The Hummingbird in Ancient Aztec Culture

• In some cultures, the hummingbird is a sacred animal.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of No?l Zia Lee
  
  The Aztec God of War and the Sun was known as the Hummingbird Wizard. Aztecs believed that warriors who died in battle came back as hummingbirds.
  
  

Taino Indians and the Hummingbird

• Purple-throated hummingbirdImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kjunstorm
  
  For the Taino Indians of Puerto Rico, the hummingbird is a sacred animal, honored for its role as pollinator and creator of new life.
  
  

Arawak Indians of Jamaica

• Hummingbird with flowersImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Mikul
  
  The swallow-tail hummingbird, also called the doctor bird, is the national bird of Jamaica. Jamaica's Arawak Indians believed hummingbirds were the spirits of the dead.
  
  

The Hummingbird in Hopi and Zuni Culture

• Hopi and Zuni myths of the American Southwest tell the story of how the hummingbird brought rain from the gods to help humans. Potters often decorate water jugs with images of hummingbirds.
  
  

Haida and Hummngbirds

• For the Haida Nation of the Northwest coast, the hummingbird, known as Sah Sen, is a symbol of good luck and joy.