6 Enigmatic Myths: Crow Superstitions

The Crow as a Harbinger of Death

One of the most persistent superstitions about crows is their association with death and misfortune. This belief likely stems from their black plumage, eerie cawing, and habit of scavenging. In many cultures, black is a color linked with mourning and the unknown.

In Celtic folklore, it was connected with certain terrible beings who were once goddesses, and who lived on after the coming of Christianity as hags or monsters. In the American tradition, seeing a single crow is often considered an ill omen, a harbinger of death. This idea is echoed in Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem “The Raven,” where the titular bird becomes a symbol of mournful and never-ending remembrance.

The Power of Numbers

The superstition surrounding crows often extends to their numbers. An old rhyme known as “Counting Crows” reflects this:

One for sorrow, two for mirth,

Three for a funeral, four for birth,

Five for silver, six for gold,

Seven for a secret never to be told.

Such rhymes highlight the human tendency to find meaning in patterns, especially in the natural world. According to this rhyme, the number of crows seen can foretell different outcomes, from sorrow and death to joy and prosperity. To meet a single crow is generally thought unlucky. To hear one croaking on the left side in the morning is a very bad sign. If a single bird flies three times over a roof, perches on it, or flutters around a window, it is a death omen for someone living in the house. So too, if one croaks three times near a dwelling, or if four fly together over it, sorrow is coming.

 If several flutter around a man’s head, he is marked for death. If all the crows in a wood suddenly forsake it, famine or some other disaster will follow. In East York-Shire, it is said that if a crow perches anywhere in a churchyard, there will be a funeral there within the week. Yet to see three together in a row is lucky in some places. Two seen at once foretell a wedding or, if they are flying over a house, a birth in the family.

Crows as Symbols of Wisdom and Magic

Despite their association with death, crows are also revered for their intelligence and mystical qualities. Native American tribes often regard crows as symbols of wisdom and transformation. The Crow Tribe, for example, sees the bird as a guide and protector. In various Native American myths, crows are depicted as clever creatures that use their wit to solve problems and help humans.

Crows are also featured in many tales as shapeshifters and messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. Their ability to adapt to different environments and solve complex problems only adds to their mystique, earning them a place in many cultures’ pantheons of magical animals.

The Crow in Modern Superstition

In contemporary America, superstitions about crows persist, albeit in more diluted forms. Some people believe that seeing a crow can be a sign to pay attention to the world around you, suggesting that change or significant events are on the horizon. This modern interpretation often ties into the idea of crows as messengers, urging people to be aware and prepared.

Interestingly, crows have also become symbols of resilience and adaptability, especially in urban environments. In country belief today, the persistent croaking of one or more birds foretells rain. At one time, the first bird heard in the morning predicted good weather if its cries came to an even number, and rain or storms if the number was odd. As with rooks, if these birds tumble about in the air, high winds and bad weather are expected.

The Influence of Pop Culture

Pop culture has played a significant role in shaping contemporary superstitions about crows. Movies, books, and television shows often depict crows as ominous creatures, reinforcing their dark image. However, some modern narratives also highlight their intelligence and resourcefulness, providing a more nuanced view.

For example, in the popular TV series “Game of Thrones,” the three-eyed raven symbolizes wisdom and foresight, an echo of ancient beliefs in the crow’s mystical powers. Similarly, in literature and films, crows often appear as both harbingers of doom and symbols of transformation, reflecting their complex place in our psyche.

Balancing Fear and Fascination

The superstitions surrounding crows are a testament to the human need to understand and interpret the natural world. These beliefs reveal our deepest fears and our highest aspirations, embodied in a bird that is as mysterious as it is intelligent. Whether seen as omens of death or symbols of wisdom, crows continue to captivate our imagination.

The crow’s enduring presence in superstition and folklore speaks to its powerful impact on our collective consciousness. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the crow remains a symbol of both caution and insight, reminding us of the delicate balance between fear and fascination that defines the human experience.