Native American SymbolismParrots were not native to North America, but in South American Tribes, they appear in various tales. Parrot feathers were part of Native trade throughout Central America into the Plains Indians’ territory. The living Birds were considered luxury pets, particularly among the Anasazi People. The Hopi, who descended from the Anasazi, have a Parrot Kachina Spirit associated with the Southern Cardinal Direction. Pueblo Tribes say Parrot represents fertility.
There are Parrots featured among Clan Animals, including the Zuni and Pueblos. Pueblos also have a tribal Parrot Dance. Petroglyphs in the same tribe reveal that the Macaw Parrot symbolized the rainbow, and their feathers were used in Corn Mother fetishes, representing the many colors in corn. The plumage also became part of prayer sticks. In South America, the Bororo Tribe considers Parrot as a messenger to the Gods and Ancestors.
Hindu Parrot Symbolic MeaningsParakeet, which is a Parrot, repeatedly appears in Indian folktales. Specifically, the Parakeet is sacred to the God of love, Kama, who rides upon a Parakeet steed. Parakeet’s depiction here is with a red beak and green feathers, both of which symbolize fertility. In South Indian regions, various Goddess images include a hand-held Parakeet who is a messenger spirit.
A collection of Sanskrit tales called the Subacetate contains seventy parrot stories. Someone reads a single story each night to keep a woman from visiting her lover while the husband is abroad. The narratives center on illicit meetings that go awry and how the characters get out using their keen wits. At the end of seventy days, the husband returns from abroad, and the woman forgives all such thoughts of having a tryst.
The following is the story of The Brave Parrot (Buddhist). The story begins with a little Parrot in the middle of a terrible storm. The little Parrot immediately alerted other Animals yelling, “Fire, Fire!” as loudly as possible, pointing them toward the river while doing so. Parrot rose high into the sky so it could reach the waters.
As Parrot looked down, he saw that many animals could not escape the flames. Parrot went into the river, desperate to gather as much water as it could on his wings. The Bird returned over the forest through dark black smoke to the middle of the flames and shook its watery feathers. Parrot did this repeatedly, with singed feathers, lungs full of smoke, blurry eyes, and painful feet.
The Devas who float overhead from their heavenly palace looked down. They saw the Parrot, and all but one Deva laughed at the creature. One Deva turned itself into a Golden Eagle flying right into the Parrot’s path. The Deva tried to change Parrot’s mind by telling the Bird how foolish its efforts were. Over and over, the Eagle cried, but Parrot continued, saying all it needed was someone to help.
Upon reflection, the Deva realized that it had the power to help, so the Deva joined in the task, drenching itself repeatedly. The Parrot became hopeful and laughed with joy. As the water from the Eagle touched the land, new life came forth from out of the ashes. When those water drops touched Parrot, its wings filled with bright, handsome colors. All the animals rejoiced seeing they were whole and celebrated their brave friend.
Yoruban Parrot Symbolic MeaningsThe following is the Yoruban Parrot Legend of the African Grey. Legend has it that the African Grey Parrot was not always grey, nor did he have red tail feathers. God decided one day to have a contest among the birds to see who had the most beautiful plumage. All the Birds in the world primped and preen. All that is but the African Grey (who was white). The Parrot did nothing, which made other Birds very suspicious.
In their desire to win the contest, the Birds spoiled the Parrot. One dumped ash on it, and another had a powerful medicine person cast a spell, turning the Parrot’s tail red. They figured these changes would keep Parrot out of the contest. But upon the day of choosing, God awarded the prize to Parrot. Why? Because the Bird came as itself, and because God saw its beauty within. To this day, the African Grey remains with his sooty feathers and red tail.
Far Eastern Parrot Symbolic MeaningsParrots represent a variety of things in China. Seeing the Birds migrating to breeding grounds meant that it was time to plant crops. Parrots in flight were often an omen of coming rain.
During the Tang Dynasty, Parrot was declared a Divine Bird favored by Emperors. Generally, the Birds represented long life and freedom. Two Parrots are an emblem of devotion and enduring love. Having the image of a Parrot on your roof was auspicious and protective, encouraging positive Chi.
Taken from,
https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/birds/parrot-symbolism-meaning/
