Owl symbolism: Owls have been shrouded in superstition from ancient times.

Owl symbolism

In reality they are simply nocturnal birds that play a significant part in the control of pests and keeping the balance of nature in check.
Why it and what is it about the owl that they have frightened and intrigued people through right up to today.

In many superstitions owls are seen as a symbol of death or an omen of pending doom. They are, however, also seen as symbolic of wisdom and good luck.
Being nocturnal, yet living in close proximity to people are heard more frequently than seen. They have a distinctive eerie hoot that is easily distinguished from other night time sounds.
Owls, when compared to other raptors or birds, have a distinctively common look about them. This makes it easy to identify an owl.
A unique characteristic of an owl is its ability to turn its head almost completely around. This ability is useful to the owl for locating its prey through echolocation and adds to its mystery.
In old Roman superstition owls were linked to witches and seen as their messengers. It was even believed that witches could turn themselves into owls.