Phoenix Symbol

Phoenix 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 Phoenix is a legendary Arabian bird which is said to periodically burn itself to death and emerge from the ashes as a new phoenix, a symbol of life, death and re-birth.  According to most beliefs, only one phoenix lived at a time and it renewed itself every 500 years. Legend tells that the phoenix is a bird that will not die because it did not eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. In ancient Egypt the Phoenix was a symbol of the sun rising and setting. Like a Phoenix, the sun sets (resembling a ball of fire) and rises again as a new sun. The phoenix is also known as a symbol of royalty.

Phoenix Symbol - Meaning
The phoenix or 'fire bird' is a mythical bird and is a symbol of the sun. Other mythical birds who resemble the Phoenix and appear in other cultures include:

• Persian Simurgh (also known as Angha)

• Chinese Fenghuang (also known as the Chinese Rooster or August Rooster)

• Russian (Slavic) Firebird

• Hindu Gandaberunda

• Egyptian Bennu
  

Phoenix Symbol - Christian Significance
The Phoenix is an important Christian symbol and symbolizes the death of Christ and his resurrection from the dead which is celebrated each year at Easter. The following reference to the Phoenix symbol is in the Bible:

"Then I thought, ‘I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days like the phoenix.’ "
(Job 29:18)

Phoenix Symbol - Facts

• The Phoenix Christian Symbol represents the Resurrection and Eternity or Eternal Life
  

• The well known inspirational phrase "Rises life a Phoenix from the Ashes" is often used to describe someone who has suffered hardship or trouble and begins to rebuild their life to be better than before
  

• Legend tells that the phoenix is a bird that will not die because it did not eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden
  

• During the Medieval period the Phoenix was considered a 'royal bird'
  

• The Phoenix is considered by many cultures to be a symbol of the mind and spirit
  

• In Christianity, the Phoenix is an important symbol. It represents how Christ suffered during the passion, was put to death but returned to life three days later, it is both a symbol of faith and success

Phoenix Symbol - Dream Explanation

• Seeing a phoenix in your dream is a symbol of immortality and renewal

• A phoenix appearing in your dream is a symbol of your past and how it continues to haunt you

Dream Interpretation - Significance of Bird Symbol
The following explanation of dreams involving birds in general is taken from the book entitled 'Dream Dictionary (10,000 Dreams Interpreted - by Gustavus Hindman Miller)':

• It is a favorable symbol in a dream to see birds of beautiful plumage. A wealthy and happy partner is near if a woman has dreams of this nature
  

• Moulting and song less birds, could denote merciless and inhuman treatment of the outcast and fallen by people of wealth
  

• To see a wounded bird, is a symbol of fateful of deep sadness caused by erring offspring
  

• To see flying birds, is a symbol of prosperity to the dreamer. All disagreeable environments will vanish before the wave of prospective good
  

• To catch birds, is not at all bad. To hear them speak, is owning one's inability to perform tasks that demand great clearness of perception.

Phoenix Symbol