Sparrow:
The sparrow is said to be an ill-omened bird in much of Europe, because it was present at the Crucifixion and encouraged the Romans to torture Christ by continually chirping, 'He's alive ,he's alive'. It is for this reason sparrows hop rather than run, their legs seemingly tied together by invisible bonds for their lack of sympathy. Perhaps not surprisingly, it is said to be an omen of death if a sparrow flies into the house, but is also very unlucky to kill one. Further on should never be caught or caged, or misfortune will follow. Sparrows serve as weather omens by chirping in a very agitated manner when rains is on the way. In may parts of Britain the sparrow is regarded as the symbol of the gods of the household and as such is important to the well-being of the family, and much cherished.