Birds of Happiness

Legend has it that hanging a Bird of Happiness in one’s home will bring good health and fortune to all who live under its warm embrace. Artist Nadezhda Sokolova, also known as Nadya Sokolova, has taken inspiration from this classic tale of Russian folklore with this Firebird design. Using her unique style of batik painting on silk, Sokolova captures the warmth and optimism of these “wood chip birds.”

Similar to the Slavic story of the Firebird, the Bird of Happiness, or Pomor dove, is a symbol of family happiness and also represents the sun. It comes from the story of a hunter who carved such a bird for his sick son. When he hung the carving above his son’s bed, it magically came to life, with the boy exclaiming “Here is the sun!” as he experienced a miraculous recovery. Today, the birds are often hung in multiple spots inside the home where the movement of warm air brings them to life, spinning them in a circle where they hang.

With this bright and lively image, it is our hope that these flaming red birds of lore will bring good luck to your own life and brighten up a dark spot in any home.