Owls symbolize differently in different places.
Africa
In Kenya, owls are recognized as a sign of death. If someone sees an owl or hears its whoop, he or she is going to die. In other places in Africa, owls are often associated with wizards and sorcery, which bring bad luck to people.
Old American Culture
In the culture of the Aztec, the Hopi, taboos surround owls, which are associated with sorcery and other evils as well. The Aztec and Maya along with other natives of Mesoamerica, viewed owls as a symbol of death and destruction. The god of death in Aztec culture, Mictlantecuhtli, was often depicted with owls.
Modern Western Culture
Owls are often regarded as wisdom in the modern western world. People use “Wise like an owl” to describe a person who is really smart. Why is there such a big change, from the symbol of death to the representation of wisdom?
Well, in the old days, people understand owls little. The mystery of them was frightening thus people linked owls with bad thoughts. Yet nowadays, we know owls quite well. Owls are nocturnal and their sights are sharp and precise in the darkness. They are able to hunt in the deep woods at midnight. Therefore people view them as wisdom and insight. People also think owls have secret powers.
They are able to hunt in the deep woods at midnight. Therefore people view them as wisdom and insight. People also think owls have secret powers.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, an owls is the incarnation of the goddess Athena. Athena’s father was Zeus, the almighty god. Therefore owls are often associated with peace, victory and wisdom in ancient Greek culture.
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