Folklore is a lovely bridge that connects our domestic lives to our deeper roots. I especially enjoy the charm it brings to otherwise mundane aspects of daily life. It enriches the meaning of our days and encourages us to slow down and notice the signs around us. Learning the folklore of the plants and animals where you live is an easy way to add that layer of meaning to how you experience the world. Suddenly, the fern growing in the corner of the yard isn’t just a bit of greenery; it becomes magical because the spores on the underside of the leaves are said to grant invisibility when carried in a pocket. Here are the animals I encounter most often around my home, and the folklore they carry with them.
Cats
We have two lovely pet cats, but it’s the mysterious neighborhood wanderer who brings the magic to us. He shows up unexpectedly, sometimes disappearing for months, then suddenly visiting every day to sun himself in the yard. He’s even surprised us by appearing on our second-story back deck in the middle of the night, hoping for a snack. (He gets onto the roof somehow, then drops down onto the deck.)
In folklore, cats are liminal creatures, half domesticated, half wild, often linked to thresholds and in-between spaces. They’re said to bring luck, sometimes good, sometimes bad, depending on the tradition. They’re considered good luck on ships, but a black cat crossing your path can be a bad omen. There’s also a belief that a cat washing its face means visitors are coming soon. I like to think they ward off anything unwelcome. Our mysterious cat always seems to bring good fortune with him when he visits.
Crows
The omens tied to crows depend on how many appear. There are a few variants of the rhyme, but generally:
- One crow – bad luck
- Two crows – good luck coming
- Three crows – a celebration such as a wedding or the birth of a girl
- Four crows – the birth of a boy
- Five crows – a positive transaction
- Six crows – gold, wealth
- Seven crows – a secret kept
- Eight crows – something profound
- Nine crows – passion
- Ten crows – something overwhelming
- Eleven crows – uncertainty
- Twelve crows – fulfillment
We have a pair of crows that visit almost every day. We feed them, and they like to spend the afternoon sitting on the deck railing. This year they brought their fledgling, and we’ve been able to watch him learn to forage and even had front-row seats to his flying lessons.
Deer
Deer are often tied to the fairy realm, though that typically refers to a white stag. Our deer are the standard brown variety, so I assume they’re firmly of this world. In folklore, they’re generally seen as a good sign, representing peace, protection, and a gentle reminder to slow down. A single deer, however, can be a bad omen warning of tragedy. That idea makes sense; deer tend to stay in family groups, and mothers often have two fawns at a time. If you see a lone deer, something may have happened.
Spiders
House spiders are often considered good luck across multiple traditions. They’re thought to bring money, prosperity, or even indicate that guests are coming. Even if that’s true, I prefer my spiders to keep their work outdoors. We have one industrious orb weaver that sets up its web near a large window each night, only for it to vanish by morning. If we hadn’t caught it in just the right light, we never would have known it was there at all.
Squirrels
Folklore says squirrel behavior can indicate the coming weather. The intensity with which they gather nuts and how high or low they build their nests are thought to predict a harsh or mild winter. Our squirrels, however, are thoroughly spoiled. They’ve learned to steal the almonds we put out for the crows, so they’ve lost all reliability as a weather predictor.
Hawk
When a hawk appears, it’s considered a positive omen. It means it’s time to pay close attention and take note of what’s going on around you. Our hawk doesn’t visit often, but when he does, he makes his presence known. His cry is distinct, and even if that doesn’t catch your attention, the sudden chattering from the other birds, especially the crows, is impossible to ignore. You can tell hawks are large when you see them flying, but we’ve had one perch on our deck railing a couple of times, and up close, they’re enormous.
I find that folklore enriches my relationship with the animals around us. It connects us to our histories and to the land itself, grounding us more deeply in the natural environment. It’s a way to take note of the other beings that share our space and appreciate that connection. The animals and omens that appear for each of us will be unique to where we live, and I think that’s so special. When we take the time to notice, we can deepen those connections and enrich our everyday lives.