E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Christian Traditions,
connected with natural objects.
1
1. Birds, Beasts, and Fishes.
2
The Ass: Cross on the back. (See Ass.)
3
Bunting. (See YELLOW-HAMMER.)
4
The Crossbill has nothing to do with the Christian cross; the bird is so called, because its mandibles cross each other.
5
Haddock: The finger-marks on the Haddock and John Dory. (See HADDOCK, etc.)
6
Ichthus, a fish. (See ICHTHUS.)
7
Pike’s Head (q.v.).
8
Pigeons or Doves: The Russians are averse to pigeons as a food, because the Holy Ghost assumed the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus. (Sporting Magazine, January, 1825, p. 307.)
9
Robin Redbreast: The red breast. (See ROBIN.)
10
Stork: The cry of the Stork. (See STORK.)
11
Swallow: The cry of the Swallow. (See SWALLOW.)
12
Swine: The holes in the forefeet of Swine. (See PIGS.)
13
2. The Vegetable World.
14
The Arum, Aspen, Calvary-clover, Cedar (see also CROSS), Dwarf-elder. Judas-tree, Passion-flower, Purple Orchis, Red Anemone, Rood Selken, Spotted Persicaria, Thistle.
15
(See these articles, and FLOWERS WITH TRADITIONS OF CHRIST.)
The Crossbill has nothing to do with the Christian cross; the bird is so called, because its mandibles cross each other.
