Many Native American tribes believed that thunder was caused by a colossal bird flapping his wings making the wind clap, which created thunder and pulled the clouds together to create rain. It's said that lightning was produced by the radiance flashing from his eyes as he blinked. Some of the people believed the Thunderbird carried a glowing snake in his talons.
The Lakota Sioux called the thunderbird Wakjya. The first part of the name meant sacred; the latter, winged. Other tribes had their own appellations for the Thunderbird.
Native American Thunderbird Symbolism and Beliefs
The symbolism of the Thunderbird varies according to the tribes. Almost universally, the Thunderbird is a symbol of power, Divine command, unquestionable authority, indomitable spirit, messages from the otherworlds, shape-shifting, transformation and expansiveness. As a symbol of creation, the Thunderbird marked the separation between the earth and the heavens. He is regarded as the creator, destroyer and controller of nature who must be honored and appeased.