How the Robin Got His Red Breast (based on an Irish folk tale)
retold by Cathy S. Mosley
Many years ago, late in the year, a cruel wind brought biting cold weather; making the night more bitter for a father and son who had traveled far, and still had farther to go. They had sought a cottage, a barn, or even a tree - anyplace they could seek shelter. But there was nothing to be seen or found, except for a bush, and at last the father built a fire and told his son to try and sleep a little.
And when the father's eyes began to droop he woke his son,and bid him watch the fire.
Oh how the boy tried to stay awake! But he hadn't really slept while lying on the frozen ground and he was still exhausted from the walk. His eyes got lower. His head got lower.
The fire got lower.
So low in fact that a starving wolf began to inch nearer the sleeping pair.
But there was one who was awake. There was one who saw everything from amidst the barren bush; a little bird who was as gray as the brambly wood.
The bird hopped down and began fanning the flickering embers until the flames began to lick out hungrily; nor did the little bird stop, despite the pain on his breast, until the flames were dancing with strength.
And from that day on the Robin has proudly worn a red breast.
Superstitions
A robin singing on a windowsill signals happiness and love. If the bird nest near a house, it is a sign of good luck for the occupants.
The robin, its winter sub-song, and how the species was adopted as a symbol of Christmas; 'Who killed cock robin.
In the colliery districts of Wales the robin redbreast is regarded as a harbinger of calamity.
A robin singing quite close to a window means vexation, sorrow, or annoyance. If this bird ventures over the threshold, it is a harbinger of illness or death.
If you destroy the nest of a redbreast, there will be a death in the family within a year, or there will be a fire in the house, or lightning will strike the premises. If you kill a redbreast, a series of misfortunes or some unusual calamity will befall your family.
To steal the redbreast's eggs was very unfortunate. The theft made the person a victim of witches or the devil.
If the redbreast comes near the dwelling-house early in autumn it is regarded as an indication of an early and a severe winter. The bird comes where food and shelter are sure.
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