Blog

Robin Jewellery and Symbolism

What do you know about robin symbolism?

It’s officially December and I can’t quite believe it! It’s so strange to think that a year ago I was preparing all my new brand materials and pieces and now I’m releasing another piece to add to my collection.

You may remember I recently introduced some tiny robin earrings to my collection? A handful of people have commented that necklaces would be good so as I love to hear and listen to feedback from my customers I bring you my copper and silver robin necklaces!

Robins are very popular at Christmas so now is the perfect time of year to introduce them to my collection but I thought I’d take this opportunity to tell you a bit more about robin symbolism.

Robins are considered to hold or even represent the spirits of our deceased loved ones. After making a pair of Robin cufflinks for my Dad’s 80th birthday present I realised these cute little birds fit my brand really well for this reason. The phrase “robins appear when loved ones are near” is such a popular quote and there is plenty of anecdotal evidence for this. They are particularly special to me as my Dad’s name is Robin.

Robins can also symbolise new beginnings, hope, renewal, rebirth, good luck, fortune and a sign of good things to come. I think at the end of the year as we look back that is a really lovely sentiment to have. In contrast I have also discovered that according to European traditions, the robin is associated with storms and is also the harbinger of death. A robin tapping on the window symbolizes the death of a loved one. The return of the robin to the woods indicates the arrival of spring after a dreary winter. Native Americans believed that the robin is sign of an angel as well as ‘relationship’ birds and saw them as spirit guides.

Here are some other facts about Robins you may not know…

The robin might seem cute, but it is actually a highly territorial bird and will aggressively defend its domain against others. Both male and female robins hold territories, as a pair in summer and as individuals in winter.
Robins sing throughout the year, apart from midsummer when they’re moulting.
Their scientific name is Erithacus rubecula”
They are a protected species in the UK
Robins live for about 2 years
Male and females are identical, both having red breasts but juveniles are speckled gold and brown, only developing the distinctive red plumage in adulthood.
Also fitting with my fascination with all things Victorians, the robin became the iconic bird of Christmas in the Victorian era, when postmen were nicknamed robins due to their red waistcoats. Robins began to appear on Christmas cards to represent the postmen who delivered them.

These necklaces are available now on my website and come in sterling silver like the earrings. Why not buy a necklace or a pair of earrings for a loved one this Christmas?