Guest Author - Robin Henderson
Sometimes we may ask or wonder what the difference is between a crow and a raven. There are a few similarities between the two black birds, as well as many differences. They are both part of the genus called Corvus. They do have similar cawing sounds, but the raven has more of a deep, reverberating call and the crow has a call most commonly known as a "caw caw." Also, ravens are bigger in size, have larger bills, and soar through the air for longer periods of time.
Could it really be possible that crows are a sign of bad luck or an omen? Throughout the world, there are many different legends of black crows. Most of these legends say that to see a black crow, it is an omen of misfortune. During the Middle Ages, it was coincidence that a superstition was created regarding "crow's feet", referring to the corner of the eyes after aging, and how magicians or witches used the crow's emblem to cast spells upon others. In Japan, the crow is seen as bad luck, but they are said to bring messages from the gods. Also, Alchemists saw crows as symbolizing the Elements that had been produced after they had been separated. In Egyptian legend, a picture of two crows together is said to mean a happy marriage.
Some of us may be a little superstitious and others may not be. In Russia, it is said that witches can become the form of crows. There is also an English rhyme about crows that says "One is anger; two is mirth; three a wedding; four a birth; five is heaven; six is hell; seven is the devil himself." There is also a superstition that says when a crow is heard making a hoarse, hollow sound rather than the common cawing, it could mean that bad weather is coming.
While these legends may or may not have held truth throughout time, it could be possible that black crows are simply birds with special meaning. Black crows have been seen here and there throughout the lands from times long ago until now. We can take our own special meaning of the black crow and what they symbolize, as well as what truth they may hold.
