Advent day eighteen ... Robins and how they became part of Christmas. 

See advent day 17 here

Robins are heavily associated with Christmas but why? 

A Christmas legend says that a Robin nested on Jesus' shoulder when he was on the cross to relieve his suffering. Blood from Jesus' crown of thorns stained the birds chest and since then all Robins have been red breasted. 

Although those who are beady eyed will have realised Robins are actually orange breasted. In fact until the 16th century there was no word for orange so many orange things were named red which included the Robin. The name for the colour orange actually came from the fruit. 

Robins don't migrate during winter and still sing during the festive season, which is rare for most birds which is probably one of the reasons why they've ended up becoming heavily associated with Christmas. 

Although Christmas cards have been sent since the 17th century, they didn't become popular until Queen Victoria began sending her official cards in the 1840's. Back at this time Royal mail postmen were nicknamed Robins because of their red breasted coats. People would draw these 'Robins' on their Christmas cards which eventually turned into drawings of actual Robins. In fact Victorians were known to kill Robins to use their feathers for Christmas cards. 

Snow Scenes became popular for Christmas cards to remember the bad winter of 1836-37 which then developed into Robins on snow scenes which we know today. 

Since then Robins have appeared on many Christmas things including wrapping paper, Christmas jumpers, decorations and more. 

Did you know why Robins were part of Christmas? 

Comment below! 

Rosie x