The tiny, energetic hummingbird can bring a certain magic to your day whenever they appear. Their sweetness and tireless purpose can serve as a valuable reminder to always seek out the beauties and joys of each day. As an animal totem, the hummingbird symbolizes not only beauty and joy, but a fair amount of tenacity
Hummingbird Facts
Unlike other birds whose flight power involves the down stroke of their wings, the hummingbird use the upstroke as well. In fact, their wing movement is in the form of an infinity symbol, which is not surprising since they're often symbolic of eternity and infinity.
Because the hummingbird's heart rate, breath rate and temperature are so high, they must feed five to eight times every hour.
Many species of hummingbirds migrate long distances. The Ruby-Throated hummingbird travels 2,000 miles from Panama to Canada. The most remarkable part of this migration is that they travel 500 miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico.
Hummingbird Lessons
- To live in the present moment and take notice of all the beauties in life.
- Strive to accomplish that which may seem impossible.
- To find purpose and meaning, even in the most mundane tasks.
- The importance of having an open and balanced heart chakra.
- To handle the twists and turns of life with grace and dignity.
- The hummingbird can also awaken us to the healing properties of herbs and flowers.
Hummingbird Legends
- In Hopi and Zuni legends, the hummingbird intervened long ago with the gods to help bring rain to humans.
- The Aztec god of the sun was called Hitzilophochti, or Hummingbird from the South and is often depicted as a hummingbird.
- In a Mayan legend, the hummingbird was the sun in disguise, trying to court a beautiful woman disguised as the moon.
- In some Caribbean cultures, hummingbirds are believed to be the souls of departed loved ones.
- In many different cultures, the hummingbird is seen as a messenger between worlds.
- So the next time you see a hummingbird, let it be a reminder to stop and take note of what is truly important in life. Let your spirit celebrate with the lively, tenacious spirit of the hummingbird.
