I knew they existed, these tiny birds, with wings at warp speed and craving sugar, but seeing they are not native to the Netherlands, I never thought a lot about them. That was until I met the love of my life. When I visited his parents I saw lots of little figurines, artwork, and images from the so-called ‘hummers’. My mother-in-law was a fervent collector of all things hummingbird related. Fast forward some years later, I finally saw a hummingbird when I lived in the Caribbean. Now, more than a decade later I find myself intrigued once again and decided to try to capture the delicate appearances of these mini birds. Being true to my fascination with symbolic meanings and myths I went looking for hummingbirds in different cultures. It turns out these small, elegant birds have quite the number of various symbolic explanations behind them. I’ve tried to summarize some for you. This is by no means complete and I am sure I’ve missed some more, but these are to pay a homage to the fastest animals on earth (relative to their body size)!
- Joy & Happiness: These little flying gems are thought to be a symbol of pure joy, happiness, and all things light and fluffy. With their speedy wings and dazzling feathers, they're like a shot of sunshine, spreading smiles and good vibes wherever they go.
- Resilience & Adaptability: Hummingbirds are the superheroes of the bird world, zipping around like tiny helicopters with the power to reverse, swerve, and spin. They remind us that change is the only constant in life, and that it's not about avoiding obstacles, but rather about flexibly and gracefully maneuvering through them. Hummingbirds are the ultimate symbols of resilience and adaptability, showing us that we too can soar through life's twists and turns with ease.
- Playfulness & Enjoyment: Hummingbirds are the daredevils of the bird world, zipping around like fighter pilots with their playful antics. These birds are pros at reminding us to live in the now, savor small wins, and not take life too seriously. So, let's live a little, be a little playful, and laugh a lot!
- Swift action & Determination: Hummingbirds are the superheroes of the sky, zooming around with their wings flapping like a blur! They remind us to take swift action and soar towards our dreams with determination and a can-do attitude. These little dynamos don't waste any time, and neither should we! Let's channel the spirit of the hummingbird and tackle our tasks with efficiency and a laser focus on success.
- Love & Romance: Love is in the air! Some cultures see hummingbirds as lovebirds, flitting around with a message of romance and good luck in all things amour. With their dashing good looks and smooth moves, these tiny creatures have a special place in the world of love and affection.
- Spiritual connection and Transformation: With their magical ability to float in mid-air, hummingbirds are seen as mystical creatures that can tap into the ethereal world. They embody the power to reach greater heights of awareness, experience spiritual rebirth, and undergo a metamorphosis.
- Healing & Resurrection: The tiny yet mighty hummingbirds hold a special place in some cultures where they symbolize the power of healing and resurrection. Their unique skill of hovering and sipping flower nectar is like a magic elixir that extracts the very essence of life, spreading renewal and vitality throughout the body, mind, and soul.
