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Native American Oriole Mythology

Orioles are not very important birds in the folklore of most Native American tribes. Like other small birds, they sometimes appear in folktales as symbols of humility and industriousness. The Hopi see the oriole as a directional guardian, associated with the north. There are also Oriole songs and dances among the Pima (Akimel O'odham), who associate orioles with the sun.

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Native American Legends About Orioles

*The Pecan Tree's Best Friend:
    Tejas legend telling why orioles live in pecan trees.
*Gift to the Hummingbird:
    Mayan legend about the oriole sewing a wedding dress for the hummingbird.

Recommended Books of Oriole Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Ants and Orioles: Showing the Art of Pima Poetry:
    Collection of annotated Ant and Oriole songs from the Akimel O'odham (Pima) tribe.
Birds of Algonquin Legend:
    Interesting collection of legends about orioles and other birds in Algonquian tribes.
Flights of Fancy: Birds in Myth, Legend, and Superstition:
    A good book on the meaning of birds in world mythology, including North and South America.



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