Today an owl usually symbolizes wisdom and learning, and we welcome owls because they help control pests. But throughout history, an owl was often an unwanted guest that brought a feeling of doom. Others saw good qualities in owls and considered them good luck.
From ancient times owls have been seen as bad omens, signals that death is imminent. This is probably because the owl prowls unseen at night, attacking small animals and birds. This is a fairly universal theme, found in cultures around the world, including Native Americans, Greeks, Romans and Western Europeans. Nicknames such as “bird of death” (Hungary), “the birds who snatches away souls” (China), and “night ravens (Europe) reflected this belief.
In some ancient Greek sculptures, the goddess Athena is holding a small brown owl. Athena was the goddess of wisdom, fertility, the arts and warfare. The owl pictured with her symbolized wisdom, a positive attribute.
In Buddhism, the owl represents the solitude needed for meditation.
The owl has been considered everything from a bad omen to a good luck charm. Some thought of it as the bird who snatches away souls, while others considered it a way to cure diseases. Whatever the belief, owls have been a part of folklore and legend in nearly every culture.
Superstition and ignorance is there throughout the entire world.