When it comes to Christmas, robins always make an appearance. The small birds feature on the likes of festive cards, decorations, clothing and beyond. They’ve become a staple part of the holiday, but why is it that robins are associated with the festive period?
Many people believe that this is because their bright redbreast looks great against snowy backgrounds. This is partially because they are always depicted with other things associated with Christmas, such as holly and winter settings. Others assume it’s because they are one of the few birds that does not migrate. They’re around all year, including Christmas. However, the connection goes much deeper.
To establish when exactly robins and the festive season became linked, we need to go back to the 1880s. In Britain, the Royal Mail postmen wore bright red uniforms. This is because the colour is linked with royalty and the British flag.
As a result, the postmen were nicknamed “robins” as they resembled the bird’s colours. Around Christmas, people would eagerly await the arrival of the “robins”, who would deliver cards and letters from their loved ones.
Christmas cards were often illustrated with the delivery of letters, as it was such an exciting part of the holidays. One artist decided to create cards with an actual robin instead of a postman. This bird had a card in its beak. The concept quickly took off and from then on, robins became an important part of Christmas-themed items.
There are many variations of how robins became linked with Christmas. Some people believe that when Mary was giving birth to Jesus in the staple, a robin came along and fanned the flames of the dying fire. The bird’s breast glowed in the light of the fire and Mary declared that the bird had a kind heart. Following this, all of the bird’s descendants would proudly dawn the red breast forever.
Others believe that the robin tried to remove the crown of thorns from Jesus’ head. Some blood stained the bird’s breast, which is where the red colour came from.
Robins are often believed to be associated with family members who have passed away, and what better time to be reminded of these people than at Christmas.
Whatever story you believe, you will be aware of the popularity of robins when it comes to Christmas. They appear on many cards to this day. Poetry and songs have also been written about the festive bird, as well as TV shows and even movies.
Robins are certainly not the only bird associated with Christmas, but they’re definitely the bird most used for decorative purposes.
Why do you associate robins with Christmas? Let us know down in the comments!
