Weatherwatch: how robins became a symbol of Christmas

With its plumped-up red breast and sweet song, this tiny garden visitor is a British festive favourite

Of all Britain’s birds, none is more closely associated with winter and Christmas, than the robin. But how did this come about?

The species’ association with the festive season can partly be traced to the 19th century when the newly created postal service dressed its workers in red uniforms. The Victorians nicknamed the delivery staff “robins” and the birds eventually cornered the Christmas market, appearing on greeting cards and wrapping paper.

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from Property | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2OmZ2OZ
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