The owl has always intrigued me. It appears to be the wise one overseeing the world with its unflinching gaze and round eyes. Indian culture does not acknowledge the bird as wise. We do not like the solitary, nocturnal creature and its rare, strange cry is seen as a harbinger of death. ‘Ullu’ (Hindi word for owl), is used as a derogatory term equivalent to ‘idiot’.
Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, is known to ride an owl. Perhaps, the monks who renounce worldly possessions invented this to say that wealth often comes with undesirable things. Diwali is called the ‘Festival of Lights’, and is celebrated to welcome Lakshmi in the house. Maybe, we illuminate our abodes and workplaces to welcome Wealth, but keep out the negative accomplices.
Diwali spells the onset of winter in India. So, the concept of the owl being a winter bird matches that of the West.
owls are smart beings
they ignite cold minds
on wintry nights
Image : A painting by Gianni Menichetti via Pinterest
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Interesting how cultures look at things differently. Idiot – lol. makes me laugh considering that owls really are intelligent, can be loving, protective of their young and spouse, ruthless hunters…I had a pet owl once as a child and it was so sweet. But then my father took it to a rehabber who later released it back to the wild.
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Your father was wiser in leaving the bird in its natural habitat. Did he visit you again? Some of them do.
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Very interesting to read about the different aspects of owls… there is something both wise and scary with them
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Thanks, Bjorn! Bats are scarier with their hanging upside down postures.
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I like the idea that the owl is the negative side of wealth and it’s associated with “idiot”. It’s a different perspective from the Merlin tradition I am more used to.
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Yeah… I will earn brickbats for labelling a wise person an owl in India. 😀😀
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Enjoyed this so much. For me it is wonderful to see the synchrony between various cultures and spiritual ideologies. That image is gorgeous.
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Thank you so much!
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Owls are such beautiful creatures. Excellent haibun and haiku. I also love the title of your post.
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I remember the picture of owl mugs on your site :)Thanks!
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Other writers of Indian origin mentioned the owl being associated with Lakshmi – which I didn’t know. It’s a much misunderstood bird I should think. It protects its young, is unshakable during harassment by other birds, and so on. I loved the ‘igniting of cold minds’ in the haiku.
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Thank ypu so much! It should be a symbol of wisdom and silent strength.
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We just celebrated Diwali last weekend with the Indian community in town. Beautiful. Depending on where you are it India, it is Sita, Lakshmi or the Shakti that is honored and even Ganesh. But I loved your story. I remember hearing women call their men Ullu! Fun story
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Thanks, Sabio! There is another fable linked to what you heard – that of Goddess Lakshmi’s husband, Lord Vishnu, assuming the form of an owl to accompany and carry her.
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It’s interesting the different meanings this bird has in different cultures. An informative post☺
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Thank you so much!
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Thank you for this unique and fascinating perspective on owls. Wealth often does come with undesirable things, as you say.
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Thank you so much!
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