Crow cawing on the roof: meaning

In popular belief

A crow cawing on the roof or the wall is one of the best-known omens in India. Popular belief says that a guest is on the way, or that some news is coming from far away. The crow is also linked with the ancestors in the Hindu tradition, and in the rites of shraddha, food is placed out for crows as an offering to the departed. In some regions the direction in which the crow calls adds to the reading.

What is really happening

Crows are among the most intelligent birds and are often near houses, as they eat scraps; they call loudly when they see an unusual person or a cat. So the folk idea of a crow announcing a guest is grounded in what the bird does: it reacts to anything that comes near.

A sensible way to think about it

Treat it as a nice thought: perhaps someone will drop in. No decision should depend on it. And a bowl of water and some grain on the roof for the birds is a kindness in the summer.

See also

• Cat crossing your path In many parts of India it is read as a sign to wait or to delay for a moment bef
• Dog howling at night Popularly said to mean trouble near, though most people see it as a sign that th
• Owl The owl is the vehicle of Lakshmi, and in some regions it is a good sign; in oth
• Cow Seeing a cow, especially on leaving the house, is considered auspicious in most
• Peacock Linked with Krishna and Kartikeya, and considered a good sign.
• Mongoose crossing Seen as a good sign for a journey in some regions.

Questions people ask

This page reports popular beliefs for interest. Omens do not predict anything, and nothing here is advice. Please do not cancel anything important, such as a medical appointment, an exam or a journey, because of an omen.