle is a bird of prey found in America. It has extremely good eyesight, very sharp talons (claws) and a hooked beak for tearing at the flesh of its prey. A bird of prey is defined as a bird that kills other birds and small animals for food.

Bald Eagle Symbol - Native American Mythology The eagle was a sacred bird to the Native American Indians: The Abenaki solar deity (god) 'Kisosen' which translates to 'Sun-Bringer' was portrayed as an eagle. Its wings opened up to create the day and its wings closed to create the night The spirit eagle Wad-zoo-sen flapped his wings to create the wind In Abenaki mythology, Pamola is a legendary bird spirit. It was the god of Thunder and also the protector of Mount Katahdin which is the tallest mountain in Maine. Pamola was the body of a man, the head of a moose and the wings and feet of an eagle

Bald Eagle Symbol - Facts

• The eagle's beak is sharp and hooked in shape to make it easier for tearing its prey's flesh
  

• The Bald Eagle is the national bird or symbol of the US
  

• The Bald Eagle mates for life, however if breeding is unsuccessful of one of the pair dies, the eagle will look for a new mate
  

• The Bald Eagle symbol is an important power animal for Native American Indians. It is believed that power Animals are based on the spiritual idea that the universe, and all the natural objects within it have souls or spirits
  

• The eagle is an important Christian symbol. It is the emblem of St. John the Evangelist who wrote the gospel of John in the New Testament, also known as the forth gospel
  

• The double-headed eagle is a common symbol in Vexillology (Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and use of flags)
  

• Eagles are a popular symbol in heraldry. The eagle symbol usually appears as an emblem, a supporter or within the crest of the coat of arms
  

• In 1792, the Bald Eagle became the national emblem of the United States of America
  

• The bald eagle symbol appears on US currency and is a symbol of power and strength. It is shown sitting on an olive branch, this is a symbol of peace
  

• The eagle is symbolic to the Native American Sioux people, its feathers symbolize the rays of the sun
  

Bald Eagle Symbol - Christian Significance
The Easton Bible Dictionary gives the following meaning for the Eagle Symbol according to bible references:

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as EAGLES they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint"  (Isaiah 40:31)

Referred to for its swiftness of flight (Deut. 28:49; 2 Sam. 1:23), its mounting high in the air (Job 39:27), its strength (Ps. 103:5), its setting its nest in high places (Jer. 49:16), and its power of vision (Job 39:27-30).

This "ravenous bird" is a symbol of those nations whom God employs and sends forth to do a work of destruction, sweeping away whatever is decaying and putrescent (Matt. 24:28; Isa. 46:11; Ezek. 39:4; Deut. 28:49; Jer. 4:13; 48:40).

It is said that the eagle sheds his feathers in the beginning of spring, and with fresh plumage assumes the appearance of youth. To this, allusion is made in Ps. 103:5 and Isa. 40:31. God's care over his people is likened to that of the eagle in training its young to fly (Ex. 19:4; Deut. 32:11, 12).

There have been observed in Palestine four distinct species of eagles, (1) the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos); (2) the spotted eagle (Aquila naevia); (3) the common species, the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca); and (4) the Circaetos gallicus, which preys on reptiles. The eagle was unclean by the Levitical law (Lev. 11:13; Deut. 14:12)

Bald Eagle Symbol - Dream Explanation

• Seeing an eagle in your dream is a symbol of nobility, pride, fierceness, freedom, superiority, courage, and powerful intellectual ability

• Eagles also indicate self-renewal. You will struggle fiercely and courageously to realize your highest ambitions and greatest desires

• Seeing an eagle chained down in your dream, is a symbol of a desperate situation where you are feeling restricted and confined. You are unable to express yourself and be who you really want to be. Consider also what the eagle is chained down to for additional clues as to what might be holding you back

• Seeing a nest of young eagles in your dream is a symbol of your advancement up to the top of the social ladder

• Dreaming that you killed an eagle is a symbol of your ruthlessness. You will let nothing stand in your way of ambitions and obtaining your goals, even if it means hurting those around you.

• If someone else kills an eagle in a dream, it is a symbol that your fame, fortune and power will be ruthlessly taken from you

• Dreaming that you eat the flesh of an eagle, is a symbol indicating that your strong and powerful character will lead you to great wealth and influence

Bald Eagle Symbol