An unkindness of ravens

This group of ravens perched on a leafless tree is an appropriately spooky image for this time of year. In folklore, these intelligent birds have long been considered symbols of all manner of unpleasantness. In Chinese mythology, they were blamed for bad weather, while the Celts associated them with warfare. In some Native American traditions, ravens are often represented as tricksters, while many European cultures associate them with evil spirits. In English, a gathering of ravens like this is called an 'unkindness'.
© Brian Browitt Photo/Adobe Stock