Homa bird symbol of happiness

Homa bird symbol of happiness

The Homa bird of happiness resembles the griffin of Persian mythology Its virtue reflects the rich cultural heritage of Persian mythology a cultural narrative passed down through generations For example Persian mythology features many supernatural creatures such as the Simurg a bird that lives in a cycle of 1,700 years The mystery and richness of ancient Persian culture evokes this mythical bird which appears on a capital of a pillar at Persepolis around 550–330 BC.

In Iranian literature and culture this bird holds a special position It is believed that if its shadow falls on someone it will bring happiness prosperity success joy and good fortune It appears in ancient Achaemenid architecture as a protector or symbol of the empire The double-headed griffin capital or Homa is a prominent example of this architectural motif The appearance of the Homa on architectural elements may reflect the power and prestige of the Achaemenid king The double-headed capital of Homa is a mythical Persian creature resembling a griffin originally mounted atop a pillar like a two-headed bull

Mythical creature ("Homa") on capitel / Fars Province, Iran / credit image : Valentin Monn

This bird is endangered and its numbers are rapidly declining. Male pelicans typically reach one meter in height and have an average wingspan of nearly three meters Cranes have long feet that sometimes extend beyond their bodies in flight and three toes The largest of all birds is the three-toed Sen-Murg or Sena13 Sen-Murg likely evolved into the Simorg which is central to Ferdowsi's Shahnameh The Shahnameh also mentions Farre Homai and Homai of heaven with their wings spread Some depictions of the bird-like Pharaohar pattern show that it has three-toed feet The Saena the largest bird in Zoroastrian texts