Cardinal Christmas Signs and Sweet Memories
I may be a little partial, but I truly love the new cardinal Christmas signs at Trendy Tree. Each one was exclusively designed for Trendy Tree, and there are so many beautiful scenes—from cardinals perched on snowy birch logs to birdhouses, mailboxes, lanterns, and Christmas ornaments.
Cardinals are perfect for Christmas decorating, of course, but I think their appeal goes much deeper than their bright red feathers.
When Cardinals Appear, Angels Are Near
You have probably heard the old saying, “When cardinals appear, angels are near.”
There doesn’t seem to be one definite origin for the saying. It is more of a comforting belief that has been passed along through the years. Many people associate the appearance of a cardinal with a loved one who has passed away—or simply see it as a little reminder that someone special is still near.
That thought is almost always on my mind when I’m riding my bike along the Tanglefoot Trail and spot a pretty cardinal.
Was that one of my sisters? My mother? My grandmother?
Is that silly? No, I don’t think so.
For just a moment, that little red bird brings someone special to mind. It gives me a chance to remember them and think about a sweet memory that I might otherwise have missed that day. Whether the cardinal is truly a messenger or not really doesn’t matter. The comfort and the memory are real, and that is enough for me.
The Males Get All the Color
The male Northern cardinal is the one we usually picture first. He is bright red with a distinctive black mask around his face and a reddish-orange bill.
The female is more understated. Her feathers are mostly a soft, pale brown with touches of warm red on her wings, tail, and crest. She has a red-orange bill and a darker area around her face, too, but her colors are nowhere near as flashy as the male’s.
That doesn’t seem quite fair to me, but it is what it is!
Her softer coloring does help her blend into her surroundings, especially when she is nesting. And once you learn what to look for, the female cardinal is every bit as pretty—just in a quieter way. You can see good examples of both male and female coloring in the Northern Cardinal guide from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Sometimes They Look a Little Judgmental
he cardinals featured on the Trendy Tree signs look peaceful and perfectly content sitting among the snow-covered greenery.
Real cardinals do not always look quite so docile!
Depending on the angle of their crest and the expression around their eyes, some can look downright angry—or at least a little judgmental. I have taken a few cardinal pictures that made me wonder what I had done to offend them.
Of course, they are not actually scowling at us. That black mask, pointed crest, and sturdy bill just give them a naturally serious expression. Still, it can make for a pretty funny photograph.
An Easy Way to Decorate with Cardinal Signs
You don’t have to be a wreath maker or crafter to decorate with one of these signs. The signs measure 10 inches by 10 inches, so one of the easiest things to do is place one in a simple square frame.
A framed cardinal sign can add a fresh touch of seasonal color to a bookcase, tabletop, kitchen counter, mantel, or desk. It is a quick decorating change that doesn’t require ribbon, mesh, glue, or any crafting experience at all.
Of course, if you do make wreaths, the signs also make a beautiful focal point for Christmas and winter wreaths.
There are so many cardinal designs to choose from, including single red birds, cardinal couples, snowy scenes, rustic birdhouses, lanterns, mailboxes, and elegant Christmas ornament designs..
Do cardinals remind you of someone special? I would love to hear who comes to mind when you see one.
