What is the Meaning of White Feathers in Death
Occasionally, we will stumble across something that has no apparent purpose or rationale for being there.
Depending on our beliefs, many of us may consider these objects to be symbols, being placed there for a reason. These items may have been placed in these specific locations for us to find, sending us a message from areas beyond our reach.
There are many symbols to be found in our world that, at first, we do not fully understand.
When a white feather is encountered on the ground with no justification, the most prevalent interpretation is that it is a sorrowful symbol, signifying that a deceased relative is communicating with us from beyond.
However, there are so many interpretations that can be made upon discovering a white feather. You may be interested to find them out yourself.
Let’s look into them together.
What Does A White Feather Symbolize?
Let’s delve into the meaning of the color white.
This is a color that is intrinsically good, synonymous with themes such as purity, brightness, and innocence.
On the color spectrum, white is the opposite of the color black: this color often connected to evil, and all that is bad in the world. Darkness is represented by the color black, and a lack of light is generally feared by most people: we fear the unknown. In contrast, the color white makes us feel safe.
In addition to representing the ability to see clearly, a particularly vivid hue of white can be blinding and overwhelming.
Feathers, on the other hand, can symbolize purity, especially when regarded in a spiritual context. Angels are said to sometimes leave their feathers behind to remind us of God’s might and existence.
As a result of these two concepts being unified, a white feather is universally regarded as being a positive emblem.
The Cultural And Spiritual Interpretations Of A White Feather
Feathers are regarded significant symbols in many civilizations around the world, both past and present:
- White feathers are associated with angels, and a higher power, in many Western cultures. Some people believe their guardian angels are sending love and happiness to them via this metaphysical occurrence, whereas others believe the feather has been sent to aid them through difficult times, providing strength.
- In Japanese culture, white feathers are often associated with Shintoism and the kami spirits. Numerous individuals consider that these feathers represent counsel from their ancestors, or other higher beings, who are attempting to assist them in overcoming life’s obstacles by determining what they require during this time.
- White feathers were associated with the god Horus and his mother, Isis, in Ancient Egypt. It was thought that they carried revelations from God to his followers through a white falcon, which shed a white feather along its way.
- Native Americans believe that if a deceased loved one is gazing over them from above, they will appear lighted against the night sky, thus seeing a white feather might imply you are being protected. Feathers are also considered to be symbolic of spiritual wisdom and tranquilly if a calamity or death has occurred.
- White feathers were thought to be messages from the white dragon in Celtic culture, during times of war. Finding one was said to imply that your guardian spirits were close by, monitoring you throughout all of life’s trials.
- Lastly, white feathers were thought to be messengers of serenity by the ancient Greeks, therefore sighting one was an indication that positive changes would occur to all who discovered one.
White feathers – and the birds that they came from – are almost always deemed spiritual, believed to carry a message from a higher power, according to the fundamental links observed in each listed culture above.
What it Means To See A White Feather In A Dream
When you encounter white feathers in your dreams, they may have a deeper, more profound meaning than when you see them in person.
It’s possible that beings from a higher power are attempting to contact you through your subconscious, depending on your beliefs. Perhaps these entities feel that you are not comprehending their messages when you are fully awake, knowing you have no choice but to listen to them while you are asleep.
According to some dream experts, the feathers signify a specific load that you should get rid of, such as unpleasant memories or childhood trauma.
These feathers, on the other hand, could also indicate that you need to open yourself up emotionally, and become closer to the people you care about.
So many people have different interpretations of what so many symbols mean when it comes to dream meanings. You will receive different answers from whomever you ask. Ultimately, it is down to you to interpret your own dream, and what the presence of a white feather could mean to you.
What else happened in the dream? Were your deceased loved ones present? Did you feel happy, sad, relieved, stressed, scared?
We cannot tell you the true meaning of a white feather showing up in your dream, as it will have different meanings to every individual. However, we are almost certain that a white feather would represent something positive in your subconscious.
Are White Feathers A Sign From Loved Ones Who Have Passed?
There is an old popular saying that goes, ‘When feathers appear, angels are near’.
The discovery of a white feather can reveal a lot. On the surface, this may appear to be a poor bird’s fallen feather, but on the other hand, it could be much more.
While there are seldom any definitive answers, many people believe that these white feathers indicate the presence of an angel.
Many people experience feeling a distinct presence after death of a family member, which they believe is from the person who has died coming back to make their presence known.
All of these emotions are legitimate in the eyes of the individual, and they have an impact on their own personal belief of what the meaning of a white feather is.
White feathers are, of course, more likely to be found in a home with cats as pets, feather-stuffed pillows, or if the residence is frequently surrounded by flocks of white colored birds. This is why there are many cynics in the world who do not believe that these ‘symbols’ mean anything more than what they are.
However, it can be unsettling and/or mysterious to discover a sole white feather in a place in which it shouldn’t be. In these cases, it is natural for the person who has found the feather to make assumptions, perhaps believing that a loved one is trying to communicate with them.
The fact is, we may never know if white feathers are brought to us by loved ones who have passed on. However, if holding on to these beliefs for comfort helps some people get through their loss, there is no harm in doing so.
In a spiritual sense, the location of the feather’s discovery has no bearing on its significance.
The feather, whether found outside on a visit through a cemetery, or discovered while rummaging through old items, will hold significance to a person who believes that it has a deeper meaning.
What To Do With A White Feather
Finding white feathers might elicit a variety of feelings.
Many people may feel overpowered by their religion, and use this as a time to pray or meditate.
Others may be moved to tears, particularly if they believe this is a message from a deceased relative or loved one. For some people, discovering a white feather can evoke emotions that they have no control over.
If you find a white feather in your life, there is no right or wrong way to preserve or discard of it. It is your decision, whether you would like to keep it or not. You could retain it as a good luck charm, or a reminded of a person that you have lost, if you wanted to. You may even dismiss it and carry on about your day.
Furthermore, you are free to select whatever decision makes the greatest sense to you, as with most things regarding loss, bereavement, and the future.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the meaning of a white feather is based on the interpretation of the recipient, and their own beliefs.
When these items present themselves in our everyday lives, it is natural to assume that there is a deeper meaning, especially if we have found a feather in a place that it shouldn’t be. After all, how else could a feather find its way into our bathtubs, or the seats of our cars?
White feathers have been considered messages sent from above for centuries upon centuries, in so many cultures and religions. It may be an angel offering you some guidance, or even better, a loved one coming back to let you know that they are doing great on the other side.
No matter what you believe, we hope that you find some sort of comfort from finding a white feather. Even if we never find out the true meaning of these occurrences, if it makes us feel better, even for a brief moment, that is all that matters.