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 is 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.
The owl can appear and as attribute of the allegorical figures of Night and Dream. Being a nocturnal bird, the owl became symbolic of the time when we are surrounded with the silence and can concentrate ourselves, digest our thoughts and compose them.
The owl surrounded by the pattern of paving stones of the city square and its’ houses is a symbol of the protectress of the city, a symbol of its’ peace and and wisdom. The owl suggests to us that Night is the best adviser, it is a symbol of mature consideration, and it reminds us of the need for thinking these things over at night, on our pillow, before bringing our labors in the brilliant sunshine.
Noiseless nocturnal flight, gleaming eyes and hooting sounds of the owl became associated in the mind of man with the occult. The gift of presaging events was ascribed to the owl, perhaps, because of its’ ability to see in the dark.
As for associations of the owl with wisdom, they originate in ancient Athens where the owl was believed to be a companion and the attribute of Athena Pronoia (“Prophetess”). This is just in this capacity that the image of this bird often appears on Greek coins, with the head of Athena on the obverse and her attribute the owl on the reverse.
