Printable Coloring Pages
Bat coloring pages
Welcome to our bat coloring pages section! Bats are one of the coolest creatures around! Did you know that bats are the only mammals that can fly? They use their wings, which are actually made of skin stretched over elongated fingers, to soar through the night sky in search of food. Bats also have a unique way of finding their prey - they use echolocation, a system where they emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects and allow them to "see" in the dark.
Whether you're a fan of the cute and cuddly fruit bats or the spooky and mysterious vampire bats, these bat coloring pages are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. So let's get batty and color in some of these amazing animals!
Bat connect the dots
Bat color by number
Bat connect the dots
simple bat coloring page
simple bat coloring page
just hangin' around
Cute bat coloring pages:
Cartoon bat coloring pages:
cartoon bat flying
cartoon bat stealing blood
magician bat
bat and the moon
bat flying
Species of bat coloring pages:
brown bat
brown bats
vampire bat and the moon
vampire bat flying past the moon
Bats in Myth and Legend:
Camazotz is a fascinating and enigmatic figure from Mayan mythology, often depicted as a fearsome creature embodying the night, death, and sacrifice. This supernatural being is commonly associated with bats, drawing a parallel to the creature's name which roughly translates to "death bat" in the K'iche' language. Camazotz is said to reside in the underworld, a realm called Xibalba, where he presides over caverns and dark, maze-like environments, embodying the terror and unpredictability of these shadowy spaces. In Mayan iconography, Camazotz is often portrayed with bat-like features, including wings and a sharp, pointed nose, signifying his dominion over the night and his role as a harbinger of death. The myth of Camazotz captures the imagination with its blend of natural elements and the supernatural, reflecting the Mayan reverence for and fear of the powers that govern life and death.
In Celtic and Gaelic folklore, while bats are not central mythological characters, they are often associated with the supernatural, the Otherworld, and with mystical qualities due to their nocturnal nature. Bats flying around at twilight were sometimes seen as heralds of good or bad omens, depending on the context of the sighting. The Celts were deeply attuned to the natural world, and animals that exhibited unique behaviors, like the bat's ability to navigate in the dark, could be seen as possessing special knowledge or powers.
Celtic mythology, encompassing the myths of the Celtic peoples from regions such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, and Cornwall, was not as systematically recorded in its original form as the mythology of some other ancient cultures like the Greeks or Romans so it's ok to imagine how bats might have been viewed rather than referencing specific myths. Bats lived in the area and are interesting animals. Celtic mythology was tied to the natural world. So it follows that some Celtic stories may have existed that spoke about bats. Having said that, while it's fun to use our imaginations we know of few direct references to bats in Celtic mythology.
In Chinese mythology and culture, bats hold a significantly more positive and auspicious connotation compared to many Western interpretations. The bat is often seen as a symbol of good fortune, happiness, and longevity. This positive association largely stems from a linguistic coincidence: the word for bat in Chinese, "蝠" (fú), sounds similar to the word for good fortune or happiness, "福" (fú). Because of this phonetic resemblance, bats are frequently depicted in art, architecture, and various cultural artifacts as symbols of good luck.
Bats are commonly found in motifs and designs, especially in traditional Chinese art and decorations, where they might be depicted in groups of five, representing the "Five Blessings" or "Five Fortunes," which include longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death. These motifs can be seen in various items, from clothing and jewelry to household decor and architecture, often accompanied by other symbols of good luck and prosperity.
In some Chinese legends and tales, bats are also associated with happiness and serenity. They are sometimes depicted in settings that are peaceful and idyllic, such as gardens or near peaches of immortality, further emphasizing their connection to good fortune and longevity.
While bats in Chinese mythology might not be central mythological characters like dragons or phoenixes, their presence as symbols of positive attributes showcases the cultural significance and the diverse interpretations that animals can have in different mythological and cultural contexts.
Dracula is a legendary figure from Gothic literature, immortalized by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel of the same name. The character Count Dracula is often considered the quintessential vampire, embodying themes of immortality, horror, and the supernatural. Dracula hails from Transylvania, a region in Romania steeped in mystery and folklore, and is depicted as a nobleman with a chilling and charismatic presence. The novel portrays him as possessing various supernatural abilities, including shape-shifting, superhuman strength, and the power to control animals and the weather. Dracula sustains himself by feeding on the blood of the living, which grants him eternal life but also curses him to a shadowy existence bound by specific vulnerabilities, such as sunlight and holy symbols. Over time, Dracula has become an iconic figure in popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations, variations, and interpretations in books, films, and other media, forever shaping the archetype of the vampire in the collective imagination.
In the enchanting world of Greek myths, there's a tale about three sisters named the Minyades. They were princesses, daughters of King Minyas, and they loved to weave and tell stories. But there was one thing they didn't do: join in the celebrations for Dionysus, the god of fun and festivities.
One day, Dionysus decided to visit their kingdom, expecting everyone to join in his joyful celebrations. But the Minyades didn't. They stayed inside, weaving and ignoring the festivities outside. Dionysus wasn't pleased, not one bit.
To teach them a lesson about the importance of joy and joining in, Dionysus asked Hermes, the quick and clever messenger of the gods, for a little bit of help. With a twinkle in his eye and a swift wave of his wand, Hermes turned the sisters into bats. As bats, they could no longer sit and weave all day. Instead, they flitted about in the twilight, forever part of the mysterious and lively world they had once ignored.
This tale reminds us of the joy found in participating and the magic that can happen when we embrace the world around us, even if Hermes had to lend a little magical nudge.
In Navajo mythology, the character Bat holds a special place, embodying themes of wisdom, communication, and the transition between the physical and spiritual worlds. Unlike the often dark and mysterious depictions of bats in some cultures, the Navajo view of Bat is more nuanced and multifaceted.
Bat is considered a teacher, offering guidance and insight to those who listen. In some tales, Bat is associated with the night and is believed to possess keen perception due to its ability to navigate the darkness effortlessly. This skill makes Bat a symbol of intuition and the ability to see beyond the surface of things.
One of the lessons Bat teaches is the importance of listening and understanding the subtle messages in the world around us. By tuning into the quieter, often overlooked voices, one can gain knowledge and wisdom that is not immediately apparent. Bat's role in Navajo stories serves as a reminder of the value of deeper insight and the connections between all living things, encouraging a harmonious balance between humanity and nature.
Here are five fun facts about bats that kids may enjoy:
- Bats are the only mammals that are capable of sustained flight. They can fly up to 99 miles per hour!
- Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark. They emit high-pitched sounds that bounce off objects, allowing them to "see" in the dark.
- There are over 1,400 species of bats in the world, and they come in many different sizes. The smallest bat is the bumblebee bat, which is about the size of a bumblebee, while the largest bat is the flying fox, which can have a wingspan of up to six feet.
- Bats are important pollinators and help to spread the seeds of many plants. They also eat insects, including mosquitoes, which helps to control pest populations.
- Bats are not blind! While they use echolocation to navigate, they can also see, smell, and taste like other animals.