---
title: "The Feather: A symbol of high honor"
description: A feather is a symbol within Native culture that signifies honor and connection between the owner, the Creator and the bird the feathers comes from.
image: https://blog.nativehope.org/hubfs/EagleFeature.png
---
[](https://www.nativehope.org/)
- [The Native Story](http://www.nativehope.org/the-native-story)
- [Reflecting On Our Foundations](http://www.nativehope.org/native-american-history)
- [Understanding the Destruction](http://www.nativehope.org/native-americans-today)
- [Building a Hopeful Future](http://www.nativehope.org/building-a-hopeful-future)
- [About Us](http://www.nativehope.org/about-us)
- [Our Work](http://www.nativehope.org/our-work)
- [Hope Reports](http://www.nativehope.org/hope-reports)
- [Fellowship](http://www.nativehope.org/fellows)
- Voices of Indian Country
- [Blog](https://blog.nativehope.org)
- [Resources](https://pages.nativehope.org/native-hope-resource-library)
- [MMIW](http://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw)
- [Podcast](https://pages.nativehope.org/podcasts)
# The Feather: A symbol of high honor
## Jan 10, 2023 | Native Hope
[Share](https://blog.nativehope.org/the-feather-symbol-of-high-honor#post-share)
|
[COMMENT](https://blog.nativehope.org/the-feather-symbol-of-high-honor#comments)
In Native American culture, every animal and element of nature is believed to possess a spirit infused with virtue, power, and wisdom. Among these, the feather stands out as a profound symbol of connection to the Creator and the spiritual realm. Deeply revered, the feather carries meaning and guidance throughout one’s spiritual journey, with each type of feather embodying unique attributes such as trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, and freedom.
## The Meaning of the Feather
For Native Americans, feathers represent a rich spiritual and cultural heritage. They serve as powerful conduits for prayer, healing, and divine connection. When a feather falls to the earth, it is considered a sacred gift from the sky and the Creator, carrying the bird’s energy and purpose.
Feathers also symbolize respect and honor. In traditional practices, Native American warriors were awarded feathers for acts of exceptional bravery or victory in battle. To receive a feather is to be recognized for one’s courage, strength, or contribution to the community—a profound mark of respect.
## The Eagle Feather
Among all the feathers, the eagle feather holds the highest reverence. The eagle, regarded as the strongest and bravest of all birds, is seen as the one closest to the Creator. Its feathers embody extraordinary power and are considered sacred medicine in Native American culture.
This significance is recognized even under U.S. law, which highly protects eagles while granting [special exceptions for Native Americans](https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/PossessionOfEagleFeathersFactSheet.pdf) to possess, gift, and pass down eagle feathers under specific conditions.
Eagle feathers are given in honor—whether as an award for great achievement or as a meaningful gift. They are treated with immense respect, displayed with pride, and handled with great care. If an eagle feather is dropped during a dance or ceremony, a special ritual is performed to pick it up, emphasizing its sacred nature.
The eagle feather is used to adorn the sacred pipe, symbolizing the Great Spirit, from whom all strength and power flow. When held above a person’s head, the feather becomes a blessing, wishing them bravery and happiness.
Feathers also serve as personal symbols in one’s life. Many Native Americans choose to [tattoo feathers](https://tattoostylist.com/native-american-tattoos/#Native_American_Feather) on their bodies, using them to tell their stories or guide them on their spiritual journey.
**The Eagle–Wanblí is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds.
Watch the video below to learn more.**
## **More feather meanings in native american culture**
Native Americans value more than just eagle feathers, and every bird's feather holds a special meaning. Crow feathers represent balance, skill, and cunning, while falcon feathers can represent speed, movement, and soul healing. Doves and bluebirds bring good feelings, like kindness, love, and gentleness from doves and happiness from bluebirds. Hawk feathers can represent guardianship, while owl feathers bring wisdom.
The significance of feathers to Native Americans represents their ties to all of nature and their respect for the gifts of the Creator. No gift from above is wasted, and Native Americans take care to preserve and honor feathers throughout their ceremonies.
## **Preserving Native American Culture**
The feather is more than a symbol; it is a bridge between the physical and spiritual, a testament to the values of trust, honor, and connection.
We invite you to join us in learning and preserving [Native American culture and history](https://www.nativehope.org/native-american-history). Together, we can empower the next generation of Native youth to thrive in the authenticity of their heritage and carry forward the wisdom of their ancestors.
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
#### [Native Hope Joins #GivingTuesday](https://blog.nativehope.org/native-hope-joins-giving-tuesday)
#### [Hope Report: October, November, December 2022](https://blog.nativehope.org/hope-report-october-november-december-2022)
### Recommended for you
[](https://blog.nativehope.org/steeped-in-the-land-the-history-of-the-shoshone-tribe)
education
[Steeped In the Land: The History of the Shoshone Tribe](https://blog.nativehope.org/steeped-in-the-land-the-history-of-the-shoshone-tribe)
[](https://blog.nativehope.org/exploring-the-rich-legacy-of-the-nez-perce-tribe)
education
[Exploring the Rich Legacy of the Nez Perce Tribe](https://blog.nativehope.org/exploring-the-rich-legacy-of-the-nez-perce-tribe)
[](https://blog.nativehope.org/january-is-human-trafficking-awareness-month)
education
[January is Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month](https://blog.nativehope.org/january-is-human-trafficking-awareness-month)
#### **COMMENTS**
- [Faq](https://pages.nativehope.com/faq)
Copyright © 2026 Native Hope - All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://pages.nativehope.com/privacy-policy)
-
-
-
-
-
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Native Hope",
"url" : "https://blog.nativehope.org/author/native-hope"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-01-14T21:14:39.665Z",
"datePublished" : "2023-01-10T20:12:48.000Z",
"headline" : "The Feather: A symbol of high honor",
"image" : [ "https://blog.nativehope.org/hubfs/EagleFeature.png" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.nativehope.org/the-feather-symbol-of-high-honor",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.nativehope.org/hubfs/Web_Images/Static_Template_Parts/icon-white.png"
},
"name" : "Native Hope"
}
}
```