MYTHCONCEPTIONS

286: THE CHRISTMAS ROBIN

Mat Coward

The myth The robin is associated with Christmas in Britain because it appears in gardens seasonally – or, if not that, then because its red breast is reminiscent of the tunic worn by Victorian postmen. The “truth” Both these myths are easily dealt with. The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is present all year round, and is one of our most commonly encountered birds in summer as in winter. As for the posties, it’s undoubtedly true that the connection was popularly made between the orange of the bird’s breast and the scarlet which was part of the mail carrier’s outfit from the late 18th to mid-19th centuries. This may explain the ubiquity of robins on Christmas cards (invented 1843), but they had been a symbol of the season more generally for…

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Fortean Times (Digital) - 1 Issue, 452

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