The plump, rounded body and bright red plumage of the robin feature in many of our Christmas decorations and cards. Why has this common, attractive little bird become so inextricably linked with the festive season?
Myths and legends
Legend has it that while Jesus Christ was alone on the cross, a little robin used its beak to relieve his pain by removing the thorns from his crown, and Jesus’ blood stained the front of the bird’s feathers. Another myth is that while Jesus was in the manger, the fire keeping the stable warm became unruly and threatened to burn the infant Jesus. A robin placed himself between the fire and the baby, plumping up his feathers for protection and burning himself in the process.
Victorian uniforms
Perhaps the most likely reason that robins are associated with Christmas is that Victorian postmen wore bright red jackets and were nicknamed ‘robins’. The image of a red-breasted robin became a popular choice for Christmas cards in the 19th century, and thus the idea of robins as Christmas birds became further embedded in popular culture.
Visibility
Robins are, of course, extremely visible, their red feathers making them stand out against a wintery backdrop. They are also relatively friendly, so we are more likely to notice them, as they don’t fly away from people and seem to enjoy human company.
So, this Christmas, why not put out a selection of suet balls, nuts and seeds for this most festive of our feathered friends?
