What Do Bluebirds Symbolize? Discover the Spiritual Meaning and Signs

There are many reasons why bluebirds are spiritually and symbolically significant. What do bluebirds symbolize? Across many cultures, religions, and places, bluebirds represent certain themes. These themes are typically positive in nature. What might it mean if a bluebird crosses your path? Is this a good omen, or one of deeper meaning? 

Today, we will discuss the symbolism and spiritual significance of bluebirds. Whether “bluebird” refers to the three North American thrush species or simply a blue bird in your local region, the symbolism connected to birds with blue feathers remains. Let’s discuss some of the symbolic meanings of bluebirds, with certain connections dating back hundreds of years!

Symbolism of the Bluebird

What do bluebirds symbolize? Around the world and in just about every decade, bluebirds have been known to represent hope, peace, and, moreover, happiness. In fact, this bird is often known simply as “the bluebird of happiness” for its positive associations and connections to popular culture. 

Good health, luck, and tranquility are themes connected to bluebirds. This could have something to do with color theory and symbolism. The color blue is all about peace, calmness, and friendship, all things that correspond to bluebird symbolism as well.

Some theories suggest that bluebirds represent reassurance from loved ones or spirits that have since departed this earth. Bluebirds represent comfort. Seeing this bird shouldn’t be a sign of fear or dread. Bluebirds represent plenty of tranquil, helpful messages!

Types of Bluebirds

Technically speaking, there are three specific types of bluebirds. All of them are located in North America, regionally specific and iconic in their local areas. The eastern bluebird is likely the most well-known, found anywhere from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico and as far away as Florida.

The western bluebird resides on the West Coast of North America. It lives as far as New Mexico and Alaska. The mountain bluebird lives in the western United States. It lives at higher elevations than the western bluebird.

There are also blue birds located around the world, birds that likely hold the same symbolic significance as bluebirds themselves. For example, Europe has the common kingfisher and the great tit to represent the positivity of bluebirds. And parts of South Asia have fairy-bluebirds, a very unique and special bird with black and blue feathers!

Is Seeing a Bluebird a Positive Sign?

Yes, seeing a bluebird is indeed a positive sign. Around the world, likely thanks to popular culture references, bluebirds represent positivity and hopefulness. Numerous plays, films, and song lyrics depict bluebirds in some shape or form. Happiness and hopefulness are connected to this bird. Bluebirds are often thought of in a longing way.

This could be because of bluebirds representing springtime. Much like robins and their red breasts, bluebirds are welcome signs of spring. Heralding the completion of wintertime, bluebird sightings often bring relief and positivity into our lives after a long, cold winter.

Seeing a bluebird represents happiness and hopefulness on the horizon. If one flies past or otherwise crosses your path, it is said to be a message of reassurance and peace. Seeing a bluebird is a sign of good opportunities and positive changes on the horizon!

But why are bluebirds said to be so lucky and welcome? For this answer, we must turn to the folklore and spiritual history surrounding bluebirds.

What Do Bluebirds Symbolize? Folklore and Spiritual Significance of Bluebirds

The symbolism of the bluebird dates as far back as the Shang dynasty in China. Bearing messages and representative of the sun, bluebirds were revered during this period of time in China. In fact, blue or green birds represented immortality and true power in this era.

But China isn’t the only place that considers the bluebird a positive symbol. France also tells stories of bluebirds, both in children’s fairy tales and plays alike. The bluebird became associated with happiness in these stories, representing self-sacrifice and compassion in equal measure. L’Oiseau Bleu and many other plays, novels, and operas under the same name remain valuable references when it comes to bluebirds in French history.

Russia too holds the bluebird as a bird of hopefulness and significance in certain fairy tales. Many Native American myths include bluebirds. For example, the Navajo people connect bluebirds to the sun, representative of its warmth, hopefulness, and lifebringing rays. The Iroquois also believe the bluebird to be a symbol of hope. Its call was said to scare away winter and herald spring.

Bluebirds Symbolize Hope and Happiness

Regardless of what bluebirds mean to you, know that seeing one should be an uplifting, positive sign. No matter the decade or location, bluebirds have always represented happiness, hopefulness, and all of the joys of spring!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/suefeldberg