| Owls are probably, the most mysterious and enigmatic birds. Their secretive night way of life, a smart look, silent flight, and frightening voice always amazed humans. Owls were honored, dedicated to gods and heroes, they became a symbol of wisdom. In many fairy tales and legends, owls act as advisers, acute birds, heralds, and bearers of unusual knowledge. In folklore of Slavic nations, owl is described as a keeper of underground treasures.
These birds played a significant role in human beliefs and culture since the most ancient times. One cave wall in France the reveals the image of a polar owl, dated back to the early lithic age (Armstrong, 1958.)Cave drawings of owls are found at different places of the globe - in Europe, Australia, America. Ancient Maya considered owl a symbol of power, and its images can be seen on coat of arms of governors.
Since prehistoric times owl was considered a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Ancient Greeks called it a sacred bird of the goddess of wisdom Athene. According to one of the Christian traditions, owl symbolizes the wisdom of Christ which is revealed in primeval darkness (Saunders, 1995). Owls were thought to posess powers which are inaccessible to other animals. It is one of the reasons that they were inseparable companions of wizards and healers. Such is the case of wizard Marylin - the character from the legends about king Arthur - who always depictyed with an owl on his shoulder. Many African nations consider owl a bird of wizards and sorcerers. Old maids sometimes went to a forest and asked an owl to find them a husband (Marcot, Johnson, 2003). |
Scientists have identified a genetic mutation which causes a shift in internal body clock and results in a night owl life style for many people. The mutated gene responsible for internal body clock was named "After Hours" (Afh). The research examined whether the "evening people" genetic mutation is corrected in children who have one parent as a "night owl" and another one as an "early bird". The result was brilliant - kids who stay up late and wake up early.
