Is a Cardinal Bird a Spiritual Symbol?

The cardinal has spiritual meaning in the Christian faith and to many Native American tribes. Christian symbolism holds that the cardinal’s red color symbolizes the blood of Christ. In the Choctaw tradition, cardinals are matchmakers.

Cardinals are small red members of the finch family, known for their bright color and piercing calls. Their distinctive red color is considered symbolic by Christians, representing the everlasting vitality of Christ’s blood and the fire of the living spirit.

Cardinals mate for life, and they remain in their territories year-round. In Native American symbolism, they are strongly connected to the number 12, which is considered lucky, and they are said to carry messages about romantic relationships. They are considered powerful messengers because of their loud calls and striking appearance.