Nightingale

Nightingale is a holy bird, a symbol of kindness and love. Its songs are so pure and sweet that make people feel happy, lift in spirits and purify souls.

Ukrainian bird symbols

There is a legend about nightingale. Many years ago these birds lived only in India and flew all over the world to collect diverse songs for Indian king. Once a nightingale visited Ukraine, but there were only sad Ukrainian songs there, as people worked hard and were always tired. The bird decided to cheer them up with its melodious singing. People revived and surprised their oversea guest with their new cheerful songs. Since then every spring nightingales return to Ukraine to hear lovely Ukrainian songs.

In Ukrainian folklore nightingale is a symbol of volition, high inspiration and unsurpassed talent. This bird is often mentioned in Ukrainian songs and poems as a harbinger of spring. Nightingale patterns are popular in decorating Ukrainian embroidered towels.

   Stork

Stork is considered to be the national bird of Ukraine. It is a symbol of parental love, family welfare and patriotism. As far as stork is believed to be a sacred bird, it`s nest, built on the roof of the house, brings fortune and happiness to its hosts.

There is one Ukrainian legend, according to which, stork originated from human, who had sinned against God and was turned into a bird.

In Ukraine children are told storks bring babies to their parents. According to the legend many years ago people believed that embryo`s souls were hidden in swamps and only storks were able to bring them to their upcoming parents.

There are a lot of omens concerning storks in Ukraine:

• * If the stork arrives at the native land, spring is coming.
• * If the stork suddenly leaves its nest and never comes back, the house will be emptied soon.
• * If a young girl notices first a flying stork in spring, she will get married this year.
• * Pregnant woman should wear a talisman with stork`s image in order her childbirth to be successful.

Swallow

Swallow is a symbol of revival, kindness and happiness. It brings luck to every family where it nests.

According to the legend, when Jesus Christ was crucified by Jews, swallows tried to steal the nails. That`s why they are called as “birds of God”.

In Ukrainian songs and poems, swallow is a creature that brings good news, predicts love and wealth. Swallow is also a symbol of motherhood. On the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God children made clay swallows and gave their mothers, who kept their presents till the next holiday.

In Ukraine people believe in omen — if the swallow arrives home, spring is not far off. So when children noticed swallows in the sky they threw a handful of earth and shouted “Swallow, keep it for your nest”.