The owl, an allegorical figure of night and slumber, is often found in pictures of cities at dusk. The silent flapping of the bird's wings, its flight over the evening sky, the luminous sparkle in its eye, all work hypnotically to bring sleep to the citizens.

According to the ancient Greeks, the owl, was associated with wisdom as an accomplice and an escort to the Goddess Athena. On an ancient Athenian coin, Athena depicted on one side as the goddess of war, while an owl is engraved on the other side. Such a partnership is not coincidental, for Athena believed only in purposeful war, having a particular goal in mind. Remember also that Athena assisted brave, smart heroes, including Odysseus.

The tradition of the "wise owl" transfers into European folklore, giving rise to the idiom of the "learned owls," scientists who themselves blink often behind their "Coke-bottle" glasses.