THE ROBIN IS THE SUBJECT OF A CHRISTMAS LEGEND

       Over the centuries, a number of wildlife-related legends regarding the birth of Christmas have surfaced. Perhaps you have heard the one that explains why the robin has a red breast.

       Supposedly, Mary was concerned that the small fire that was burning in the stable where she gave birth to Christ was not providing the newborn baby with enough warmth. Consequently, when a robin flew into the stable to escape the winter’s chill, Mary asked the bird if it could fan the fire. In response to her plea, the robin flew down, stood beside the fire, and began rapidly flapping its wings. As the bird continued to beat its wings, the fire grew brighter. Soon the flames leaped upward filling the stable with both light and much-needed heat. Since the robin was standing so close to the now raging fire, the bird’s breast turned dark red.

                                                  MERRY CHRISTMAS!