Owls have taken on many different meanings. More traditional interpretations hold the owl as a symbol of wisdom but owls have also taken on more sinister roles. Owls can be symbols of bad luck. They can be seen as warning signs; many people have told stories of owls coming to them before huge storms, the passing of a loved one, or a crime. The most interesting  owl story though, is the story of Lechuza.

The legend of La Lechuza comes from the area between Texas and Mexico in the 1950s.  As the story goes, a lady lived just outside of a small town in Northern Mexico. Because she lived alone the townspeople were suspicious of her. One season a small child goes missing from the town; no one can find him. The townspeople immediately accused the young lady of being the witch and responsible for his disappearance and killed her. In an act of revenge, the lady makes a deal with the devil to return as an shape-shifting owl. 

Because they are easy prey, La Lechuza hunts young children, babies, and drunks. To lure them out, she mimics a baby's cry, soft footsteps, or the voice of a loved one while hiding in the trees just outside houses and windows. Because of her size, nearly 7' tall with a wing span of over 15', La Lechuza makes easy work of taking  their victims. If you're out late, if you're causing trouble, she could swoop down and torment you; mess up your hair, scratch your with or talons, or worst of all, lift you away and do with you what ever evil she chooses.

More recent stories suggest that people have begun to tempt La Lechuza by saying, “If you’re real come and ask me for….” According to these storyies La Lechuza waits until you're alone or emotionally vulnerable to arrive. When she does, if you don't have what she's asks for, you're taken away. Whether this tale is a cautionary tale about the treatment of women and humans in general, or just a story of demonic revenge, I'm not sure. But I am sure I'm running away if I ever see an owl, just in case. Some things you should be scared of.