Today, I Met A Rainbow... Crow!
Every time I see one, I stop. Although most people take Ravens for granted, see them as pests or worse confuse them as crows, I find them a gift to see in winter especially after a snowfall. There are numerous Native American legends about the Raven. My favorite comes from the Lenape Indians. The legend says on the first day the snow fell on Earth, the animals asked the Great Sky Spirit to stop the snow. The most beautiful bird, the Rainbow Crow, volunteered. She took a stick of fire to light the way. Along the way, the fire burned and blackened her feathers and the smoke and ashes made her voice harsh. The fire she carried did warm the earth and met the snow, but the Rainbow Crow could not longer sing nor was she beautiful.
The Great Sky Spirit did not like an unhappy Rainbow Crow. She rewarded her for her bravery in stopping the snow. She made her black feathers shine to reflect all the colors of the rainbow. She told her with such a harsh voice, no one would capture her.
Today, I met an ancestor of the Rainbow Crow. She was shining on a tree branch near my home after an unexpected Santa Fe snow. I took the time to look and see her feathers glisten. Then, she told me her story. Even time I see a Raven I feel fortunate to be in her path. Enjoy!
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One of the reasons I love Santa Fe is the way our culture is a blend of people and legends. If you love Santa Fe and want to live here, know we are available to help.
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