LOOK
WHEN YOU
when you look at the bald eagle, you see strength and bravery
By: Sasha Mueller
Almost Extinct
The bald eagle is seen as an ecological miracle because of the recovery the bird made from potentially being added to the list of extinct animals. Bald eagles were threatened by hunting, egg collecting, pesticides, and contaminants in water sources. DDT was originally a pesticide used with the intention of protecting the environment; however, the chemical flowed into water sources and caused eagle eggs to become thinner and affected the effectiveness of eagles reproducing. DDT was a huge threat to the eagles that was later addressed along with other threats to the bird in the Bald Eagle Protection Act in 1940 that prohibited the harm or threat to the eagles.
American Symbol
When thinking about the bald eagle, many people immediately associate it with being the national emblem of the United States. When deciding on the national emblem, Benjamin Franklin did not want the bald eagle to represent the United States because he believed the bird represented laziness and thievery. He labelled the bird as a coward who would not stand its guard and was unfit to be the national emblem of the United States. In Benjamin Franklin’s eyes, the bald eagle was not the brave bird that everyone believed it to be and would not represent Americans properly; he believed that the wild turkey was a better representation of Americans. However, Thomas Jefferson decided the bald eagle was a strong fit to represent the country because he felt the eagle was “free-spirited, high soaring, and courageous,” and aligned with the values of being an American. Thus, the bald eagle became the national symbol of the United States.
Role in Native American Religions
In Native American cultures, the eagle is a symbol of courage, strength, and wisdom and acts as a messenger between the Native Americans and the Creator. As the messenger, it is believed that the bald eagle carries and delivers prayers to the spirit that they believe in. The bald eagle is especially symbolic and important to Native Americans and plays huge roles in ceremonies and rituals that they participate in. Native Americans are known to use eagles and eagle parts in their ceremonies in religions that honored the eagle as sacred. The feathers play immense roles in some Native American religions that proves similar importance to the cross or the Bible in Christianity. The feathers symbolize courage and respect and play important roles in healing ceremonies, ceremonial dances, prayers, and burials. The eagle bones are also used in religious ceremonies as whistles, and the talons are used as amulets. While all very important parts to both the ceremonies and the bird, acquiring these materials does not require killing or hurting the bird; all parts are collected from dead birds.
Role in Christianity
The bald eagle holds huge religious importance in Christianity. In the Bible, God’s strength is displayed in the shape of an eagle in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 32:11, Moses says, “As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spread His wings to catch them and carried them on His pinions.” Moses describes through the imagery of the eagle the event of how God carried the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt and protected them as they wandered around into freedom. Moses describes the ways in which God protects the Israelites and helps them find their ways after being freed. He is the eagle that watches over and protects the people with his strong wings. This proves the eagle’s spiritual meaning and the impact the eagle has in the Christian faith as a protector that boasts strength and bravery.