The Northern Cardinal: A Stunning Scarlet Christmas Bird Brimming with Symbolism and Significance

At Old World Christmas, our fondness for birds is shared by our patrons. Year after year, our exquisite glass-blown bird ornaments rank among our top sellers. We offer birds that perch on a Christmas tree branch or other special places, as well as ornaments that hang delicately. We have amassed such a substantial collection of owl ornaments that they merit their own category. Birds, especially around the festive season and in the dreary winter months, hold a special place in our hearts. Red cardinals, in particular, embody hope and happiness during Christmas, standing out vividly.

For many, birds, especially red cardinals, are imbued with deep symbolic resonance. While some admire their aesthetic, others see them as conveyors of spiritual messages. In the stillness of winter, when bird activity wanes, spotting a brilliant red cardinal can be profoundly moving. It's a common belief that a cardinal sighting is an assurance that a friend or loved one is safe and happy, bringing comfort. Furthermore, such encounters are often seen as harbingers of prosperity, with Native American folklore suggesting that spotting a cardinal can bring good luck within 12 days. Hence, the significance of the red cardinal holds considerable weight for those who ascribe to its symbolic essence.

It's believed that cardinals serve as messengers from the spiritual realm, bridging the material and spiritual worlds. The Latin term “cardo,” meaning hinge, suggests that a cardinal acts as the hinge on the gateway to the spiritual domain. Some traditions hold that the cardinal's red hue symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ, appearing during times of distress to inspire hope and resilience.

Cardinals display loyalty as they mate for life. They are often the early risers, appearing first at feeders in the dawn and returning at dusk. The distinctive red plumage of male cardinals is thought to help them blend in during these times. Cardinals have a preference for sunflower seeds and primarily sustain themselves on seeds and grains. A yellow cardinal is even more uncommon than the red cardinal, where the typical red pigment is replaced by yellow or orange, offering seasoned bird watchers a very rare spectacle.

Though usually territorial, cardinals form flocks during the winter. Unlike many songbirds, they do not migrate but remain foraging for seeds until spring. When spring arrives and the mating season begins, they revert to their territorial behaviors. Bird enthusiasts have observed cardinals relentlessly attacking their reflections in windows, mistaking them for potential adversaries. 

Unlike many songbird species, both male and female cardinals sing. Cardinals communicate with each other through song, which can sound like “birdie, birdie, birdie” or “cheer, cheer, cheer,” varying by region. The female often calls from the nest for food, and males can possess up to a dozen different songs to mark their territory or attract mates. 

The vivid red of the captivating cardinal not only makes for a wonderful Christmas tree decoration, but it is also a delightful sight during the cold winter days. We offer over 15 varieties of cardinal ornaments, from clip-ons to dangling types, and even a feather-tailed clip-on cardinal. Our collection includes a cardinal tree topper too! We take pride in our extensive array of bird ornaments and cherish the diversity of cardinal ornaments we offer. You can continue the red theme with our Red Christmas Ornament collection!