For part two in our series exploring symbolism and iconography in the natural world, we are discussing birds. Symbolism and iconography has been used for centuries to help people to connect with ideas and concepts that are often hard to describe in words. In Chinese culture birds connect the Earth to Heaven. A powerful symbol in many cultures, their imagery embellishes palaces as well as in the simplest of adornments, like jewelry. Birds are especially compelling because they soar freely through the sky and can communicate to the vast space of the heaven above.