Words of wisdom
How did owls get their reputation for being so wise?
Doves are associated with peace, bluebirds with happiness and swans with grace and fidelity. But in so many stories and rhymes, from The Owl And The Pussy Cat to Winnie-the-Pooh's friend and spelling coach, you'll find a wise old owl.
Owls are nocturnal birds they carry out most of their functions at night. The fact that they can see in the dark is seen in some cultures as a manifestation of wisdom.
But the link between owls and wisdom originated in ancient history. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom is often depicted holding an owl, or with an owl perched on her head or drawn on her shield. Because of this the owl soon appeared on coins and in works of art. Images of owls even appeared as small idols. As the owl became more and more linked with Athena, so it took on the role of being wise itself.
Owls are nocturnal birds they carry out most of their functions at night. The fact that they can see in the dark is seen in some cultures as a manifestation of wisdom.
But the link between owls and wisdom originated in ancient history. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom is often depicted holding an owl, or with an owl perched on her head or drawn on her shield. Because of this the owl soon appeared on coins and in works of art. Images of owls even appeared as small idols. As the owl became more and more linked with Athena, so it took on the role of being wise itself.