Today, January 10, 2010, is Save the Eagles Day. As someone who resides on a street named for this most amazing bird of prey, the eagle is near and dear to my heart!
The Bald Eagle, the United States’ national bird and symbol, was near extinction in the latter part of the 20th Century, but as of June 28, 2007, it was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, due to the diligent work of scientists and good stewards of both public and private lands. The bald eagle is now present in every state except Hawaii, where the bird has never resided. Other species of eagles (there are more than 70 species throughout the world) are not so fortunate. Some eagle species are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching and pesticides.
The eagle has appeared throughout history in both mythology and heraldry. Eagles have been recognized as symbols of power, courage, freedom and immortality since ancient times. In some religions, high-soaring eagles are believed to touch the face of God. Legend holds that Mexico’s Aztecs so revered the birds that they built Tenochtitlan, their capital, at the spot where an eagle perched on a cactus to devour a snake. The United States chose the bald eagle as its emblem because of the eagle’s long life, great strength and majestic looks.
Eagles have been and still are national symbols in other parts of the world as well. A black eagle spreads its wings on Germany’s coat of arms. Egypt’s coat of arms depicts a proud and tall eagle of black and gold. A two-headed eagle appears on Albania’s flag and coat of arms. In Ancient Rome, the eagle represented the god Jupiter and symbolized the senate. The Turks and the Byzantine Empire used a two-headed eagle as its emblem as well. These are just a few examples that throughout the world–past and present–the eagle’s majesty has been recognized and revered.
The eagle can be found in religion as well, including Christianity and Hinduism. The eagle is a sacred bird in some cultures and the feathers of the eagle are central to many religious and spiritual customs. Some Native American peoples revere eagle feathers as sacred religious objects–the feathers and parts of the bald and golden eagles are often compared to the bible and crucifix. Eagle feathers are often used in ceremonies to honor achievements and qualities such as leadership and bravery. Today, U.S. law prohibits anyone other than those of certifiable Native American ancestry enrolled in a federally recognized tribe to legally obtain eagle feathers for religious or spiritual reasons.
To honor this most renowned and majestic bird, we can each look for ways to protect eagles and their habitat. We might donate to a wildlife sanctuary or ask government officials to strengthen environmental protections of our waterways. Planting and maintaining trees in our own yards or local parks affords the birds more places to alight.
And on this Soulful Sunday, we can give thanks that here in the United States we are able to once again enjoy watching these amazing birds soaring in our skies. We can also speak the following message out loud (call it a blessing, prayer, petition, charm, or whatever name you feel most comfortable using). Sending this intention out into the world today may help eagles continue to exist throughout our world now and for future generations.
Strong wings and clear sight
Guide us in our flight.
You watch over all
From your high blue hall.
We will guard your home,
Treetop and wave-foam.
Elizabeth Barrette
