Duck meanings and symbolism include laughter and happiness, good luck, nurturing and bonding, emotional stability, unlikely pairings, romantic love, travel, purification and transformation, intuition, and spiritual ascension. Ducks are waterfowl who are in the same biological family as swans and geese, which is Anatidae. And they live on every continent on Earth. Hence, ducks are subjects in the mythology and folklore of many cultures around the world. Plus, the duck spirit animal is an important figure for people who feel a special kinship with these beautiful birds. In this post, you’ll learn about duck symbols and meanings, duck mythology and folklore, the duck spirit animal, and more.
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Here are details on some of the symbols and meanings associated with ducks:
Children love ducks, and children generally have good instincts. Whether it’s the way ducks waddle and quack or the fact that they blow bubbles, ducks make people smile. It’s no coincidence that some of the silliest cartoon characters, like Donald Duck and Daffy Duck – are ducks. And let’s not get started on how cute baby ducks are…
Because of the duck’s endearing characteristics and gentle disposition, they are a symbol for laughter and happiness.
If a duck makes themselves known to you, whether by crossing your path in real life, flying overhead, or capturing your attention in art or the media, it can be a sign to ask yourself if you’re having enough fun. Are you able to see the humor in most situations? Seeing a duck can be a sign to lighten up. Maybe it’s time for you to get out, shake a tail feather, and have a good time.
By the same token, if you’re a person who already knows that the duck is your spirit animal, you likely have a good sense of humor, love to laugh, and know how to enjoy yourself. The duck is a reminder to all of us of the power for laughter to heal.
If you need some good fortune in your life, meditate on the lucky duck! In fact, in Chinese, Nigerian, and other cultures, the duck is a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and good luck.
As water birds who also possess the gift of flight, the duck symbolizes our ability to connect our subconscious (water) with the metaphysical world (air) for greater awareness and wisdom. Thus, the duck is a metaphor for our ability to tap into the positive powers in the universe, which can help us to better tune into opportunities that improve our lives and those of others.
Mother ducks are especially attentive to and protective of their ducklings. In fact, you may have heard someone who smothers others with love and care described as a “mother duck.” In addition to being protective, the duck is also a good nest builder.
Ducks, along with geese, are also particularly susceptible to a behavior called imprinting. Because ducklings are so vulnerable when they’re newly-hatched, it’s essential that they identify and bond with their mother right away. Because of this instinct, ducklings will “imprint” on, or bond with, any living creature (and sometimes even inanimate objects) that are right in front of them once they hatch. In fact, you may have seen videos on social media of ducklings waddling after a person or even a dog, acting as though they are their mother. This is the result of imprinting. Essentially, ducks are hard-wired to bond.
Because of these qualities, the duck is a symbol for nurturing and bonding. They remind us that it’s these qualities that make the world livable. Our ability to nurture and bond with others is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Yet what the duck also teaches us is to choose our relationships carefully. Don’t spend energy looking for love in all the wrong places or from people who don’t reciprocate. As the sayings go, “Don’t go the hardware store for oranges,” or “Don’t look for roses in garbage pails.”
You may have heard the saying that negative things roll off someone “like water off a duck.” Another term is literally to “duck” to avoid being hit with something. These phrases are apropos for the duck being a symbol of emotional stability. The duck has the ability to duck their heads or even dive under water to avoid danger. Of course, the duck also possesses the power to fly away.
Thus, the duck is a beautiful symbol for our ability to adjust our own attitudes and rise above. There are countless situations in life that we have no control over. But what we can control is our attitude and our emotional state. We can be sensitive and tuned into external events yet not let them drag us down so we can’t function. The duck reminds us to let things roll off our backs so that we can function optimally and give the world our best.
There’s another saying that involves these splendid birds and that’s “Get your ducks in a row.” As ducks fly in formation, and ducklings follow their moms in organized lines, the duck reminds us of the importance of preparation, organization, and planning. When we take the time to get our ducks in row, we increase the odds of having an ideal state of mind and creating positive outcomes.
Like peafowl, cardinals, and spiders, the duck exhibits a biological condition called sexual dimorphism. In this condition, the male and female of the species look different from each other. For example, the male may be larger, or the male and female may be totally different colors. In the example of peafowls and many duck species, the male has brightly colored, showy feathers while the female’s are more understated. This is why, in Chinese culture and beyond, the duck is also a symbol of unlikely pairings, the attraction of opposites, or even odd couples.
So, if a duck comes into your life, it can be a sign for you to seek out more balance in your relationships. For example, in creative or business partnerships, seek out people who complement your own set of skills. In friendships, seek out more diversity. Or in romantic relationships, the duck reminds us that two people with striking differences, whether its ethnic or religious backgrounds, age, or even political views, can come together to form something wonderful and enduring.
Ducks do not mate for life as birds like cranes, eagles, and ravens do. However, they do stay with one partner throughout a breeding season or for many years, and they only have one partner at a time. Thus, ducks are also symbols of romantic love.
As a symbol of romantic love, the duck reminds us to put our mates first and to never take them for granted. Putting a little bit of energy into keeping romance alive, having fun together, and showing your appreciation can go a long way in maintaining a healthy bond with your partner. In fact, seeing a pair of ducks can be a reminder to affirm your commitment to your mate.
If you are single and looking for your love, whether a soulmate or just a new main squeeze, the duck can be a sign that the right partner for you lives and is looking for you too. After all, it’s the nature of soulmates to want to find each other.
If you feel frustrated because you can’t find the right person for you, the duck reminds you to keep the faith. Being single is the ideal time to work on being the person you want to be in your ideal romantic relationships. It’s also the perfect time to get crystal clear about the qualities you are looking for in a mate and the non-negotiables. So, if you do meet someone and you see red flags, you’ll have the wherewithal to move on until you find your ideal mate.
Some species of ducks travel up to 800 miles (1,287 km) during migrations, enduring a range of challenging conditions, such as frigid temperatures. In addition, some will fly at altitudes of 17,000 feet (5,182 meters).1
Because they are so well known for migration, ducks are also symbols for travel. Not to mention, the duck’s webbed feet enable them to land safely and move swiftly on water.
As a symbol of travel, the duck reminds us that when nothing is ventured, nothing is gained. So, if a duck crosses your path or makes themselves known to you, it can be a sign to plan your next trip. And if circumstances are preventing you from traveling right now, you can at least start researching destinations on your bucket list and visualizing the trip.
So, whether it’s places you haven’t been within your own community or exotic locales in other countries, keep those places in your mind’s eye. After all, when ducks migrate, they travel in formation. These birds don’t travel willy-nilly; they fly with a plan.
The duck spirit animal is here to remind you that it’s experiences, not things, that make a life!
While the duck lives and lays their eggs on land, they’re also water birds who can dive under the water’s surface. As water birds, they are metaphors for purification and transformation. A duck diving under the water’s surface symbolizes our own capacity to “dive deep” into our own thoughts and emotions and to do the psychological work required to transform our lives and evolve as human beings. When we do the work of understanding what’s under the surface, we can better manifest our dreams and reach our potential as human beings in the physical world, just as the duck lives their existence on land.
In this way, the duck has synergies with other semi-aquatic animals, including the frog, turtle, alligator, and crocodile. Furthermore, the duck is like another symbol of transformation: the lotus flower. The lotus sprouts in the mud and grows through the water to rise above the surface. Like the lotus, the duck shows us that no matter where we start in life, we all have the potential to evolve and transform our lives. By focusing on who we want to be, whether it’s our physical, mental, or emotional state or even our spiritual selves, we can work towards making that vision a reality – just like a duck floats on the water and then takes flight into the sky.
The duck possesses a unique combination of traits. While they live and lay their eggs on land, they are also water birds, spending much of their lifetime in or near the water. In addition, they have the power to fly. Furthermore, the duck has the ability to tuck their head beneath their wing to sleep while at the same time, keeping one eye open for awareness and protection. Because of these special qualities, the duck is a symbol of intuition.
The duck is a metaphor for our ability to go beyond our conscious thoughts as they exist in the material world (the land) to our subconscious (the water) and ultimately to our super-conscious, or the metaphysical world (the sky.)
If a duck shows up in your life, whether by quacking as you walk by or even flying overhead, it can be a sign to pay closer attention to your intuition and follow its guidance. We all have the power to fine tune our intuition and psychic abilities. We can do this through meditation, prayer, or even mental, emotional, and physical detoxes. Another way to “tune in” is to spend more time being quiet in nature.
Just as the duck is a symbol of transformation and intuition, they are also symbols of spiritual ascension. Like the lotus flower that grows from the mud into a beautiful blossom, the duck symbolizes the ability of our souls to soar. The lessons we learn on Earth and having a spiritual practice enable us to become more aware and enlightened as souls.
Some may wonder what it symbolizes when a duck or flock of ducks fly overhead. In many cultures and spiritual beliefs, this is seen as a good omen. It means that opportunities are coming your way, or that your prayers are being heard. At the same time, it’s also a reminder that fortune favors the bold. Ducks in flight are seeking safety or better opportunities. So, the duck reminds you that opportunities exist but you must go out and find them.
As mentioned earlier, the duck is a special bird in that they possess a rare combination of traits. They are born and live on land, which symbolizes our connection to the Earth and material world. Yet, they also float on and dive under the water’s surface, which is a metaphor for our ability to tap into our emotions and subconscious. At the same time, they can fly, which is akin to our ability to connect with the world beyond the physical, or the spiritual world.
Duck meanings also include our ability to purify our state of mind and transform ourselves. Hence, the spiritual meaning of ducks embodies our ability to seek out spiritual enlightenment while still being rooted to the Earth.
Because ducks, and other migratory aquatic birds, such as swans, geese, and flamingos, exist in the elements of earth, water, and air, they were especially important to ancient peoples for whom nature and spirituality were intertwined. In fact, the famous mythologist Joseph Campbell entitled one of his books – The Flight of the Wild Gander, a collection of essays – because of these beliefs. Campbell was inspired by master yogis, who were also called hamsas or paramhamsas because they shared synergies with wild ducks and geese.
Campbell likened the arduous journeys that aquatic migratory birds take to the journey of the soul, and in particular, that which a shaman or yogi takes. Just as the duck (or goose, or swan, etc.) is willing to take the risk of traveling to new terrains, so the shaman or yogi (or spiritual seeker) is willing to explore the world beyond the physical.
At the same time, the migratory bird has excellent navigation. Like the spiritual seeker who has an unwavering faith or the shaman or yogi who has trained and practiced, the duck is confident in their journey. However, they must go through stages to reach a higher level of spiritual enlightenment. These include:
Separation, whereby the soul leaves the body and begins its journey.
Initiation, in which the soul faces challenges and therefore gains experience.
Return, when the soul returns to the physical body.2
Here are some additional duck spiritual meanings in different faiths:
For Hindus, ducks are viewed as sacred birds who possess a number of positive attributes, including purity (and the process of purification), good luck, and abundance. As such, the duck is associated with a few Hindu deities, including:
Ganga – the Hindu goddess of water, purification, and good luck. Ganga is the embodiment of the Ganges River, and she is sometimes portrayed with a duck as her vahana (or mount or vehicle).3
Manasa – the Hindu goddess of snakes, fertility, and prosperity. She is also often depicted riding a duck as her vahana.4
Kamadhenu – a cow goddess. Kamadhenu is a goddess of abundance and earthly desires. She is sometimes depicted with duck’s wings or a duck on her back.5
Saraswati – the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, and art. She is sometimes depicted playing a sitar or flute and surrounded by peacocks and ducks.6
Lakshmi – the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. She is sometimes shown with a duck in her hand.7
Hindus also associate the duck (as well as the flamingo, swan, goose, or other aquatic migratory birds) with the hamsa. In Hindu mythology, the hamsa is a mythical bird and the vahana (or mount) of Brahma, Gayatri, Saraswati, and Vishvakarma. In addition, the hamsa is representative of the soul in Hinduism.8
In Buddhism, the duck shares symbolism with the lotus flower, including purification, transformation, and reaching enlightenment, or nirvana.
Ducks are also depicted in the Buddhist Wheel of Life, which is often painted on monastery walls. The Wheel of Life is a graphical way to represent Buddha’s teachings. In this context, the duck represents our need for community and togetherness.9
The duck has a few different meanings in the Bible. For one, they are referenced in the Book of Kings when describing King Solomon’s provisions, which are extensive. Essentially, the duck (or waterfowl) as referenced symbolizes the gluttony and extravagance of the king, hence one of this weaknesses.10
At the same time, in Judaism and Christianity, the duck can symbolize God’s ability to provide and to give the faithful what they need. In addition, in Christianity, ducks are associated with the purification of baptism. Furthermore, ducks flying in formation can symbolize community and people coming together to worship God and share in their faith.
In Sufism, as in the Bible, the duck is sometimes portrayed as a symbol of gluttony. In fact, the Sufi poet and sage Rumi used birds as metaphors to describe the four human vices. The peacock symbolized vanity, the rooster lust, the crow malicious intent, and the duck gluttony.11
Many of us have heard the saying, “You’re a dead duck,” to describe someone getting in trouble in some way. However, if you literally come across a dead duck, you might wonder if there is any spiritual or symbolic significance to it.
If you see a dead duck, it’s important to try to determine how the duck died because ducks are vulnerable in many ways. From a humane and environmental standpoint, we all have a responsibility to protect wild animals if we can. Of course, the duck may have died of natural causes. However, if there is some other reason, it may be worthwhile to call your local wildlife center or animal control to notify them.
From a spiritual standpoint, coming across a dead duck shouldn’t be viewed as a bad omen. Many psychics and mediums say that when people or animals pass, their spirits have an interest in what happens to their earthly bodies. This is why so many cultures have spiritual traditions about honoring the bodies of those who have passed, whether through burial, cremation, or another tradition.
So, if you find a dead duck, it’s important to respectfully dispose of their body if you can. And always say a prayer to honor their life and spirit.
Because ducks live on every continent on Earth, they are subjects in the mythologies and folklore of many cultures around the world. Here are some of those stories:
The ancient Celts viewed water as a source of life, and thus associated ducks with the life-affirming qualities of fertility and rebirth. In fact, the Celtic goddess Sequana, who was the goddess of riverways and other bodies of water, is sometimes portrayed with a duck. She was also a goddess of healing, particularly of respiratory illnesses. So, ducks, by association, were symbols of health and healing in the Celtic world12
While the duck is not commonly featured in Scandinavian mythology, some historians believe the Vikings viewed the duck as having special powers. Case in point, a famous Viking burial site in Denmark contained the remains of a woman who appeared to have high status and special powers. She was buried with fine jewelry, a wand, henbane seeds (which were a hallucinogenic), and other artifacts. Among the jewelry was a necklace that had a duck’s foot pendant. Hence, the archeologists concluded that she was some kind of seer or sorceress.13
The Norse goddess Frigg was also associated with ducks. She was a goddess of marriage and motherhood as well as prophecy and clairvoyance. According to Norse legends, she dwelled in the wetlands and waterways.14 Thus, the duck’s association with Frigg also lends itself well to the duck being a symbol for intuition.
In Hungarian mythology, the duck is a solar bird with special powers because they can exist in three elements: water, earth, and air. Thus, the duck could transcend the upper and lower worlds. In fact, according to Hungarian myths, the duck played an important role in the creation of the world. As the story goes, the sun took the form of a duck and dove into the waters the covered the entire world. The creator god, Arany Atya, asked the duck to bring mud from below the water’s surface so he could create the land. However, the duck hid the mud in her mouth, so Arany Atya punished her.15
In Greek mythology, the duck was a symbol of nurturing and faithfulness. In the famous epic story, The Odyssey, the hero Odysseus was married to Penelope who was the daughter of Icarus and a nymph named Periboea.
When Penelope was born, her father, Icarus, was so enraged that she was not a son that he threw her into the sea to drown her. However, a flock of ducks rescued the infant girl. Stunned by the rescue, Icarus saw it as a sign from the gods, so he accepted his young daughter after all. He named her Penelope, after the Greek word for duck.
When Penelope’s husband, Odysseus, went to fight the Trojan War and was gone for two decades, she remained faithful to him, protecting his kingdom from falling into the hands of unscrupulous opportunists.16 Thus, Penelope embodied the protective qualities of the mother duck.
As with Hungarian cosmology, in Turkish creation stories, the duck played a key role in constructing the world. According to the legend, before time began the world was covered with water. A duck named Luwr flew and flew over the endless expanse of ocean, looking for somewhere to land so that she could lay her egg. Not finding any place to land, she eventually settled on the water and began to pluck her own feathers to make a nest. The nest grew and eventually the Earth was formed.17
The Yoruban People of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo tell stories of a goddess named Yemonja. She is a fertility goddess and protector of children. She also safeguards rivers, stream, and other bodies of water. The duck is one of Yemonja’s totem animals, along with the snake, the vulture, and snail.18
The ancient Egyptians venerated birds of all kinds. In particular, they viewed ducks and geese as symbols of fertility and the cycle of life. The Egyptian deity Geb was an Earth and agriculture god who was sometimes depicted with a duck on his head. He was also the god of snakes. The Egyptians believed that his laughter created earthquakes.19 (Perhaps the duck on his head was the source of his giggles.)
The Egyptians had another god called Gengen Wer who was associated with ducks and geese. His name translates to “Great Honker.” Gengen Wer was a source of primal, or creative, energy. Thus, the egg symbolized sacred creative outcomes.20
Ducks were also associated with the Mesopotamian Earth goddess Inanna. Thus, they have long been symbols of fertility and nurturing.
As in Turkish and Hungarian cosmology, Mongolian’s have a creation myth about a duck diving into the waters that surrounded the world to retrieve mud in order to build the land. The Mongols called the duck “earth diver.”
According to the legend, the Father of the Sky had two sons named Ulgen Tenger and Erleg Khan whom he charged with creating the world. Ulgen Tenger first sent a loon to gather mud from the bottom of the sea, however the loon failed at his mission. Next, Ulgen sent the duck, who was successful. Happy with the duck’s work, Ulgen took a nap on the new Earth.
However, Ulgen’s brother Erleg Khan grew envious. So, he tried to pull some of the mud from beneath his brother to sleep on, which only spread it out.
Ulgen Tenger continued to create more beings and things on the new Earth, including dogs. Yet, Erleg Khan’s jealousy grew. So, he made the dogs smelly. And this is the source of why some things in life are unpleasant.21
Ducks are revered in Chinese mythology. (Though, as with many other cultures, they are also eaten.) In China, as well as Japan and Korea, ducks symbolize marital happiness (including with odd couples), good luck, and prosperity. In addition, there are also a few mythical animals in Asian culture that are part duck.
The Fenghuang is a mythical bird that is often compared to the phoenix. It is described in a number of ways. One of which is that it has the body of a duck, the tail of a peacock, the face of a swallow, and the neck of a snake.
According to the legend, the Fenghuang is a microcosm of the celestial body. Its head represents the sky, its eyes the sun, its back the moon, its feet the earth, its tail the planets, and its wings the sky. In addition, it is said that wherever the Fenghuang appears there will be prosperity and happiness.22
In Chinese mythology, there is another mythical duck creature, which is called the Manman. According to Chinese legends, the Manman has only one eye, like a cyclopes, and one wing. However, the Manman is able to fly when joined with a counterpart Manman. One Manman is red and the other blue. Together, they are said to balance the male and female archetypes, like yin and yang. According to Chinese legends, when floods happen, the conjoined Manman is responsible.23
China is well-known for its beautifully colorful Mandarin ducks. For the Chinse, Mandarin ducks are symbols of love, happiness, and faithfulness. Thus, duck motifs appear often as wedding decorations and gifts.
Because male and female Mandarin ducks look very different, with the male being far more colorful, they are also symbols for the attraction of opposites in romantic love, which the Chinese call yuanyang.
In Feng Shui, duck images and statues may be placed in southwestern areas of the home, such as the bedroom, to help strengthen and heal romantic relationships.24
In Native American cultures, the duck is often portrayed as a comical character who is easily outsmarted, particularly by trickster animals like the coyote, crow, or fox. Yet, as in the cosmologies of other cultures, including Turkish, Hungarian, and Mongolian, in some Native American legends, including Crow and Yokut25, the duck is an earth diver who plays a role in bringing mud from the waters to create the Earth.
For some Native American tribes, the duck is a clan animal. In Native American cultures, the clan system is a form of community organization that’s rooted in the maternal family line. Each clan is associated with a specific animal who serves as a guardian and protector of the members of the clan.
Examples of clan animals include the bear, cougar, wolf, otter, and others. Tribes who have duck clans include the Chippewa, the Menominee, and the Pueblo tribes. 26 In addition, the Caddo and Creek tribes do a Duck Dance, which is a couples’ ceremonial dance.27
In Mesoamerican mythology, the duck is associated with the deity Quetzalcoatl. The Mayas and Aztecs viewed waterways as passages to the underworld. Thus, aquatic animals were connected to this realm. While the ancient Mesoamericans used ducks as a food source, they also used them in rituals to ward away demons from the underworld.28
When the duck is your spirit animal, you have a joyful guardian on your side. Duck people love to laugh and they can find the humor in situations even in their darkest days. Duck people are also naturally caring, protective, and nurturing. So, they make great parents, friends, and romantic partners. Furthermore, when the duck is your spirit animal, you are person who is a spiritual seeker. You’re not afraid to get out of your comfort zone as you seek to understand and evolve spiritually.
In addition to the duck, if you are curious about other animals who might be your spirit guides, you can take UniGuide’s spirit animal test and read more about them in my overview post on spirit animals.
As the name implies, a power animal can inspire you with their most dynamic traits. Thus, if you want to transform an area of your life, consider the attributes that the power animal represents. For example, you can mediate on the duck power animal in situations when you:
An animal totem encapsulates the protective powers of the animal they represent. Thus, the duck totem can be a helpful symbol on multiple levels when you want to transform certain aspects of your life. For example, the duck totem can be a reminder to be more light-hearted and to see the bright side of situations. It is also a positive symbol for bringing balance, emotional stability, and more romance into your relationship with your significant other.
A duck totem can also be a reminder to aspire to practice mindfulness and reach for your highest level of vibration as you live your daily life. This is one way we reach spiritual enlightenment. And of course, the duck is also a good luck totem.
What does it mean if you dream of a duck or a flock of ducks? Dreams and dream interpretations are uniquely personal, so there is never one cut and dry answer. However, delving into the emotions you felt in the dream and your feelings when you awoke can shed light on what your dream meant.
Analyzing the emotions you felt in your dream and how you perceive ducks can help you to understand what your dream is telling you. For instance, a pleasant dream about ducklings could be a sign that you are ready to take care of and nurture someone or something in your life. On the flip side, an anxious dream about ducklings could mean that you need to exert more protection and care over someone or an area of your life.
Ducks have had deep cultural and spiritual meanings for many people around the world for centuries. Hopefully understanding more about duck symbols, meanings, and mythologies can bring deeper insights into what your dream is trying to tell you.
A duck or ducks make a wonderful design for a tattoo because they can be portrayed in so many ways and they have such rich cultural and symbolic meaning. For example, your duck tattoo could be cute and humorous or elegant and mystical.
A duck tattoo can show the world that you love to laugh and have a good sense of humor. Or it may demonstrate that you are committed transforming an area of your life or honing your intuition. It may also symbolize that you are a naturally nurturing and protective person. Tattoos are deeply personal for the person whose skin they adorn. But hopefully learning more about duck mythology and symbolism can bring deeper meaning to your tattoo.
Although ducks are beloved to adults and children, both domesticated and wild ducks face a variety of threats. To begin, ducks are exploited for food and for their feathers, used in down29. In addition, wild ducks face threats. These include hunting and predation from invasive species (including domesticated dogs and cats). Plus, there are environmental threats, such as water pollution, drought, and other factors that impact their natural habitats. In addition, they are impacted if they eat fishing lines, plastic, and other trash, as well when they’re fed unnatural food by humans (like bread.)
Wild duck populations around the world at are risk. In fact, at least six duck species have been classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)30, with dozens more species who are threatened. If you care about ducks, please do what you can to protect them. Here are some organizations that are working on duck conservation and welfare:
Hello. Thanks for visiting UniGuide. My name is Kristen and I started UniGuide as a tribute to nature, animals, and spiritual exploration. I hope you enjoy your experience here!
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18 Responses
Today I walked near a Drake and female on the lawn low resting. I said hello then watched as they stayed quiet, the Drake caught my eye, it engaged me. I went upstairs brought back some washed chopped cabbage as I held my hands out, then put it near the tree and grass. They gladly joined me for the treat. Slow but sure they ate it then mixed it with grass. An hour later they still slowly were carefully eating pieces and cutting off edges to enjoy. A few quiet quacks, then I returned the same, and spoke peace and left. I wonder if tomorrow they will still be here. I will be ready with more cabbage this time, cutting it better and easier for them. My only Love Cornelia still sits in waiting. I will tell her of this good fortune. Perhaps this will bring us closer as friends like the two ducks.
Thanks so much for sharing this story. I felt like I was right there! It’s so interesting that you share this now because over the past week, I have seen a pair of ducks at the beach where I take my dog – a beautiful mallard and his mate. There is a lagoon nearby that is a wildlife sanctuary, and it attracts a lot of bird. But usually the birds hang out there. So, it’s unusual for this pair to be sitting on the beach so often. I was glad my dog had no interest in disturbing them! I saw it as a sign of letting people be and respecting their privacy! Everyone should be able to enjoy the beach and time with their mate. :o)
Very kind of you to share your cabbage with the ducks, and they seemed relaxed in your presence. And I think it’s a beautiful testament to you that what you saw in them reminded you of your own love for Cornelia. The divine light in the ducks affirmed the divine light in you. Thank you again for sharing this lovely story. I’m reading it first think this morning and it made my day!
Three days now have passed.The ducks return two or three times a day. Guy, a Belgian piano teacher, shared with me that apples, cut carefully in small pieces, can be shared as well as corn. They seem to enjoy the variety now. Today, I will take down celery leaves and pieces cut small. Peter and Hanna, both ministers, have joined me in singing to the ducks. They agree that a time for them to rest and contemplate with us in prayer is helpful. Bless you, little visitors, you are welcome.
Very kind of you to not only feed – but sing to – the ducks! :o)
I’ve been caretaking my 91 year old mom for over 10 years now. My girlfriend, who took care of her dad who recently passed, and I just took a weekend trip to our sacred river. While sitting on the beach, a beautiful duck came ashore and preened some, slept right in front of us, then came up to us and was around over 1 1/2 hrs. We were both gratful for this spiritual connection and honored its presence. What a great experience for us to have been a part of. He ate out of our hands and laid down right in front of us in the sun so we could view his gorgeous coloring. He gave us laughter, joy, and peace!
Thank you for sharing this. I love this story. Ducks are such beautiful and peaceful creatures. And I agree, they bring a lot of joy too. Please share my condolences with your friend. Her Dad is at peace. And best of luck to you and your Mom. Take care!
Hi! 4 ducks, 3 white and the last one was a beautiful dark blue color. Two of the white and the blue laid down mere feet from me for about 5 minutes. The one made quiet sounds and i believe the leader. It was one of the most peaceful times I’ve had in a long time.
They sound beautiful. Luck you!
Thank you for this insightful article. This afternoon, when I came out of a grocery store, there was a mallard on top of my car. I didn’t even notice it at first, I had so much on my mind. When I put my groceries in the front and walked around to the driver’s side, I then noticed it. Another person saw it before me and was laughing and videoing it. They even asked, “Didn’t you notice it?” No I didn’t. He was waddling on top of my car doing his thing. When he noticed me looking at me, he stared at for a bit, quacked, then flew away. I found it interesting that of all the cars in that lot, he landed on mine. I’m going through something right now and struggling and wondering if this was a direct sign from God? Thought I’d share.
Well… if you’ve come to UniGuide and you tell me that a beautiful mallard duck landed on your car, looked you in the eye, and quacked, all I can say is – how much more of a sign do you need? :o)
I think this is a beautiful thing and I love this story. In my spiritual beliefs, God manifests through all living things. In some cases, as with human beings, some creatures are more receptive to this energy or more receptive at certain times. I go through this myself – there are times when I feel that God, or source energy, or empathetic love, is working through me more than other times.
The hawk is one of my spirit animals, and one time I came back to my car and there one was standing on my car. He or she looked at me, then elegantly flew away. It was my sign to go back to what they symbolize and to contemplate how I was living my life at that time. Very often the hawk helps me to get back on track.
I hope this helps! Thank you for sharing this story!
Thank you so much for your extensive commentary on ducks – waterfowl. I have a small pond (maybe 60 feet in diameter) in my back yard that sometimes attracts ducks (waterfowl). Anywhere from 2 to maybe a dozen. I have been wondering what they symbolize, as some days they are there (fly in), and other days they do not choose to appear. If they come they only stay about 2 or 3 hours and then move on. Thank you for your thoughts.
Thank you for your comment. I am happy to hear that you get some visits. When my mom was alive, she had a series of small lakes on her property and we loved when the ducks, geese, and pelicans visited. They also did the same thing – were there and then went somewhere else. I am happy to hear that they inspired you to explore their spiritual meanings and symbolism.
Is the color symbolic? What does a white duck mean? I have cancer and being treated by an energy healer/medium who told me a white duck was next to me.
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with this health challenge. I will send healing prayers your way! The color white symbolizes purity, innocence, new beginnings, and your connection to your higher power. The color white is also associated with your crown chakra, which governs your connection to God, or the spiritual realm. So, I think that it’s very important in this journey that you are on to remember to laugh when you can (that is the duck) and to try to find some peace in your thoughts (purity in your thoughts) through prayer or meditation. As well, white can also symbolize going through a detox process. So, getting rid of chemicals in your home (detergents, cleaning products that are not natural) and lessening the chemical load on your body (eat organic, eat whole foods.) I am going through this process with my brother, who also has cancer. He is a Buddhist and meditates a lot. He says he is going through a process of radical simplicity. To me, that is your white duck – keeping things light, joyful, clear, and simple. I really hope this helps. Take care!
I just realized that the duck is my spirit animal because at first I wasn’t connected very well to my intuition and now the duck ended up helping me get in tune with my intuition I feel more connected to it. Also it helped me go for the things I like because for a long time I’ve gone for things I haven’t liked.
I happy to hear this. I loved researching and writing this article. Ducks are so humble in so many way, yet they have had such a powerful impression on people around the world!
I would have never googled and found your article Kristen, if this didn’t happen to me; As I began playing my guitar, I heard a very loud and distinct duck quack three times coming from the left side of the room, approx.10 feet away, near the kitchen table. I stared in amazement because my house is so quiet. I have no explanation and there is nothing in the house that would make a quacking sound. Your article was very informative, thanks for writing!
That’s wild! Thank you for sharing. Someone approves of your guitar playing.