Meaning of the Hawk Symbol
Native American Indians were a deeply spiritual people and they communicated their history, thoughts, ideas and dreams from generation to generation through Symbols and Signs such as the Hawk symbol. Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs. Native American bird and animal symbols and totems are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. The hawk symbol is believed to represent a bringer of messages and warnings of change. For additional information please refer to the Meanings of Bird Symbols.
The Hawk Symbol - The Thunderer
The strength of the hawk symbol is also depicted as the Guardian and Protector of the Earth Mother and all her children. The hawk is believed to be in a continuous fight, protecting people from the evil spirits of the air and is closely associated with forces such as rain, wind, thunder, and lightning and sometimes referred to as 'thunderers'. According to Iroquois legends and myths the 'Thunderer' was armed with a mighty bow and flaming arrows.
The Hawk Symbol - Red-tailed Hawk Feathers
The feathers of the Red-tailed Hawk are considered sacred to many Native Americans and, like the feathers of the Eagle, are sometimes used in religious ceremonies and rituals. For additional information refer to Power Animals. Red-tailed Hawk feathers adorned the regalia of many Native Americans including headdresses.
The Hawk Symbol - Mythology
Hawk Myth and Legend: In Cherokee mythology Tlanuwa was the name given to two giant raptors meaning the “Great Mythic Hawk” and was a variation of the Thunderbird and Piasa Bird myths found in other Native American tribes and cultures. Tlanuwa was said to live in the caves of a high cliff near the Little Tennessee River in Blount County. According to Cherokee legend, the Tlanuwa raptor was a monster that flew up and down the river in search of prey, carrying off small children. In Lakota Sioux mythology, Cetan is the name of a hawk spirit associated with the east and the qualities of speed, dedication and good vision.
The Hawk Symbol - Meaning
There were so many tribes of Native American Indians it is only possible to generalise the most common meaning of the Hawk symbol or pattern. Native Indian symbols are still used as Tattoos and were used for a variety of reasons and depicted on numerous objects such as tepees, totem poles, musical instruments and clothes. Indian Tribes also used their own Colors for Symbols and designs depending on the natural resources available to make Native American Paint. Use symbols as ideas and designs for American Indian Tattoos.
Native American Indians - Hawk Symbol
Native American Indians had a highly complex culture, especially those who lived on the Great Plains.
Their religion was dominated by rituals and belief in a spiritual connection with nature and these beliefs were reflected in the various symbols they used such as the Hawk symbol.
The clothes, tepees and all of his belongings was decorated with art and included symbols depicting his achievements, acts of heroism, his various spirit guides or the most important events in his life. Every symbol used by an American Native Indian had meaning which can be accessed from Symbols and Meanings.
The Hawk Symbol
Hawk
- The Hawk symbol of Native Americans
- Meaning, symbolism and interpretation of the Hawk symbol
- Interesting facts and info for kids and schools
- Pictures, meanings, patterns and designs of symbols
- Native American Hawk symbol meaning
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Hawk. Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many symbols used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic of this section - Hawk. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index - a great educational resource for kids.