Hummingbird

The HUMMINGBIRD is the most skillful and fearless flyer of all birds. It can hover, fly backwards, forward and sideways, symbolizing an ability to explore the past and draw from it nectars of joy. Hummingbirds are very playful. They are also fiercely independent. After mating, the male leaves the female to tend to their young alone. Because of its iridescent colors, many hummingbirds have been named for jewels, like the ruby throated hummingbird. It has also come to be associated with the Faerie Realm. One species is called the purple crowned fairy. To the Pueblo people, the hummingbird’s rainbow coloring, its great strength in flying, and its hovering about flowers has associated it with various rituals, particularly those involving the rainbow of promise that follows the rain. The hummingbird symbolizes finding joy and sweetness in any situation. Its swiftness is a reminder to seek joy while you can.