Robins

Robins (Erithacus rubecula, European Robin) are small birds with a distinctive red breast and are a common sight throughout Britain and indeed, throughout Europe apart from bits of the Mediterranean coast and northern Scandinavia. These little birds can also be found in parts of North Africa and out into Turkey, Iran and central Russia. In Britain, it is found in parks, woodland and gardens and is quite a tame bird which has been known to eat food from people’s hands. In Europe, however, the robin is much more cautious as they are shot in their thousands for sport and food though quite why anyone would want to kill and eat a such a charming bird is beyond me but there you go.

Image of a robin (Erithacus rubecula) 

How the robin came to have a red breast is the topic of much folklore and mythology in many different countries and has been associated with good luck, fire, happiness, rebirth and even messages from departed loved ones. Indeed, it is equated with so much symbolism and hope which may be a reason for it being such a loved bird.

In Celtic mythology, two kings constantly battle for power or control over the seasons of the year. The dark Holly King and his twin, the Light Oak King try to dominate each other at the Winter and Summer Solstices through the beginning and end of the seasons. The Holly King takes the form of a Wren and the Light Oak the form of a Robin. The Holly King (Wren) rules from Midsummer to the Winter Solstice and the Light Oak (Robin) rules from the Winter Solstice to the Midsummer Solstice. The wren brings darkness and reflection and the robin brings light, earth fertility and growth showing the robin and wren epitomising the changing seasons of the year.

Image of Celtic Summer Light Oak King (Robin) and the Winter Dark Holly King (Wren)

In European mythology, the robin appears to be a sacred and protected bird and if anyone kills one it was supposed to bring bad luck. In Norse mythology, the robin was sacred to and protected by Thor, god of lightning and anyone found hurting the bird was in serious trouble. In German mythology it was believed the presence of a robin stopped lightning from striking. In medieval times the wassailing ceremonies to welcome the new year saw gifts of food being left out for robins who were seen as good spirits hopefully bringing luck for the following year.

Robins have come to be seen as messengers from the spirit world. There is a saying ‘robins appear when loved ones are near’ and a robin may be seen nearby ready to escort the deceased from this world to the next. Robins can be seen on the day of the funeral and will appear later to remind the bereaved that everything is going to be fine and that the departed loved one in the spirit world is at peace. The appearance of the robin lets people know that those left behind are not alone. Consequently, the little bird has become a symbol of good news and hope for the future.

Image of the robin as a messenger from the spirit world

Today, robins are synonymous with Christmas. This may be due to the robin being associated with Christianity and Jesus in particular. In Christianity, it is believed that a robin fanned the flames of a fire with its wings to keep Baby Jesus from overheating after he had just been born. However, a sudden gust of fire scorched the then brown bird’s breast turning it red and the new red breast was passed on to every robin generation since.

The robin has also become associated with Christmas thanks to the penny post created by Rowland Hill in 1840 and this led to the invention of the Christmas card in 1843. The postmen who delivered the mail wore red tunics and were called ‘Robins’ so Christmas cards began to have the small bird illustrated on them as well.

Image of the robin at Christmas/wintertime

The robin is a bird steeped in mythology, religion, growth and freedom. It is revered in many parts of the world and is a bird protected by friends in high places so do not hurt these birds as it may be bad luck if that happens. This small bird is an emissary from the spirit world delivering messages of peace to the loved ones of those who have departed. At Christmas the robin adorns Christmas cards and decorations symbolising peace and love during the cold winter season. All in all, the robin is a little bird with a big story to tell.

Robins

At Christmas time in the dark and
cold, the Robin red breast
shines hope, love, peace

It heralds a budding new season
bringing fertility, growth, plenty
in a warm summer land

In legend he wards off lightning,
storms, protecting loved ones
from harm and ill-luck

And took a thorn from the
crown to ease the pain of
Jesus’ crucified suffering

Or sits on a branch to let
you know the spirits of those
departed are nearby

It greets the dawn with the
sweetest of songs to welcome
the newborn day

The robin does all this and
more and tells us to look to
the future, learn, love, explore.


Thanks for reading and please leave a comment as they are much appreciated.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.