All of our friends and members may not celebrate the day but whatever your beliefs, Seabrook Island Birders wishes you a very Merry Christmas. To celebrate the day, a little reading enjoyment from Southern Living. In their December issue they have The Meaning Of Red Birds At Christmas.
Red birds–also known as Northern Cardinals–are popular images in holiday decor. Their bright red beaks and crimson feathers make them eye-catching additions to Christmas cards and ornaments, but how the birds became associated with the holiday season is a more mysterious story. That tale begins with the color red, a hue with many Christmastime connections, and spans the winter season, the habits of cardinals, and the symbolism that has developed around them over the course of centuries. These birds are so deeply associated with the holiday season that they have even inspired holiday stories, like Fannie Flagg’s 2004 novel A Redbird Christmas. Their connections to ideas of love, loss, hope, and remembrance are additional aspects of their seasonal appeal.
The article has sections on:
- Red Birds In Winter
- Red Birds In The Garden
- The Religious Symbolism Of Red Birds
- Red Birds’ Evocation of Love and Loss
- Further Red Bird Reading
It closes with:
Red birds have come to hold many symbolic connections during the holiday season and beyond. Their meaning at Christmastime differs from individual to individual, but they are nonetheless a frequent visitor in holiday motifs appearing in home decor, Christmas cards, and tree ornaments. When you see a Northern Cardinal this winter, it may offer an opportunity for reflection. While it is always a glimpse of warmth in a cold landscape, this season you might just be inspired to take a moment and think about exactly what a redbird’s visit means to you.
So whatever a redbird’s visit means to you or what you celebrate this time of year, may this time be a time of joy and a time to enjoy a visit with friends, human or avian.