The phoenix is depicted in heraldry as an eagle with a headcrest of feathers rising from flames or a flaming bonfire. Originating in the Middle East, it was believed to live for 5 centuries until it's day of death when it would burrow itself into a pyre of sweet spices, igniting it by the fanning of it's own wings. The phoenix would burn to ashes but three days later a small worm or an egg (differing stories) would appear in the cold ashes, which would grow/hatch into the new phoenix. It was adopted as a Christian symbol of resurrection, rebirth, and immortality. The phoenix was a badge of Elizabeth I.