Sparrows are often depicted as one of the smallest family of birds. That notwithstanding, they are powerful spirit animals with lots of symbolism and meanings (similarly to peacocks we have talked about).
Whether you are looking at the sparrow as your spirit guide or not, it is worthwhile reading through the different meanings as explored in this article.
On the other hand, if you believe that a sparrow is your totem animal, the more reason you need to read through to get as much information and possible. Read on to learn more about the sparrow symbolism.
What You'll Learn Today
What does a sparrow symbolize?
Sparrows may be small but are heavyweights in meaning. They symbolize community, simplicity, joy, and protection. Sparrows are also known to be productive hence they are associated with hard work.
Here is a run-through of the common sparrow symbols.
- Protection: Sparrows are not lone rangers; they move in flocks also known as knots or crews. This way, they feel safe and comfortable as they protect each other. The protection isn’t just for their own sake rather it is extended to their young ones as well. As a spirit animal, sparrows’ protective behavior may symbolize your behavior to your family.
- Self-worth: We all have self-worth, but truth be told, we often struggle to acknowledge it. Sparrows re-emphasize that we have self-worth and go ahead to make us realize and relate to it. Whenever a sparrow appears for you, it is a sign that you need to love yourself more. It could also serve as an indicator that you don’t have as much self-confidence or probably you need to stop viewing yourself as a lesser being.
- Industrious: Sparrows work their entire life gathering food and building nests to ensure survival. If you think the sparrow is your spirit animal, it could be a call for you to exert more effort in order to get where you want to be.
- Cooperation: Sparrows are communal birds and they work together as a team. They share responsibilities towards common success. As your animal totem, a sparrow is a reminder that you need to share your assignments or responsibilities with another person. It is a sign that you are not alone.
What does the sparrow symbolize in native American cultures?
In Native American cultures and beliefs, the sparrow symbolizes friendliness, joy, contentment, simplicity inclusion and resourcefulness. Sparrows were regarded as friends of the common people and those in the lower rungs of society.
Native American folktales depicted sparrows as helping spirits and revered elders that traverse between heaven and earth.
In another twist of symbolism, the sparrow was believed to be a bearer of death. Whenever it landed in someone’s home, a member of the family or a neighbor would die.
In the context of dreams, sparrows are a symbol of a person’s softer side. This is especially the case when you are listening to bad experiences that another person went through. If in the dream you see an injured sparrow, it could be a sign that for your entire future, you’ll face troubles.
Despite the negative interpretations, Native Americans largely consider the sparrow to be an enlightener of souls. It can guide people to the wonders of life by instilling in them the drive to work hard.
What does a dead sparrow symbolize?
Seeing a dead sparrow whether in the garden or somewhere along the road can be a worrying sign. You may also see a sparrow drop dead before you. This could be a symbol that your innocence or freedom in a certain situation may be refuted or challenged.
Sparrows are usually connected with other people. This means seeing a dead sparrow could be a suggestion of difficulties coming your way particularly connected to your relationship with people.
What do sparrow feathers symbolize?
The yellowish-brown plumage of sparrows carries some significance and meaning. They symbolize freedom, beauty, and majesty. Whether you dream or you see sparrow feathers in your wake life, the sign is that of creativity, productivity and diligence in your life.
What does the sudden appearance of a sparrow symbolize?
Sparrows can appear in your life in different ways. For instance, in Indonesia when a sparrow flies right into your house, it is a sign that a member of your family will either marry or give birth. In China, seeing a sparrow fly into your house could be a sign of some good luck coming your way down the road.
When sparrows appear suddenly, they could also be passing a warning. It is always advised that you pay attention and be alive toy our surroundings and inner self.
At times a sparrow may appear when you are feeling downcast or when your self-esteem is low. Such an appearance is meant to help you overcome those feelings. You’ll feel your self-worth awakened and your dignity restored.
What does a sparrow symbolize in the bible?
The bible makes inferences to the sparrow in several instances. One of the most striking symbolism is concerning the size of the sparrow. Compared to the unfathomable expanse of heaven and earth a human soul is but the size of a sparrow.
The human soul can choose between good and evil. The sparrow symbolizes this freedom of choice. Also, the size of the sparrow enables it to soar right to the top of trees however tall they are and fit in tiny and squeezed spaces.
According to biblical authors, these qualities portray the ability of the soul to ascend to heaven through a combination of faith and good works.
On his third tour of Galilee, Jesus mentions the sparrow. Similarly, on his subsequent ministry in Judea, he makes a direct reference to sparrows.
In Matthew 10:29, he says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Here, Jesus was telling the disciples and the rest of us that we are worth more to God than we can ever imagine.
Therefore, it is important to remember that almost always, sparrows are masters of camouflage and flight. They invite us into the realm of creativity to help us think outside the box and come up with real solutions to our problems.
The sparrow speaks of higher ideals and thoughts. To help us avoid a heavy heart the sparrow beckons us to keep as light as possible in this journey of life.