d'Elaine Johnson {The Art of Myth & Lore}

958 - On Water and Land                                         

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The mythical Egyptian Benu Bird, revered as the creator of life, was based on the heron, a water and land bird. 

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In China, the heron was an emblem of the morning sun and ascensional image. 

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In Greece, the crane was a symbol of treachery due to its wading in shallow waters revealing a path for enemies. 

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                                            H. 39 1/2"  W. 231/2"

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Tresidder, Jack.  Symbols and Their Meanings.  Duncan Baird Publishers,  2000 p. 73. 

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Bruce-Mitford, Miranda. The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols.  Sterling Publishing, 2004. p. 13