"The most common spiritual belief people have about cardinals is that they represent a loved one who has passed away. Seeing a cardinal is a sign that your departed loved one is dropping in to say hello.

The first link between cardinals and otherworldly beings is found in Native American cultures. Tribes that lived in areas with cardinals had many myths involving these bright birds. Cherokees believed that the cardinal was a representation of the Sun’s daughter. While other tribes thought of the cardinal as a sign of luck or romance.

In most instances, the cardinal represents a beacon of something good. There are no known myths or legends that link a cardinal sighting to something ominous or bad.

When the European Catholics arrived, they found the bright red coloring and pointed feathers reminded them of the clergy members called Cardinals. They named the birds after these clergymen.

The phrase “when cardinals appear angels are near” was written by an American poet named Victoria McGovern. The line is from an untitled poem that is meant to comfort people that are grieving.

While there’s no way to prove that a cardinal is a sign from beyond this world, there’s nothing wrong with holding such a comforting belief. Cardinals are beautiful birds that brighten everyone’s day, regardless of your personal beliefs." Tammie Poppie https://www.onthefeeder.com/cardinals-and-angels/