Ostriches are amongst planet earth’s most distinctive and weird birds. Belonging to the “ratite” group of enormous flightless birds, which incorporates Emus, Cassowaries, and, oddly, Kiwis, the Ostrich is each the tallest and the heaviest hen on this planet. (1)
Like different ratites, the Ostrich has sacrificed the power to fly in favor of a physique that’s massive, sturdy, nimble, quick, and really well-equipped to deal with the demanding circumstances of the deserts and savannahs which this African hen calls residence.
They might look a bit goofy, and maybe much less formidable than raptors and different birds of prey, however Ostriches are extremely fierce. In truth, the Ostrich, alongside a number of of its fellow ratites, is taken into account probably the most harmful and lethal birds on this planet. Ostriches are able to delivering highly effective kicks when threatened that are greater than sufficient to eviscerate an attacking predator akin to a lion or a human. (2)
The Ostrich is a putting instance of how numerous and unusual the avian kingdom could be. There isn’t a one “proper means” to be a hen. The Ostrich demonstrates {that a} hen isn’t just a warbling songbird which delicately feeds off of yard feeders. Birds could be warriors, they are often lethal desert nomads, they are often flightless beasts of the earth. On this article, we’ll study the Ostrich in all of its rebellious glory!
Ostrich Symbolism and That means
One notably fascinating piece of symbolism linked to the Ostrich is that of the hen with its “head within the sand.” This symbolism is usually hooked up to the Ostrich and is used to display foolishness, cowardice, and obliviousness. In accordance with legend, the Ostrich buries its head within the sand when threatened as a result of it believes that if it can not see a menace than the menace can not see the Ostrich both. The one drawback with that is that it’s on no account true. A threatened Ostrich will sometimes run or struggle again with its highly effective legs. One attainable origin for this delusion is the truth that threatened Ostriches do generally attempt to hid by urgent their total our bodies flat onto the bottom. This delusion can also have arisen as a consequence of the truth that Ostriches nest in holes within the sand. They’ll often decrease their heads to the bottom to show over their eggs with a view to monitor their temperature. Ostriches might signify the concept of burying one’s head within the sand, however it could be extra correct to attach them with misconceptions or misjudgment. The Ostrich will not be practically as silly as this delusion would have you ever consider. (3)(4)
Ostriches are identified for his or her unbelievable velocity. Briefly bursts, Ostriches can obtain prime speeds which strategy forty-five miles per hour. The Ostrich holds the highest land velocity report for the whole lot of the hen world. For that reason, Ostriches could also be linked with velocity and dexterity. Moreover, Ostrich racing has been a distinct segment sport for over a century and is widespread in components of Africa, and even in just a few United States locations. Ostriches are a lot tougher to journey than horses and infrequently the foremost draw of Ostrich racing is the weird spectacle of watching jockeys attempt to handle these untamed birds. Ostriches might signify eccentricity, wildness, competitors, or spectacle. (5)
Ostriches reside in small herds of round ten birds. They might generally collect into a lot bigger herds, however these smaller herds are far more frequent. Inside these herds, a dominant or “alpha” male and a dominant feminine take precedence. They nest communally, however the eggs of the dominant hen are positioned within the nest’s middle, permitting them the perfect likelihood of hatching. Ostriches might signify neighborhood or cooperation, however they could additionally signify hierarchy or social stratification. (6)(7)
Ostriches are the one birds in the complete world with simply two toes. They put most of their weight on one bigger toe, whereas the second smaller toe is used for steadiness. That is particularly spectacular contemplating the ways in which Ostriches maneuver at excessive speeds. Ostriches usually use their massive flightless wings as “rudders” for steadiness and turning as they dash via the desert. These wings are additionally utilized in courtship shows by the males. Ostriches might then signify steadiness, maneuverability, grace, and sudden abilities. (8)(9)
Ostrich domestication largely happened on account of demand for Ostrich feathers within the nineteenth century. As this demand died out, Ostrich farming diminished vastly, nevertheless numerous farms nonetheless exist to this present day. Ostriches produce luxurious feathers, leather-based that’s supple and sturdy, meat which is in comparison with crimson meat however is extra lean and regarded extra wholesome, and massive eggs. So, Ostriches might signify agriculture, luxurious, or subsistence. (10)
Ostrich Christianity Symbolism
It would shock you to be taught that the Ostrich does make just a few appearances within the Bible. Within the following passage from Job, the Ostrich is used to display the inscrutable knowledge of God’s creation:
“Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? Which leaveth her eggs within the earth, and warmeth them in mud, And forgetteth that the foot might crush them, or that the wild beast might break them. She is hardened in opposition to her younger ones, as if they weren’t her’s: her labour is in useless with out worry; As a result of God hath disadvantaged her of knowledge, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.”
— Job 39:13-17 (11)
On this subsequent part, from Lamentations, makes use of the Ostrich for example of a merciless wild beast:
“Even the ocean monsters draw out the breast, they offer suck to their younger ones: the daughter of my folks is grow to be merciless, just like the ostriches within the wilderness.”
— Lamentations 4:3 (12)
In each sections, the motherhood of Ostriches is used for example of merciless or unloving motherhood. The Ostrich represents wilderness and beastliness.
Ostrich in Desires
Dreaming of an Ostrich might signify numerous concepts based mostly upon the context of the dream and the circumstances of the dreamer. Dreaming of a herd of Ostriches might signify one’s neighborhood. Dreaming of combating Ostriches might signify feeling dissatisfied with one’s place on this planet or with the social hierarchies at play inside one’s life.
Dreaming of a lone Ostrich might point out isolation or vulnerability. To dream of an Ostrich with its head within the sand represents the concept that one may be ignoring one thing dire. Such a dream may additionally signify willful ignorance.
Dreaming of driving an Ostrich might communicate to the frustration that happens when one doesn’t really feel answerable for one’s personal life. Such a dream is usually a reminder to take the reins and take accountability for the instructions wherein your life might go.
Ostrich Encounters and Omens
Encountering an Ostrich is usually a poignant reminder to not underestimate others. Ostriches could appear a bit foolish, however these birds are amongst the deadliest birds on the planet. It’s all the time clever to deal with them with respect.
Ostrich encounters can also signify steadiness and adaptableness. Ostriches are quick and nimble, regardless of having simply two toes. They use each instrument that their distinctive anatomy supplies with a view to survive in harsh and unforgiving environments.
Ostrich in Mythology & Folklore
On this part, we’ll go over just a few African myths which characteristic the Ostrich, in addition to considered one of Aesop’s Fables.
African Mythology:
One piece of African folklore means that the origin of the Ostrich’s lengthy neck comes from a marital dispute. On this story, the Ostrich and his spouse comply with take turns sitting on their nest of eggs. As a result of his feathers are black, the daddy Ostrich sits on the nest at evening whereas his spouse runs and stretches her legs. One evening, the Ostrich was sitting on his nest when he heard his spouse laughing. He stretched his neck to look and noticed her enjoying a flirtatious recreation of tag with one other male Ostrich. The Ostrich was so indignant that he wished to scold her, however he couldn’t go away the nest. So, all evening lengthy, the daddy Ostrich craned his neck to observe his spouse’s conduct. When she returned to the nest at daybreak, he started to scold her. When he appeared down at her, although, he discovered that she was very distant. Over evening his neck had grown longer and longer due to all his stretching. (13)
In accordance with one other African story, the Ostrich as soon as hunted alongside the lioness as equals. The Ostrich may kill gazelle, simply because the lioness may. So, the lioness assumed that the ferocious hen have to be a predator like her. Someday, the lioness and the Ostrich caught a gazelle and the lioness supplied the Ostrich the primary chunk. The Ostrich declined and stated that he would drink the blood however wouldn’t chunk the carcass. This puzzled the lioness’s cubs. That evening whereas the Ostrich slept, the cubs determined to research. They peered into the Ostrich’s beak and located that the hen had no tooth. After they informed their mom, she felt that she had been tricked. She challenged the Ostrich to a struggle. The Ostrich agreed and informed the lioness to attend beside a tall termite mound. Then, the Ostrich kicked the mound over onto the lioness, killing her. (14)
Greek Mythology:
In accordance with considered one of Aesop’s Fables, the pelican used to nurse her younger together with her personal blood. Someday, the Ostrich witnessed this and was shocked. She admonished the pelican and warned her that sacrificing her personal lifeblood was not value satisfying her younger ones’ starvation. She informed the pelican how her personal chicks had been born in holes within the sand and introduced up by nature with out such tender mothering. The pelican was horrified and insisted that there is no such thing as a higher trigger for which to sacrifice oneself than motherhood. (15)
Ostrich Spirit Animal
In case your spirit animal is the Ostrich then you might be doubtless a fiercely distinctive particular person. The Ostrich spirit animal dances to the beat of its very personal drum. Folks with this spirit animal are typically assured, proud, and eccentric. The Ostrich spirit animal is usually underestimated, however folks with this spirit animal are each gifted and really strong-willed. This unimaginable will energy permits the Ostrich spirit animal to perform virtually something that it units its thoughts to.
Ostrich Totem Animal
The Ostrich totem animal is linked with adaptability. Folks with this totem animal can change instructions on a dime, even at break-neck speeds. The Ostrich totem animal is able to rolling with life’s punches and all the time finds a method to come out on prime. Arduous instances aren’t any huge deal for the Ostrich totem which appears to be like for contemporary paths and new options when confronted with a singular drawback.
Ostrich Energy Animal
The Ostrich energy animal is linked with perseverance. Ostriches are generally known as “camel birds,” as a result of they sport lengthy necks and eyelashes, identical to camels do, and since they’ve carved out a dwelling within the harsh setting of parched desert landscapes. Ostriches obtain all of the water that they want from their meals, permitting them to resist scorching temperatures and punishing droughts. So, the Ostrich energy animal represents the power to endure and to seek out methods to thrive underneath virtually any circumstances.
Ostrich Tattoo That means
An Ostrich tattoo could also be chosen to signify braveness, adaptability, eccentricity, or ferocity. One may additionally select an Ostrich tattoo as a logo of the unimaginable wildlife of the African savannah. Ostrich tattoos are good for distinctive people who satisfaction themselves on their potential to deal with virtually any problem.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the Ostrich will not be a hen that one ought to underestimate. Fierce, highly effective, and record-smashingly quick, the Ostrich is a lethal drive to be reckoned with in addition to a wonderful and majestic member of the sprawling avian household tree. I hope that this text has given you just a few extra issues to like in regards to the distinctive and spectacular ostrich!
