Bluebird on a Headstone: Meaning

Bluebirds flash bright blue across fields and fence lines in spring. For generations they've been a symbol of happiness — and of the hope that joy will return.

What it means

The bluebird of happiness

The idea of the "bluebird of happiness" was popularised by Maurice Maeterlinck's 1908 play The Blue Bird, in which children search far and wide for happiness, only to find it at home. The Eastern bluebird is the state bird of New York and Missouri, and the Mountain bluebird of Idaho and Nevada. Bluebird nest boxes along rural fence lines helped these birds recover across North America.

Design ideas

• A bluebird on a branch with blue colour-fill.
• A pair of bluebirds for a couple.
• A bluebird at a nest box on a fence post.
• Bluebirds in flight across the top.

Who it suits

Cheerful, joyful people; bird lovers who put up nest boxes; couples; and families wanting a hopeful, uplifting memorial. See bird symbols on headstones.

Colour on granite

A bluebird really comes alive with blue colour-fill on grey or black granite. Ask your monument company for a colour sample, and how often the fill may need refreshing.

For a nest-box builder

Many bluebird lovers built and tended nest-box trails for years. A small nest box on a post beside the name honours that patient care. See headstone ideas for a birdwatcher.

Epitaphs to pair

• Happiness was her gift.
• Joy comes in the morning.
• Fly home, little bluebird.
• Forever happy.

Key Takeaways

• Bluebirds mean happiness and hope.
• The "bluebird of happiness" comes from a 1908 play.
• Several US states have bluebirds as state birds.
• Blue colour-fill brings them to life.

Next Step

See robin meaning and hummingbird meaning.