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44th Card for Christmas 2010

Robin

The robin appears on Christmas cards, ornaments, and other Christmas decorations. No one seems to know, however, just how the bird became a Christmas symbol. British and Irish folklore links the robin with the wren, another Christmas bird.  Past folk beliefs assigned magical qualities and near sacred status to both birds.

According to various legends, one of these sacred birds once performed a heroic feat for humankind. Old tales from various parts of Europe lauded either the wren or the robin as the original fire-fetcher, the creature who delivered the first flames to humankind. In addition, English folklore assigned supernatural abilities to the robin. A
fairly widespread belief credited the robin with a foreknowledge of death and illness. According to these beliefs, a robin tapping on the window or flying in or about the house meant that death, disease, or some other misfortune would visit the family. Along similar lines, English folklore also claimed that both the robin and wren pitied the dead. According to this belief, the two birds often covered the lifeless bodies of whatever dead creatures they encountered in the woods with moss or leaves. These gestures of compassion supported their
reputation as kindly, holy creatures.



Materials used:

CEB : Cardinal Snow
Sentiment unknown
Crystal Beads
Snowflake Sequins
Cartridge : Joys of the Season

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