I am being stalked by Cardinalis cardinalis aka the Northern cardinal. Okay, well maybe stalked is a bit of an exaggeration but not much. For months every time I go on a walk or look out my back window there’s a cardinal looking at me. And, I’m not gonna lie, I’m a bit creeped out/freaked out by it.
It’s gotten so ridiculous even a girlfriend mentioned it one day when were one of our walks. She said, “I wonder if that bird is here for me or you.” I stopped dead in my tracks and stared at her. I couldn’t believe she believed in the legend of cardinals too.
For those who are completely in the weeds, not knowing what I’m talking about, cardinals are believed to be spirit messengers. The word cardinal comes from the Latin word cardo, meaning hinge or axis. Which leads me back to what my friend said, I wonder which one of us that bird trying give a message.
I haven’t asked my friend if she’s being stalked when she goes on her solo runs or if she sees the birds in her back yard too. I ought to ask her. In the meantime, does anyone know how to speak Cardinal and do you believe in the whole cardinals as messengers thing?
Photo Credit: Josh Fackler on Pexels.com
I was stalked by one last week! 2 days in the backyard and then again once we got to Asheville.
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Since you brought up Latin, and I am a fanatic about classical antiquity… The Romans had A LOT of superstitions about birds specifically. It is a surprisingly bizarre and wonderful topic. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augury
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Somewhat related: Think about the similarities between birds and angels in terms of cultural and religious beliefs through time. It’s kind of funny how winged creatures are associated with being messengers.
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That is a parallel I’ve never drawn. Interesting.
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