Who is a Cardinal?
Cardinal” is a Latin word (Cardo) meaning “Hinge”. A Hinge is something very important. Just like a hinge on a door that enables a door to function, a cardinal is seen as a connecting point between heaven and earth, accessing messages back and forth.
A cardinal is a senior member (high official) in the Roman Catholic Church who holds a position next to a Pope in the order of precedence.
Cardinals are chosen by Popes but usually ordained by Bishops. They are known to wear distinctive bright red robes, are addressed as “Eminence,” and are known as princes of the church.
When the position of Pope becomes vacant, Cardinals also elect the Pope upon the death or resignation of the old one. This has been the practice since 1059.
Only 120 cardinals can vote in the papal election. Cardinals are referred to as the Sacred College of Cardinals.
However, there is also a bird called Red Cardinal which most people believe are spiritual messengers from heaven. These birds have spiritual significance when they appear in your yard.
Bird called Cardinal
There is a bird called Red Cardinal. It is a beautiful bird that has 19 subspecies with different colours. The most recognized is the bright red colour with its unique characteristics.
Cardinal was named after the principle Roman Catholic priests called cardinals and who wear red. These priests were compared to hinges to highlight their importance and connection between parishioners and God.
This type of bird has long been shown to have spiritual significance.
Old folklore maintains the culture’s credence that “when a cardinal shows up in your yard, it means you have a visitor from heaven.
The presence of cardinals symbolizes the presence of light amidst the darkness, brings hope among the ashes of sorrow, and warmth in the coldest of winters.
There is a poetic saying “May you come to find comfort in and remember- cardinals appear when angels are near. So go now, sit outside and drink your tea. Keep a lookout for the little red bird – it is there, your loved ones will be – Victoria McGovern
A cardinal can live for about three year. The death of a cardinal does not imply bad omen. Rather, it can be that you have been chosen to honor their life and their spirit through prayer, meditation, or another way.
What is the biblical meaning of Cardinal?
Cardinal does not have any biblical meaning. Rather, it is a part of the law of the Roman Catholic Church (Canon).
The cardinals of the Holy Roman Church comprises the senate of the Roman Pontiff and aid him as his chief counselors and collaborators in the government of the Church” (CIC 230).
The scripture describes the governing system of the church. Who Jesus Christ, the head and the supreme authority is as mentioned in Colossians 1:8 which says
“And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Secondly, the local church is to be free from external authority or group of individuals (Titus 1:5) which says “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you”
Lastly, deacons and elders are to serve as the two main offices of spiritual leadership Acts 14:23
Where did the bible mention Cardinal?
The term Cardinal is not mentioned in the bible nor is its office mentioned.
What are the roles of a Roman Catholic Cardinal?
A Cardinal elects the pope, acts as his principal counsellor, as bishops of significant dioceses, and assists in the government of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world.
They also serve as chief officials of the Roman Curia that is, the papal bureaucracy, and often as papal envoys.
Did God send birds as a sign in the bible?
All through the bible, birds and animals were used as a sign. Birds like doves, eagles, sparrows, ravens, and other birds show His intimacy and care for humans.
Red Cardinal biblical meaning
Birds are believed to be a sign of the Holy Spirit. Just like the dove which symbolizes the Holy Spirit descended from heaven when Jesus was baptized. (Luke 3:22, John 1:32).
A dove is believed to show purity and peace while the red cardinal represents fire and vitality of the living spirit and in the Christian context, that symbol of vitality is eternal.
In addition, it also represents the living blood of Jesus Christ which indicates hope, life, and restoration.
What is the spiritual meaning of Cardinal?
Below is the spiritual meaning of cardinals:
A New Beginning
They are highly related to hope amid worries. A fresh start in the beginning after a cold, harsh winter.
When a cardinal appears near your home, it is a reminder to look forward to the new beginnings ahead and have confidence that they will comfort your soul.
Revival of the Soul
Cardinals are sent from heaven as spiritual messengers and soul carriers. They reconnect with your soul to remove any signs of depression.
Stability
Cardinals signify the stability and power of a strong family. They bring stability into your life or love life as well as your family which balances your career and opportunities.
Self-Confidence
These birds are known to be confident, observant, and active. Allow the song it sings to soak into your soul and think about self-supporting. Move forward with the skills you possess and no barrier will come to your path.
Spiritual Messengers
The red cardinal is the most outstanding spiritual messenger. They have a profound connection with lost souls. They are sent by our loved ones from heaven to protect us even to this day.
Some people believe when they frequently see a cardinal, it is a sign from their loved one that they always feel their love and they are close to them.
Comfort and Inspiration
Red cardinals appear suddenly to people who mourn, suffer a loss, or are in times of celebration. This appearance is called “Cardinal Experience” which provides comfort and inspiration to them at the time of grief or celebration.
The appearance of a female cardinal implies that good is about to happen or that something positive will occur in the future. Female cardinals are symbols of bright days ahead which can turn your dreams into reality.
Energy
Quite a few theologians look at the cardinal as a symbol of the Holy Spirit which represents the eternal life-giving nature of Jesus and His ministry.
Cardinal Symbolism
Below is a detailed description of what a cardinal symbolizes in one’s life.
Beauty and warmth
Red cardinal is the most conventional subject used for holiday decoration. Its beautiful red colour is seen on innumerable items like ornaments for trees, Christmas Cards and so on which symbolizes the beauty and warmth of the holiday season for many traditions and beliefs globally.
Friendship
With its bright red plumage colour, it is easy to see them. Like other bird species, cardinals don’t migrate, they are regular in the neighbourhood.
They are very social in general, hence they mingle with other birds of other species and they get to know the house of the other bird feeders.
Because they are friendly, they remind you to put yourself out there and mingle with other people in your community even though they appear different from you.
Love and Devotion
It is a believed myth by Native American folklore that an individual that sees a red cardinal will have good luck within 12 days of the sighting.
Some tribes believe cardinals are a harbinger of rain while other tribes (Southeastern tribe) see associated good fortune and sun with them. However, it’s a symbol of love and devotion. It reminds you that true love cut across lust and infatuations.
Flair
These cardinal totem animals are often the first in line. They are compassionate. They listen to their inner voice and intuition very well. If they are your spirit animal, you have a lucky guardian on your side.
It is also an indication to up your dazzling factor. In other words, whatever you do, do it with flair. The cardinal prompts you that you are here to shine, just like the showy flamingo.
The Red Cardinal
is the most common bird linked with the winter season. Their greenery and exotic colours of nature tend to fade which serves as a reminder of the power of life in the middle of snowstorms and the winter season.
Good Luck
The red cardinal bird symbolizes your adequacy to take hold of opportunities and make things happen. When they appear in your life and get your attention, it is seen as a positive omen, a sign of good luck.
Traditional Native American tribes believe that these creatures have strong ties to their ancestors greatly that they believe cardinals to be the messengers of the spirits.
The Native American cultures relates the meaning of cardinal with good luck, so if one crosses their path, they believe they can expect good luck to occur within the next 12 hours, 12 days, or at midnight or noon.
Dreams
It is regarded as a positive message when cardinals show up in dreams. When this happens, it signifies a good message which encourages the person to follow his/her dreams and passion.
The appearance of a cardinal in your dream can also mean something amazing will happen in the future or the appearance of a family member who has passed, letting you know they are present and that they are well.
In addition, it can mean that you have identified who you are by being honest with yourself. However, a cardinal dream can differ from person to person.
Examining the emotions felt in your dream with how you perceive cardinals in your daily life will help you understand what your dream is telling you. Note that where you have the will, you will find the energy to manifest your dreams.
Conclusion
There are so many traditions and beliefs about the interrelation of cardinal with Christianity. This could be because the high officials of the Catholic Church are cardinals that wear distinctive bright red robes, quite a consequence of a resemblance.
Some people believe that the cardinals represent the blood of Jesus while others believe them to be a good omens sent from their loved ones who have departed this world.
Even several literature, texts, clubs, and even websites are exclusively devoted to this topic. However, a study on the subject failed to present evidence of direct reference to cardinal in the word of God.
Nevertheless, whether the cardinals are a representation of the blood of Jesus Christ or a representation of our beloved ancestors remembering us, the beautiful little red birds are God’s creatures.
Every time we see a cardinal, it should serve as a reminder of the story from Matthew 6: 25-31 which says “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. ”
We must be very careful in trying to understand the meaning and symbols of cardinals from circumstances. God’s word have be tested and proven to be true.
It has been revealed to us from the bible that His word is more than enough for every one of our needs.
We have great comfort from the comforter Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself which He stated in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The red cardinal biblical meaning should be to us that God knows what we need and want and that everything will be provided to us if we seek the kingdom of God.
The cardinal bird is a gorgeous and spectacular creature. The cardinal sign meaning is not only of a powerful cardinal spirit animal but a blessing to humanity.
It has the same traits that humans desire such as hope, strength, willpower, romance, devotion, leadership, ego, and defends its loved ones. Anytime you come across this creature, be grateful.
As we all know that God is in charge of all things, both living and non-living, including sparrows and hair. He also determines the movement of the cardinal.
If the appearance of a cardinal reminds you of the gift God gave you, by all means, appreciate Him for it!
