Why Is Little Robin Redbreast's Chest Red
The Negative Meanings of Robin and a Reference to Jesus’ Death
Off-Color Original
Little Robin Redbreast, / Sitting on a pole, / Niddle, Noddle, / Went his head, / And Poop went his Hole.
Alternate
Little Robin Redbreast / Sat upon a rail; Niddle noddle went his head, Wiggle waggle went his tail.
A Common Version of Little Robin Redbreast
Little Robin Redbreast / Came to visit me, / This is what he whistled: / “Thank you for my tea.”
Alternate
Little Robin Redbreast sat upon a tree, / Up went pussy cat and down went he; / Down came pussy, / and away Robin ran; / Says little Robin Redbreast, "Catch me if you can". / Little Robin Red breast / jumped upon a wall, / Pussy cat jumped after him and almost got a fall; / Little Robin chirped and sang, and what did pussy say? / Pussy cat said, "Meeow!" and Robin jumped away.
The Type of Bird Referenced in the Verse
The English Robin is a red breasted bird related to the nightingale. The American Robin is a red breasted bird of the thrush variety.
The Meaning of Robin
The name Robin is used as a diminutive form of the name Robert.
The word robin can also be used to refer to a lout or a bumpkin.
The Reason for Robin’s Redbreast
According to legend, the robin’s breast is red because of his association with Christ’s death and crucifixion. When Jesus was on the road to Calvary, a robin plucked a thorn from out of His temple. A drop of Jesus’ blood fell on his chest turning it red.
An alternate legend suggests that the robin would carry dew to quench the thirst of sinners in hell. The heat from the fires of hell turned the robin’s breast feathers red.
The Off-Color Version
The off-color original version did not last long. The bawdy humor was quickly edited out.
The Way Things Are
The version of Little Robin Redbreast that records the story of a robin and a cat is a simple rhyme stating the way things are in a fun rhyming account for children. Rhymes that record life and tell it the way it is are important for children. They help children learn the sometimes distressing truths of life in a non-threatening way.
In the case of Little Robin Redbreast, children learn that cats and birds are enemies and that cats will eat birds if given a chance.
Variations on a Theme
The common thread in almost all variations of Little Robin Redbreast is the cheeky attitude of Robin. Robin’s chirpy, sassy, goodwill endears him to adults and children alike.
Sources
Baring Gould, William S and Ceil. The Annotated Mother Goose. Bramhall House, 1962.Christensen, James C.
Rhyme and Reasons an Annotated Collection of Mother Goose Rhymes. The Greenwhich Workshop Press, 1997.
American Robin
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