Hummingbirds are one of the more intriguing and fascinating creatures in the natural world. With their iridescent feathers, incredibly fast wings, and hovering capabilities, they have captivated the imagination of people across cultures and time. They have been the subject of many myths, legends, and folk beliefs, and are often associated with magic, love, and luck.
In Greek mythology, the hummingbird was associated with the goddess of the rainbow, Iris, and was said to carry messages between the gods. It was also associated with the god of love, Eros, and was believed to have the ability to fly backwards. This unique ability was seen as a symbol of the power of love to reverse time and change the course of fate.
In South America, the hummingbird was believed to be a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. The Incas viewed the hummingbird as a sacred animal and would use its feathers in their rituals. Additionally they believed that the hummingbird acted as a messenger that would bring news from the spirit world.
Meanwhile in Caribbean folklore, the hummingbird was seen as a symbol of good luck and happiness. The Taino people of the Caribbean islands also believed that the hummingbird was a messenger of the gods who would bring joy and happiness to those who saw it.
In Native American mythology, the hummingbird was often seen as a symbol of joy, love, and beauty. The Hopi people believed that hummingbirds were messengers of the gods and would bring rain to the crops. In Aztec belief the hummingbird was a reincarnation of the warrior Huitzilopochtli, who was the god of the sun and war. The Aztec also believed that the hummingbird's iridescent feathers were created from the sun's rays.
In Mexican folklore, the hummingbird is known as the chuparosa, which means "rose sucker" or "flower drinker." The chuparosa is believed to have magical powers, and its presence is seen as a sign of good luck and love. It is often associated with the Virgin of Guadalupe and is said to represent the love and blessings of the divine. This is partly due to the Virgin of Guadalupe's syncretism with the Aztec goddess Coatlicue, who became impregnated after carrying a ball of hummingbird feathers and gave birth to to the god Huitzilopochtli.
The chuparosa is also believed to have healing powers, and its feathers, beak, and tongue have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including heart problems, fever, and respiratory issues. Its ability to hover in mid-air is seen as a symbol of patience and perseverance, and it is often used in magic spells and rituals to attract love, wealth, and success.
One of the most common folk magical uses of the hummingbird is in love spells, where it acts as a symbol of love and attraction, and its presence is said to bring luck and success in matters of the heart. Certain love spells involve placing a hummingbird feather or a piece of its nest under the pillow of the person you wish to attract, or wearing a chuparosa charm or amulet to bring love and romance into your life.
Still other traditional spells involve working with the mummified body of a hummingbird as a talisman, or powdering it and adding it to love philtres and formulas. Thankfully this practice has been curbed by the enforcement of the Migratory Birds Act and it is now illegal to possess any part of a humming bird. We instead recommend working with charms and candles bearing images of hummingbirds and calling upon the spirit of these gentle creatures to aid in your work.
In addition to its associations with love and luck, the chuparosa is also believed to have protective powers. Its ability to move quickly and hover are seen as symbols of both agility and defense, and it is often worked with in protective magic to ward off negative energy and evil spirits.
The hummingbird is a fascinating and powerful symbol in folklore and magic. Its associations with love, luck, and protection have made it a popular subject of myths, legends, and magical practices throughout the world. Whether you are looking to attract love, protect yourself from harm, or simply admire the beauty and grace of these remarkable little creatures, the appearance of the hummingbird is a treasure which captivates the imagination and inspires the spirit.
