Parrot

Parrots with vivid coloring have been revered since ancient times and portrayed as ceramic roof tiles, stand-alone images, in jade, ivory and porcelain and used as a decorative motif on ceramics, textiles and paintings. Found wild in Chinese southern provinces, a Tang Emperor kept one in his palace that was so loved for mimicking voices that all parrots became known as the Divine Bird. Often housed in women’s quarters, they were said to be keepers of their secrets but also were warnings for wives to be faithful as parrots might repeat what they heard in their husband’s presence. In feng shui, they are said to draw positive energy, repel negative energy, symbolize opportunity, be the bearers of good news and, like other birds, represent freedom, long life and the wisdom of old age. Also significant in Mahayana Buddhism, the Pure Land Sutra states that the Western Paradise is inhabited by parrots and other rare birds to benefit those who achieve rebirth. A parrot is one of Guanyin’s attendants who remains with her for eternity in her cave-home on Putuo. In feng shui, they are said to draw positive energy, repel negative energy, symbolize opportunity as the bearers of good news and, like other birds, represent freedom, longevity and the wisdom of old age. Parrots are also revered throughout Indonesia, home to 85 species.