Omen Birds of Borneo

The belief in omen birds is an important part of traditional life in places like Borneo. These birds are regarded as messengers, sharing omens and warnings.

To me it is beautiful — it represents a relationship between people and nature. Today, we are flooded by information and paradoxically, this abundance might blur our vision. In the past, people had fewer tools to rely on, but members of tribes chose to take information from nature. Farmers would pause their work to listen — to the messages and warnings sent by the birds.

Fun fact: The word “inauguration” is derived from the Latin noun “inauguratio”, which comes from “inaugurare” — meaning to take omens from the flight of birds. The very act of choosing our leaders or consecrating sacred duties carries in its etymology, the idea of watching birds for signs.

On top of that, the word “auspicious” also shares this origin. It comes from the Latin auspicium, meaning “divination by observing the flight of birds” — literally “of good omen” — from auspex (genitive auspicis) + -ous (as in auspiciousness).

Interestingly, this reminds us that leadership in its most ancient form was not purely political but spiritual and intuitive. Of course, I could go on and on about this topic but it may not be relevant— to me it fascinating to trace something as institutional as the swearing-in of a leader back to such a mystical origin :))

Speaking of leaders and perhaps wars… my favorite song, “Donna Donna”, popularized by Joan Baez is about the fate of a bird and a calf. The lyrics contrast a helpless calf being led to slaughter with a bird flying freely in the wind. As a bird, it is a free creature, with wings to fly — proud and free.

To have wings is like having a different fate unlike those bound to earth.

Fate…
The imagery of birds in flight draws symbolic depth for us. From farming to death, the omens they carry touch every aspect of life. Perhaps this is where the wisdom of indigenous tribes continues to shine. In communities across Borneo, the practice of reading nature is not merely folklore —it also teaches humility.

To read the nature is actually a deeper kind of literacy and in its deep core, humility and reverence for nature.