We took photos of this round little bird, a European Robin, in Ireland recently. Although they have similar colors with red chest feathers, I wondered why its body shape was so unlike an American Robin’s. In actuality, it is because they are from different bird families, but this old European legend might explain why each is referred to as a robin.
The legend states that on the night Jesus was born, a robin heard Mary’s plea to keep their dying fire from burning out. This robin fanned the fire with its wings until the fire was warm and red. While continuing to fan the fire, the robin picked up twigs with its beak and threw them onto the fire to keep the flames glowing. However, the flames singed the robin’s white breast, turning it red.
Isn’t that a charming story? It is thought that when Europeans began to emigrate to the United States, this legend was applied to our American Robin simply because of its coloring.
I love this story. I have always thought the European Robins were cute because of their round shape and bright color. Thank you for sharing that bit of history along with your lovely sketch.
You’re welcome, Fay. It was too sweet a story not to share!
What a great story and I love the bird!
Well done. Do you frame all of your paintings??
Thanks, Judy!
Dear Carol I loved our Robin more after seeing your creation, and reading the legend 🙂 Thank you sharing them with us ❤
Thank you for sharing this, Carol. I love European Robins. They are one of my favorites. Such a beautiful rendering.
Glad you liked them. ☺️ Have a terrific weekend, Beth! 💐
Thank you so much, Jaime ☺️
Wonderful weekend to you too dear Carol 🙂
A charming picture and a charming story!
What a cutie patootie! 🙂
Lovely robin, we have robins in the garden all year round but it’s always heart warming to see them around in winter x
I enjoy watching all the birds all year long, but not too many robins in the winter. I eagerly look forward to their arrival each spring 🙂
Thanks, Mishka! 💐