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The Phoenix Bird emoji flew up onto our devices’ screens in 2024.
It shows a majestic red and orange fire bird rising from the ashes. This phoenix symbolizes all the majestic mythological birds we’ve heard in stories and seen in drawings in many cultures dating back to 5th Century BC.
The bird’s about fire, fantasy, triumph, rebirth and reincarnation. But the phoenix bird isn’t just a bird – it also represents the city of Phoenix in Arizona.
The phoenix bird emoji does look slightly different on the various platforms. For example, here’s the Samsung version of the phoenix bird emoji:
And here’s the Apple version of the same emoji:
Those that haven’t created a phoenix bird emoji yet (these are being rolled out throughout 2024) use the following bird and fire sequence to represent the phoenix:
These types of sequences are called ZWJ sequences. They’re a combination of emojis that show up as one emoji on platforms that support that emoji. For example, if you use the bird and fire emojis together, those with Apple and Samsung devices will see a phoenix bird. Those with other devices that don’t have a phoenix emoji yet will see a bird and fire emoji combination.
What is a phoenix bird?
A phoenix bird is a mythical creature, so it doesn’t actually exist in real life.
A phoenix is often drawn as a magnificent bird with brightly colored feathers, usually red or orange, and it looks like a mix between an eagle and a peacock.
What sets the phoenix apart from other mythical birds is its unique ability to be reborn from its own ashes.
In many legends, the phoenix is said to live for hundreds or even thousands of years before voluntarily sacrificing itself in flames. From the ashes of its fiery death, a new phoenix arises.
This theme of death and rebirth has made the phoenix a powerful symbol of resilience, transformation, and immortality in various cultures around the world.
The phoenix is often associated with the sun, fire, and the cycle of the seasons, linking it to themes of light, warmth, and the eternal cycle of life.
Where else have we seen phoenix birds?
We’ve seen phoenix birds pop up in many famous books and movies, such as:
In the world of Harry Potter, phoenixes play a significant role. The most prominent phoenix is Fawkes, the loyal companion of Albus Dumbledore. Fawkes demonstrates his ability to be reborn from his ashes in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” providing crucial aid to Harry in his battle against the Basilisk.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film)
This spin-off film from the Harry Potter universe features a magical creature called the Thunderbird, which is similar to a phoenix. The Thunderbird possesses the power to generate storms and is associated with Native American mythology.
In the third book, “The Titan’s Curse,” Percy Jackson encounters a phoenix named Blackjack. While not as central to the plot as in some other examples, Blackjack provides support to Percy and his friends in their quests.
In “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” the character Reepicheep the mouse witnesses a vision of a phoenix while on the voyage to the edge of the world. The phoenix serves as a symbol of hope and renewal in the story.
These are just a few examples of how phoenixes have been portrayed in literature and film, captivating audiences with their themes of resilience and transformation. Their appearances often serve to highlight moments of renewal and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
