Bat Symbolism & Meaning

Bat symbolism and meaning can both fascinate and frighten. Yet when you get to know this amazing creature, you may discover a powerful ally!

Do you feel misunderstood by society or are you fearful of transitions? Do you want to be more sensitive to your surroundings? Bat, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Bat teaches you how to sense your environment while embracing all life has to offer. Delve deeply in Bat symbolism and meaning to find out how this Animal Spirit Guide can illuminate, support, and guide you.

(Article continues below video.)

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, now!

Bat Table of Contents

• Bat Symbolism & Meaning
• Bat Spirit Animal
• Bat Totem Animal
• Bat Power Animal
• Native American Bat Symbolic Meanings
• Navajo Bat Meanings
• Ojibwe Story: How the Bat Came to Be
• Bat Meaning in Maya Mythology
• Australian Aborigine Bat Legend
• Bats in the Bible
• Bat in Celtic Mythology
• Bat in Norse Mythology
• Bat Dreams
• Far Eastern Bat Symbolic Meanings
• Bat Symbolism in China
• Bat Symbolism in Hinduism
• Bat Tattoo Meaning
• Spiritual Meaning of Bats
• Types of Bats Symbolic Meaning
• Are Bats Dangerous
• Bat Mythology and Folklore
• Bat Meaning in Greek and Roman Mythology
• Bat Gods & Goddesses
• Bat Meaning in Mesopotamia
• The Bat in African Mythology
• Bat Meanings in Polynesia
• Bats and Vampires
• What Does it Mean to See a Dead Bat
• Seeing a Bat in the Daytime
• Famous Bats
• Bat Sayings
• Back to all Mammals
• Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings

Bat Symbolism and Meaning

If you’re seeking the wisdom of Bat Energy it’s a sign your higher-self is helping you sharpen your sense of true seeing.

To quote the very-dearly-missed Ted Andrews (author of “Animal Speak” and many other wonderful books); “The bat is one of the most misunderstood animals.”

Because Bats come out at night, they have long had emblematic ties to death and the underworld. When we look closer, however, we see that Bat (like all Mammals) lives inside the Mother’s womb from which it emerges, a symbolic renewal and new beginning. So much is the case that folk wisdom calls these creatures “Night’s Guardian”.

In nature, Bat is very nurturing; this shows it is socialized in its group. They have unique communication skills and stay close to family and young. While they might avoid humans, there is no lack of interaction among their own.

In fact, Bats are so “touchy-feely” with their own family, it could be said, that these creatures of the night are actually “cuddly.”

Because of their warm, sweet nature, Bat symbolism is a deeply soulful reminder that we should never judge a book by its cover.

To hunt, many species of Bat require echolocation; this is a very precise ability, giving Bat the meanings of uncovering the hidden and attunement to vibrational frequencies. Adding to their ability to find prey, Bat wings are well suited to simple movements – they are, in fact, structured a bit like our fingers spreading out to discover what’s hiding in the darkness of our lives.

In Shamanism, Bat Medicine ties directly with the Shaman’s ability to walk between the worlds. Bat represents both death and life, endings and beginnings. Flying with the Bat means trusting your psychic gifts and having confidence in yourself.

European stories associate Bat Spirit with magical creatures like witches and vampires; at that time, it wasn’t a positive status. However, the Bat as a familiar in modern times is far more positive, even representing good luck.

Bat Spirit Animal

What do Bats symbolize as a Spirit Animal?

If Bat has made its presence known as your Spirit Animal be ready for major transitions.

Bats are highly sensitive animals. Bat will urge you to keep all your senses on alert so that you gather the signs and omens the Universe is giving you.

As your Spirit Animal, Bat will help you strengthen your natural capacity to “see” with all six senses. If Bat keeps showing up in your awareness, take some time to clean and refine your taste, sight, touch, smell, hearing, and, of course, your clairvoyant or psychic abilities.

Note that while Bat can symbolize death, as a Spirit Animal, it does not have to be a literal death. Instead, something may end – a job, a living space, a relationship, or even outmoded thoughts about yourself and your role in the greater scheme of things. Bat is here to make this change as smooth as possible and ease you through any associated pain.

One of the most powerful aspects of Bat Spirit Animal and Bat Totem are these connotations with death. When Bat works with you, he is helping you to face the inner darkness and loss you most fear. By embracing and facing your own mortality and transcending fears of loss and change, you can find greater power and spiritual connection.

Bat Spirit Animal can help you develop your intuition and has long been associated with psychic senses and the ability to perceive more than what the naked eye can see. Bat can help you navigate through darkness in your life or through uncharted territory.

Bat Totem Animal

Those born with a Bat Totem have uncanny perceptions. Don’t try to fool them with disguises – it won’t work. In fact, it will usually blow up in your face because Bat has no time for such deception.

Bats are super social animals. People who identify with Bat as their Totem Animal want to always be surrounded by family and friends with whom they can communicate honestly and openly – especially without others fearing their psychic sensitivities.

If you have a Bat Totem, you are an excellent communicator who knows how to change the direction of a conversation when necessary and adapt on a dime.

When in a group you know how to be an active listener, giving everyone a voice. Because of this, you’ll likely have very few (if any) “emotional collisions” with others.

Your perceptions make you wise and diligent, often being the initiator of new things or the one who cleans up afterward.

Working with Bat Totem energy can help you become a facilitator and initiator, helping others face major spiritual transformations and facing your own subconscious fears so that you can work with sacred mysteries rather than running from them.

Are you allowing fears and phobias to blind you to your options? Bat Totem can bring you the lessons of healing and developing courage by facing your fears and not allowing yourself to be swayed by society’s limitations.

A change in consciousness or major steps in your personal or spiritual evolution are likely when Bat Totem is guiding you forward. Bat knows that sometimes the only way to get through an obstacle is to go through it. You may let their sense of direction lead you to the depths you need to go.

Bat Power Animal

What does Bat symbolize as a Power Animal?

There are many reasons to seek out Bat as your Power Animal, not the least of which is helping you with spiritual transitions and past life exploration.

Bat helps us uncover secrets, even those we hide from ourselves. Remember, it is a myth that Bats have poor vision. They have excellent vision in the light. But when the shadows fall, Bat must use its echolocation ability to avoid disaster.

Are you a secret keeper? Do you tuck fears away in dark places? Bat can help you face these things and put an end to the emotional burdens weighing you down.

Bat as a Power Animal can also teach us when a hasty retreat is in order – it is OK to return to the safety of a cave periodically. There you can rest and rejuvenate in a place where you’re less visible.

Call on Bat Medicine whenever you want to release old, outmoded ways of thinking and behaving.

Get rid of fear and embrace a new way of living!

Remember that facing the dark need not be scary, and it just might help you seek out the Light as a place where you can live, always.

Native American Bat Symbolic Meanings

As a Native American animal symbol, Bat is a guide through the darkness. Bat medicine releases us from our old self and opens the doors for something new and healing.

As in other settings, Bat can be a trickster akin to Coyote. Blind man’s bluff is a favorite game. Let Bat teach you to “see” by HEARING.

But, also, let Bat energy teach you that things are not always as YOU “see” them.

In some Native Shamanic practices, Bat Totem can teach us to go into the “dark” inner world and attune ourselves to our higher perceptions. Bat Totem is also associated with the Trickster archetype, and so brings a message to expect the unexpected, not all is as it seems.

To the Zuni people, Bat symbolism is associated with rain and cleansing. A far cry from the association in other cultures with impurity and evil. One thing the Zuni have in common with other cultures when it comes to Bat symbolism and meaning, is the association with night time. To the Zuni, Bats are the guardians of night.

Bats are also typically connected to the power of life, death and rebirth.

Navajo Bat Meanings

The Navajo people saw Bat as an important messenger. This animal served as a medium between the world of humans and the Spiritual realms. According to one story, Changing Woman, a prominent Goddess, wanted to give an offering to the God of Winter Thunder. Only Bat was willing to take on the challenge and help carry out this task, all the other animals were too afraid.

Navajo people see Bat as a guardian and a special guide. If a person seeks wisdom, they may receive messages from Bat. These messages may be subtle as Bat is able to fly through the shadows and is not always noticed.

Ojibwe Story: How the Bat Came to Be

Like the Navajo, the Ojibwe also see Bat as a helper and guide. They tell a story about Bat’s origins. It is said that the Sun got stuck in the branches of a tree as it tried to rise in the sky. The more it tried to break free, the more it became entangled.

The Sun couldn’t rise and morning never came. The Owl and Mountain Lion and all the other nocturnal beasts enjoyed their additional time hunting. Morning animals went back to sleep. The weather began to get colder and eventually the animals knew something was amiss. They held a council and decided someone needed to go out to find the Sun. Squirrel offered and after some time searching, Squirrel found the Sun stuck in a tree.

The Sun pleaded for help. Squirrel began trying to chew through the branches to untangle the sun. As he did this, his tail kept catching fire. The closer he got to the Sun, his moccasins started to burn as well.

Finally, the Sun was free and dawn came. The animals celebrated. To show gratitude for Squirrel’s help, the Sun asked if there was anything he wanted. Squirrel replied that he always wanted to fly. The Sun gave him wings and in his burned condition, Squirrel was black instead of grey. And this is how Bat came to be.

Bat Meaning in Maya Mythology

In Mayan culture, Bat was a symbol of fertility. This animal was believed to protect crops including corn. Mayans also saw Bat as important messengers between the worlds. They also believed shamans could change form, shifting between Bat and Human form.

Mayan people had many deities who took on Bat form as well.

One was Camazotz. He is a Bat God whose name literally means “Death Bat.” He is associated with the night, sacrifice, death, rebirth and the underworld. The Zapotec tribe were devoted to this God. They believed the Sacred Cenotes, a series of caves where Bats lived, were doors to the Underworld and also the place where Bats originated.

Australian Aborigine Bat Legend

In Southeastern Australia, a group of Aboriginal people known as the Kulin believe in a Bat centered creation story. Balayang, a Bat God, is the brother of the great Eagle known as Bunjil.

Bunjil implored Balayang to live with him, but his brother refused. Balayang replied that Bunjil’s land was arid and unsavory. This insulted Bunjil, who then relayed the story to Hawk. Together, they set fire to Belayang’s country. This explains Bat’s coloring.

Bats in the Bible

What does a bat symbolize in Christian mythos?

In early Christian Europe, Bat symbolism was not so flattering. Perhaps for practical reasons, or born of fear of these nocturnal creatures, Bats were given the same consideration as Rats. That is, they were seen as vermin, being unclean and omens of bad luck. Bats are also associated with darkness and night.

In the Bible, Bats are considered unsuitable for consumption. This is not a proclamation made to protect Bats, but rather to protect people from ingesting an animal considered unsavory, no pun intended.

In addition to being associated with darkness, night and thereby demons, evil and Satan, Bats in Christian lore are also associated with lust and sexuality.

Though not an aspect of Christian doctrine per se, the fascination with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the vampire myths relating Bat to evil spirits and vampires is born of the association in traditional Christian communities in Eastern Europe. Also, the connotation of Bats representing seduction and lust play into the archetype of the Vampire/Dracula mythology in which temptation, pleasure, sexuality and all things hedonistic are associated with these supernatural beings.

In this way, Bats can further symbolize the “dark side” of your inner desires. Just as Dracula (or Demons/Satan) can lure others to follow their command through their mesmerizing powers, perhaps Bats can then be seen as our ability to be seduced by our inner, subconscious or even unconscious longings.

Bats have been long considered by Christian cultures to be associated with the Devil, even seen as the form Satan can take when interacting with humans on Earth. In vampire lore, the association with consuming blood lead people to fear that Bat, like this mythical creature, would also try to suck their blood. This adds to the fear and misunderstanding associated with Bat.

What do Bats symbolize in the Bible?

In addition to being considered unclean, references in Isaiah also point to Bats as associated with the downfall of pre-Christian traditions since Bats reside in old temples and abandoned structures.

Thus, Bat is sometimes associated with desolate places. When you work with Bat, you may be called to go farther into the isolated, abandoned places in your life or in your psyche in order to clear out the dust and create deeper understanding or healing by facing what has been buried or neglected.

While modern and eclectic followers of the Christian faith may see the Bat as a messenger and symbol of mysteries and rebirth, the imprint of Medieval Christian lore in which Bat symbolism was closely tied in with vampires and evil spirits remains.

Bat in Celtic Mythology

Celtic symbolism associates Bats with the underworld as well as with being a “spiritual navigator”. Because the Bat hangs upside down, Celts gave this night creature the symbolic value of transposition – akin to being reborn.

The mystical and powerful celebration of Samhain (Halloween) is associated with Bat. Even in modern secular celebrations of Halloween, this association is evident. Like other Fire Festivals, Samhain is celebrated with Bonfires which attract Bats to the festivities.

Celtic folklore warns of the potential for a Bat to cause trouble if he becomes caught in your hair. It is believed if Bat escapes with a strand of your hair, it is bad luck. Hair itself has magical associations and so the deeper meaning can connote the need to keep your own radar clear so as not to distract yourself or lose the focus of your magic.

Lore from the Isle of Mann connotes Bat with being an omen of changes in weather. It is believed that seeing Bats at sunset, flying around, would predict fair weather. Thomas Crofter Croker’s book Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland records the belief that Fairies, Phookas, and disembodied spirits could take the form of Bat.

In this account, Bat symbolism and meaning also describes Bat as a trickster who could take possession of people’s bodies and cause them to create chaos.

Other tales describe a feminine Bat-like being called Cyhiraeth. She is similar to a Banshee, but her call would foretell one’s death. In addition to her cry being a harbinger of death, Cyhiraeth can also flap her wings as a signal that death is imminent.

Celtic lore associating Bat-like creatures with powerful female spirits is also found in a tale from the Isle of Mann. Tehi Tegi is an enchantress and sorceress who seduces men to follow her by appearing to be a beautiful woman riding a white horse.

Once she has lured men into a river, she is said to transform into a Bat while her horse turns into a porpoise. It is then her victims realize they are in deeper water than they realize and plunge to their deaths.

In Scotland, lore tells of a Bat swooping down and flying east, it is considered bad luck. This is considered an omen to remain inside.

Celtic people also believed in Pookas which were shapeshifting faeries. Pookas were said to be able to change form into animals or humans. They were also believed to be tricksters. Of the many forms they would take, Pookas may transform into goats, dogs, or Bats.

Though Pookas were considered tricksters, they were also believed to be benevolent. You never know what would happen when you come across a Pooka. You may be in for trouble or you may be given a gift.

Bat in Norse Mythology

In Norse mythology, Bats and Owls often show up in stories together. The connection is even more pronounced in Old Danish, as these creatures are called by the same name. The term for Bat and Owl in Old Danish is nathbakkae which means “Night Flapper.”

Ancient Scandinavians saw Bats as having supernatural powers. They could foretell death. They were also believed to be able to to entrance people and hypnotize them to do their will. This is similar to the lore of Vampire mesmerism and its connection to Bat.

Bat Dreams

Note: Not all dreams about Bats are morbid. Depending on other factors of the dream, your subconscious or higher-self could be sending a gentle and humorous message to let you know that you or someone close to you is acting a little “batty.”

When Bat wings its way into your Dreamtime, it represents a potential that hasn’t been tapped yet. Whatever you were doing in the past is NOT who you are today. If you are considering any contractual negotiations, read carefully between the lines.

If you find it hard to shake the deeply ingrained cultural association between Bat and fearful connotations, Bat Spirit Animal and Bat appearing in dreams may still be helping you in positive ways. As a symbol of your deeper fears, Bat is serving to remind you that you may be running away from what you fear rather than facing and working through your subconscious dilemmas.

You may even use the context with which Bat appears in your dream to derive greater meaning.

What does a Bat symbolize when he flies far above you in a dream? What does it mean when Bat comes up close and looks you in the face?

These nuances can teach you great lessons about how disconnected or aware you are of fears. Are you holding a message or initiation at a distance or facing it head on?

Dream about Bats can be powerful omens of negative energy. But this is ONLY because society has vilified these amazing animals. Bats are associated with tales of vampires and other demonic entities. Because of this, Bats symbolize being internally (mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) unclean.

Black Bat Dreams speak of forthcoming personal disasters, so be diligent in discerning if it is time to conduct a spiritual cleanup of yourself and surroundings.

Conversely, seeing a Bat in your dreams could be symbols of individuals in your sphere who are energy vampires. These people will suck you dry of any resource (financial, emotional, and mental) you have.

Blind as a Bat Dreams – This is a literal symbol alerting you to stay alert regarding a situation you might be walking into ‘blind’. Take this an omen to pay close attention and be extremely discerning when investigating and considering all the facts hidden and obvious.

White Bat Dreams – White is the color of purity and ascension, so dreams about a white bat may symbolize the death of a person close to you.

Learn more about Bat Spirit in dreams by reading Bats in Dreams: Their Symbolism, Messages, & Omens on WhatIsMySpiritAnimal.com!

Far Eastern Bat Symbolic Meanings

In the Far East, particularly China, the Bat represents good fortune and longevity. The number of Bats seen also has meaning. Two Bats are greater luck, and five represents the five blessings of long life, wealth, honor, health, and natural death. Feng Shui experts use bat symbols to attract happiness and satisfying dreams.

Bats with gold coins in their mouth are often placed in the West or Northwest of a home to open Chi for a happy family and help from notable people. Hang it from your door to safeguard the house from sickness.

In India it is considered bad luck to talk about Bat at night. Doing so could cause you to lose something of value to you, according to this lore.

In Japan, they are also a good omen. Bat symbols appear on various pieces of art to encourage wish fulfillment. In fact, Bat is often used along with peaches and other symbols to decorate Japanese arts and decorations to amplify the meaning of good luck.

Bats often accompany the ideograph for Good Luck as well, giving the symbols an almost interchangeable meaning. Though a Bat’s symbolism is associated with luck and happiness, this animal is also symbolic of chaos and unrest, perhaps because of their seemingly frantic or erratic flight patterns.

Bat Symbolism in China

The Chinese view Bats as a symbol of luck and happiness. They are also associated with longevity and wisdom. When seen in groups of five, Bats are a symbol of wufu, or the five blessings of longevity, wealth, health, acts of service to others, and enjoying old age.

Some artwork depicts a Bat biting a coin. This is a potent good luck symbol and indicates prosperity. Sometimes, Bats are depicted with peaches, another symbol of longevity and vitality.

Those who practice Feng Shui believe that putting Bat decorations in an office or doorway to your house can bring happiness, abundance, and vitality.

Bat Symbolism in Hinduism

For those in India who practice the Hindu faith, Bat is connected to Lakshmi. Lakshmi is a Goddess of wealth and good luck. In the northeastern area of India, people protect and revere Bats.

Lore states that the region was struck by a terrible plague in the 14th century. Many in the area died from that plague. At one point, Bats arrived and made their home in the region. It is said that the plague dispersed and has not returned since the Bats arrived. Thus, it is believed that Bats are a good omen that ward off the plague and devastation while protecting the village.

Bat Tattoo Meaning

What does a Bat symbolize as a tattoo?

When you see a Bat tattoo on someone else, you may not know right away if they are paying homage to Bat Spirit Animal or just really into vampire movies. One thing is clear, unique people with a love of mysteries and a special relationship with the mysteries of life, death and rebirth are drawn to Bat. Even so much so as to adorn their bodies with this powerful creature.

Bat tattoos make a strong statement. Whether you respond by feeling magnetically drawn to a person with this tattoo or feel a cautionary instinct to stand back, Bat’s symbolism and meaning has had an impact on you.

If you work with Bat Spirit Animal or have Bat Totem energy, you may consider using a Bat Tattoo as both a tribute and reminder of the powerful, mystical and spiritual path you are here to walk.

Having a Bat Tattoo can symbolize the power of perception, psychic awareness and reminders of mortality and everlasting life.

While specific Bat tattoo art and designs are plentiful, specific arrangements have their own connotation. In keeping with the Eastern tradition, a Tattoo of five Bats can represent the five virtues of health, wealth, longevity, an easy, natural death and happiness. Two Bats can symbolize Sho-Hsin, the God of Longevity.

Bats depicted on a Tattoo can represent good luck, health and prosperity or invoke the energy of chaos or chaotic magic. In the Japanese tradition, Bat Tattoo can represent luck and is often used in combination with the symbol for “Fuku” or Luck.

Spiritual Meaning of Bats

Combined symbolism of a Bird and Mouse or Rat. To some this combines the Messenger archetype of the Bird with the symbolism of evil, demons or negativity, or luck, abundance and cleverness. This depends on your symbolic association of Mouse or Rat.

What does a Bat symbolize in a larger spiritual context?

To some, the combination is also of the Soul (the Bird-like aspect of Bat or the aspect of yourself that can fly and commune with Spirit) and the symbolism of darkness and nocturnal power.

Bat can have many connotations depending on your culture or larger society. Yet if you read between the lines and are careful not to let others’ fears penetrate your own relationship with the natural world, you can pierce through the levels of fear triggered by Bat symbolism and appreciate the spiritual meaning Bat holds on a higher level.

Bats are associated with connection to the Divine and the mysteries of rebirth and initiation. Some spiritual paths are unique. If your calling is not everyone’s cup of tea and your journey takes you into the wild, unpredictable and edgy realms that others try to avoid, you may be able to appreciate the power of Bats.

Bat is found throughout lore and culture as both a symbol invoking power, mysteries, fear and repulsion. Shakespeare Wyrd Sisters mention Bat in their witch’s brew. South and Central American lore associate Bat with death and eternal life, so Bat spiritual symbolism has to do with walking between the worlds. Bat’s Bane, as the herb is called in Guinea, is said to deter Bats, thus showing that cultures can revere this creature but also not want to interact personally with Bat in a literal sense.

Some types of Bats are said to drink blood and this further ties their spiritual meaning with vitality and everlasting life. At the same time, this macabre act can also feed into the fear or avoidance of the Bat.

Spiritual meaning of Bats can include the path of a spiritual seeker, who may feel like an outsider in society or has to remain on the borderline between mainstream and esoteric in order to maintain their psychic connection. As they inhabit graveyards and old buildings and temples, Bats also symbolize the connection to sacred places or places associated with the dead.

In Belgium, having a Bat in your belfry (or chimney) is considered bad luck. This euphemism is also associated with someone who is not mentally grounded. Yet unpacking this figure of speech and applying a spiritual lens, we can see how society has judged those who don’t conform to “normal” standards as being unstable rather than recognizing the ways in which attunement to different planes of existence can effect one’s perception of reality.

Thus, to work with Bat Spirit Animal or Bat as a spiritual symbol means you may need to accept being questioned or misunderstood by the masses in order to courageously follow your own perceptions and instincts, rather than dismissing your insights in order to follow the crowd.

Bats were sacred to Persephone who spent part of each year in the Underworld with Hades. Thus Bats further connect to the mysteries of life after life and even to your own path into the deeper subconscious aspects of yourself.

Bats sleep upside down, and therefore can be associated with the hanged Man card in Tarot. Do you need to let things rest or let something go so you can be liberated?

Bat can also be associated with the Crown Chakra and Third Eye because of their association to greater Spiritual connection and to psychic abilities and vision.

Types of Bats Symbolic Meaning

Bat species are abundant and diverse. While it’s not feasible to go into detail on every single different type of Bat, here is a quick overview of some of the common Bats you may encounter. However, if a Bat not on this list crosses your path, you can still discern its symbolic meaning.

All you have to do is a little research on Google to learn a few main things about the Bat’s nature. First, consider the Bat’s appearance. If it has large ears, feet or other notable body attention getting features, consider the symbolism of these features.

For instance, large ears can indicate the need to listen carefully or be attentive to your surroundings. Pay attention to the Bat’s coloring. Use the Bat color guide under the Bat Dreams section to determine the Bat’s symbolic meaning.

When you learn a bit more about the Bat you encountered, you can derive further meaning. For instance, what is the Bat’s diet? If the Bat eats only vegetables and fruit, you may need to follow this type of diet for a time to align with this energy. You may also be reminded of your harvest and blessings. If the Bat eats other creatures, look into their symbolism as well. You may need to “digest” or learn something from the Bat’s prey.

Are Bats Dangerous

Are horror movies to blame for our fear of Bats? Or do we have legitimate reasons to be wary of these nocturnal creatures?

It’s not advised that people handle Bats unless trained to do so. Several types of Bats such as the Large Brown Bat and Hoary Bat have pronounced teeth that can do damage. Though it is unlikely a Bat will seek out humans to attack.

Usually, Bats prefer to keep their distance from people and won’t be a threat. Even if a Bat wanders into your home, they will be more afraid of you than you are of them.

People associate Rabies with Bats, but a very small population of Bats get this virus. Only about one percent of the whole Bat population will likely have rabies.

If you have outdoor animals, certain kinds of Bats may try to prey on them. But this creature is not likely to harm humans if left alone.

Bat Mythology and Folklore

Bat myths can be found worldwide. As you can see, many of the stories bear similarities. Most have to do with Bats having Vampiric qualities even in cultures where Vampire myths did not exist.

Often, these legends also have to do with death. Bats are also associated with transformation. In India, there is a tale of how Bat was a bird at first, but prayed to be turned into a human. Bat got part of its wish. His face was transformed to appear more human-like, but the rest of his body remained bird-like.

Rather than curing Bat’s unhappiness, this incomplete transformation led to its own difficulties. Bat only comes out at night because he is said to continue to pray the day away, hoping to be turned back to a bird or a human.

Bat Meaning in Greek and Roman Mythology

As Bat is portrayed in the Bible as a bird, so too did ancient Greeks view Bat this way. But even though they classified Bat as a bird, they still observed significant differences between Bat and other birds. They believed it was important symbolically that Bats are nocturnal, for example. Thus, they believed Bat corresponded to mysteries, the Underworld, death and rebirth.

According to one story, Alcithoe was a maiden who was lured to a party by Dionysus. Alcithoe refused the invitation, as did her sisters. If you recall, Dionysus is the God of wine and debauchery, so an invitation to the festivities was no doubt treated with some hesitation by these maidens. They preferred to tend to their weaving at home. Dionysus was angry at being refused and as revenge, he turned them into Bats and birds.

In this regard, Bats symbolize the objects of spite or rage. Even in modern stories, Bats are often the accomplices or helpers of vengeful villains. Suggesting that turning someone into a Bat out of spite would be punishment would seem fitting for this narrative.

In the Odyssey, Homer portrays Bats as carrying the souls of the dead. This was a common perception ancient Greeks had of all winged creatures, as they were seen as helping sould transition to the underworld.

Aesop tells of a Bat origin story. According to this legend, the animals were fighting amongst each other. Bat, however, refused to pick a side. Yet when it seemed Rodents had the upper hand- or paw- Bat would pretend to be one of the rodents. One look at Bat’s furry mouse-like body and this claim was easily believed.

Yet Birds began to take the lead and win the quarrel. Bat abruptly switched its story, claiming to be one of the birds. This too was a believable story given Bat’s wings. It didn’t take long for the rest of the animals to size up Bat’s strategy. Deeming this creature to be untrustworthy and duplicitous, the animals turned against him. This is why Bat flies through the night and stands apart from the other animals.

Bat Gods & Goddesses

• Camazotz- Mayan Death Bat
• Ewaki- Bakairi Goddess of dreams, sleep, night
• Murcielago- Zapotec God of Death and Night
• The Bat God- Zapotec God messenger between physical and spiritual realms
• Tzinacan- Mayan Bat God who can heal sickness or initiate transition into death

Deities Associated with Bats via connection to the Underworld/Night

• Pluto
• Hades
• Hekate

Bat Meaning in Mesopotamia

Ancient Sumerians believed in utukku, or demons that were shadows with loud voices. It was believed they spread poison. But like the story of the Pooka in Celtic lore, some of the utukku were considered benevolent. Thus, some utukku would try to protect the world from their evil peers.

Even among the utukku, a subset of demons lived and they were called edimmu. The Edimmu were thought to be ghosts of those whose burial did not follow tradition. These entities were associated with the wind and element air. Some of them had wings. The Edummu were considered vengeful and were believed to drain the life from unsuspecting, sleeping humans. Thus, they also resemble the lore of the Vampire. They were associated with Bats and believed to be appeared if their corpses were properly buried.

The Bat in African Mythology

Bat lore is prevalent in Africa. The Bat is frequently viewed as a trickster creature. A Nigerian legend speaks to the nocturnal nature of these creatures. It is said that long ago, Bat was friends with Bush Rat. Bat made soup for them to share. It was so good that the Bush Rat became jealous. He sought the recipe from Bat. Bat shared his secret.

“When the water is boiling hot, I jump into the pot and cook part of myself.” Bat said between gulps of soup. “That’s why the soup is so good.”

Bush Rat later told his wife he planned to make soup. She gave him the pot and started the fire and the water began to boil. When she turned away for a moment, the Bush Rat hopped into the pot, but unlike Bat, he died.

Grief stricken, Bush Rat’s wife ran to tell Lion, king of the animals, about what happened. Lion instructed all the animals to capture Bat and bring him to Lion to be punished. The animals gave chase and Bat flew beyond their reach. To this day he hides until after dark and only comes out at night.

The people of Tanzania tell stories of Popobawa. This was an evil spirit whose name means “Bat Wing.” It is said that the Bat’s wing casts a shadow that looks like the spirit of Popobawa, who can take any form it wants. Popobawa is also said to attack people at night. To avoid being attacked by this spirit, people are advised to sleep outside when he is nearby.

In the region of Sierra Leone, there is a story that explains why it is dark at night. Once, daytime was constant. Creator asked Bat to bring a basket to the moon for him as a favor. It was heavy, and Bat had to stop to rest frequently. During one of these respite breaks, other animals saw the basket and became curious. Assuming it must have food or something delightful, they tipped the basked over. They panicked and darted away in all directions. But Bat woke and saw what they had done. Bat tried to salvage what was inside the basket, but was too late. Darkness emerged from the open basket and spilled across the land. This is why Bat sleeps during the day. He spends night chasing the darkness, trying to put it back in the basket.

Bat Meaning in Polynesia

Bat is sacred to the people of Samoa and Tonga. This creature is considered a flying Fox. A Samoan story tells of a princess, Leutogi, who was sent to Tonga to marry the King. This would bring a truce to the nations.

While there, Leutogi found a baby Bat that had been injured. She nursed him to health. But this was not viewed well by the Tongans. There’s was a warrior culture, and they mistook compassion for weakness.

The King’s family was said to have a run of bad luck which was blamed on Leutogi. They assumed she was a sorceress and threatened to burn her at the stake. But when they tried to do this, she was saved by a colony of Bats who flew in to repay the favor she had done for the injured Bat.

They brought her to an island where they lived with her. The Bats pollinated the island so it became beautiful and abundant.

Bats and Vampires

Though Vampires are associated with legend and lore of Dracula and the undead, there are actual Vampire Bats. There are three species in fact, out of tens of thousands of species of Bats in general. Vampire Bats live in regions of South America namely Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. They can also be found in Mexico.

Some scientists theorize that in past centuries, Vampire Bats were far more prevalent in northern regions of the world. At one point historically, these Bats were said to feed on wild animals. However their prey in modern times tends to be domesticated animals.

Centuries before Bram Stoker made Eastern European Vampire Lore famous worldwide, Sumerian people had their own Vampire legends. No one is quite sure how or when the association between Vampires and Bats became codified.

Yet this correlation now exists in cultures around the world. Some speculate that rabies may be to blame for creating this association. It’s possible that the symptoms of rabies in humans who had come into contact with infected wild animals may have been mistaken for some kind of curse like that of being bitten by a Vampire.

What Does it Mean to See a Dead Bat?

Seeing a dead Bat can make you panic. You may assume this is a bad omen, however this is not the case. Encountering a dead Bat can mean that you are about to have hardships and difficulties come to an end. You may be on the verge of completing a difficult task or journey.

You may also have to disconnect from a community or group you thought was supportive. This sign can indicate the need to pay attention to your intuition and fly solo for a while rather than depending on people who are not reliable.

Seeing a Bat in the Daytime

Pay attention if you see a Bat during the day time. This is a sign that something is off. Just because you see a Bat during the daytime doesn’t mean it is rabid. However it is considered an anomaly.

Symbolically, this can be an omen. Be open to unusual timing or circumstances. Be flexible. Step out of your routines. You may have to reverse course on some aspect of your journey. Go against the grain from what you would usually do.

Famous Bats

• Batman
• Bartok (from Anastasia)
• Zubat (from Pokemon)
• Kuyerene (from Sailor Moon)
• Batty Koda (from Ferngully)
• Batboy
• Stellaluna
• Fidget
• Rogue the Bat
• Dracula

Bat Sayings

• Blind as a Bat- technically inaccurate, Bats are perecptive, but this idiom refers to someone who doesn’t have the best eyesight.
• Bat shit crazy- derived from the term “batty” a shortened version of “bats in the belfry” this implies one is mad.
• Bats in the belfry- one is mad or insane.
• Bat out of hell- to move erratically or in a hurry.
• Old Bat- someone whose faculties are dwindling
• A nod is as good as a wink to a blind Bat
• Bat- a person who is an alcoholic or on a bender

Bat Symbolic Meanings Key

• Clairaudience
• Clairvoyance
• Communication
• Death
• Dreamwork
• Good Luck
• Initiation
• Psychism
• Rebirth
• Transition