In the UK, we are blessed with many animals. Much of them have no issue with us and keep their distance, but there are quite a few that will stay by our sides. The robin is an interesting character. A dedicated animal and highly territorial, the Robin Red-Breast is seen for much of the year, but is most known to be associated with Christmas. Many images found during the festive period, will use this bird as a mascot.
About eighteen months ago, I took this image of one perched on a chair whilst we were having a coffee. It got me thinking about how they serve us in our gardens. We hear that they are known as the ‘Gardener’s Friend,’ always being within a few metres as the keen horticulturist does their work. How many animals are there that are like this? So many cultures connect the sight of these as spiritual and of new beginnings. I have known them to be seen as a sign from a lost loved one, too.
I would imagine that many of the beliefs around them are based on their happy appearences driving our memories closer to our hearts. There is a variation on these across the world. This is a European type, with the male having the large red belly on its front and the female being almost identical except for minor differences. We love to attach lore to animals, some more so than others. I hope you see one today. I hope it brings you a smile.
