What does a phoenix rising from the ashes mean? A new phoenix rises from the ashes of its dead predecessor. This is symbolic of rebirth, hope, renewal, progress, end of oppression, and eternity. It is no wonder that the beautiful bird has inspired many tales, poems, and even legends. Through these legends and literary representations, the phoenix has become a symbol of the renewal of time. In fact, it has generally become the symbol of any kind of renewal that, with it, brings a period of happiness and good fortune.
Phoenix Native American Symbolism
Although most people believe that the origin of the phoenix is in Greece, it is actually a global symbol of rebirth. In fact, almost all legends of the Phoenix and stories tell the same tale of how the bird is unique and has no mates or young.
Depending on where you read this legend, the phoenix is capable of living anywhere between 500 to 7000 years. In America, the phoenix symbol was depicted on the first Great Seal of the United States in 1782. It was only later replaced by the eagle. Native Americans called the phoenix the thunderbird. Thunderbird was a powerful cross-cultural element of Native North American mythology.