Robin Symbolism

A few years ago we moved house and one of the joys was having a garden where I could put up a bird feeder.  There’s been lots of activity – not just the garden birds but many different visitors including a rather large pheasant, a squirrel, several cats sitting in hope and my chickens clearing the scraps.  One regular visitor to my garden is the friendly robin.

I always thought robins were more a winter bird but they’re here all year round.  They’re not really on my feeder, more sitting on my fence or hopping around the garden – they’re so friendly we often sit and stare at each other.   I’d heard the phrase ‘robins appear when loved ones are near’.  It’s such a lovely and comforting thought but I wondered where the saying came from and what the robin symbolism is.

What's a Robin a sign of?

There is so much symbolism associated with robins but overall the robin is regarded in a very positive way.    They represent signs of hope and new beginnings – particularly around spring time. The robin is often regarded as a messenger and to remind people that they are not alone.  Many people feel they are linked to loved ones who have passed away and a robin who visits is said to be a sign that a loved one is near – hence the phrase;

‘robins appear when loved ones are near’

Robins and Christmas
 

Robins have become synonymous with Christmas.  However, they are resident in the UK all year round, they don’t just appear in winter.  It may be because they are more noticeable in winter with their distinct red breast, or that they are seen as very friendly birds so are more likely to be in gardens so more visible.  Having said that, one of the reasons robins have become associated with Christmas dates back to the Victorian period.  It was during this era that the tradition of sending Christmas cards began and the postmen delivering the cards wore red jackets so their nicknames become robins.  Robins gradually became linked with the Christmas card tradition and are often pictured on letterboxes as a link to their Victorian postmen.

robin symbolism

Robin and folklore

Robins have been mentioned in Norse mythology and linked to Thor.  There are also many stories of how they got their red breasts – interestingly, some of the most common link to Jesus.  It was said that the robin was around the fire at the birth of Jesus keeping the fire going and an ember scorched its breast.  A more common depiction is when Jesus was on the cross the robin sang to comfort him and pulled a thorn from his crown – the blood stained the breast and thereafter robins had red to symbolise the link to Jesus.

Friendly and territorial
 

Robins are often called the gardener’s friend as they love earthworms so will often sit near gardeners as they dig, waiting to pounce on any disturbed worms.  As they live in gardens and hedges near people, it seems they are used to people and therefore seen as a friendly bird.

Whilst the robin is seen as very cute and friendly, in actual fact they are very territorial and will defend their patch.   According to the RSPB, the purpose of their distinct red breast is in this territory defence (not courtship as is often assumed).

Creating my own Robin Symbolism

The robin has been voted Britain’s favourite garden bird on several occasions and it’s easy to see why.  They’re associated with positivity, happiness, and as comforting as they represent lost loved ones visiting.

So I decided I’d pay respect to my friendly garden robin by creating my own homage.  I decided to upcycle some old fabric – a cushion cover from an old sofa, an old valance and scraps of fabric from other projects (this is where my love of keeping things ‘just in case’ it comes in handy).   I then used my sewing machine to do free motion embroidery and created my own upcycled robin.  I love the phrase, ‘robins appear when loved ones are near’  and wanted to use this on my creation and this is my finished product!  I’ve taken images from my original textile artwork to create a range of gifts so if you’d like to send a little present to someone to brighten their day, you can find our products on the website here at Bell and Walsh.

Helping our garden birds

There are several ways to help our friendly robins (and other garden birds).  In winter, mealworms are their favourite so leave some out in particularly harsh winter days.

Join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – this usually takes place in January every year. Spend an hour watching and recording what birds you see in the garden. To make your garden bird friendly visit the RSPB’s website for ideas and inspiration:

https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/

Make it Personal...

Introducing our delightful line of robin-themed products! From charming robin hanging decorations, coasters and cards, our collection brings the beauty of these beloved birds into your home.  Perfect for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.  

Robin symbolism card
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Bell & Walsh

Welcome to the world of Bell & Walsh. I'm Sarah and Bell & Walsh is my creative venture.
Each blog post is a window into my journey of running a small craft business; whether it's ideas for gift giving, handy tips, a behind the scenes look, answering your questions or creative inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read - I truly appreciate it and hope you come back and join me on this adventure.

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