Legend Of The Stork

Storks have been revered on Christmas for the exemplary deed of compassion that one of their kind did for infant Jesus. When all the animals came to see infant Jesus, all they could do was remain in awe and bow down to pay respect. However, when the stork arrived, it was pained to see Jesus lying on a hard bed with no pillow. The compassionate bird could not stand the sight and immediately pulled out its feathers to make a soft and comfortable bed for infant Jesus. The stork then went on to pull more of its feathers to make a soft pillow for baby Jesus to place his head on. It is for this reason that the bird stork is held in very high regard during Christmas holiday. It even makes an appearance in baby showers and has universally come to be known as the 'Patron of Babies'. The bird has also been well known as a sign of good luck and prosperity since ages. Scroll down to know more about the legend of the stork.

Patron Of Babies
The legend of the stork has it that when baby Jesus was lying in the stable in Bethlehem, all the animals in the world paid a visit to greet the newly born Jesus. They bowed down and offered prayers to Jesus. Animals such as the donkey and the ox knelt in their places in the stable whereas wild animals stayed outside and remained ever eager to catch a glimpse of newly born Jesus. Amongst those kneeling was a white-feathered stork with long legs. When the stork saw Jesus lying in the stable with no soft pillow to rest his head, it pained her to no end. She thought she could offer her soft feather as a pillow for baby Jesus. So, she tugged the softest plumes on her breast to offer the baby to make the best pillow to lay his head on it. The baby Jesus was ever thankful to the kindness of the stork and nodded with a smile to the Stork. Then Jesus blessed the stork with undying glory and even today, it is seen as a symbol of birth and is regarded crucial for baby-showers. Due to this legendary tale, the stork is considered blessed and is also seen as the patron of babies. It is widely believed to this day that seeing a stork on the chimney or flying in the air is a lucky omen.

More About Storks
According to ancient legends, storks bring babies to parents in baskets held in their beaks. There is one particular tale associated with the stork which explains the role played by storks in child-birth. According to this account, the souls of unborn babies live in watery areas and since storks frequently visit marshy areas, they pick these souls and deliver the babies to their parents. Many believe that seeing a stork brings luck whereas killing a stork would bring nothing but misfortune to the slayer.

The Stork Verse
Today, elders narrate the legend of the Stork in crisp and concise form as given below:
When Christ was born on Christmas Day
The birds and the beasts knelt down to pray.
In wonder all,
Adoring kneeled--
The ox in his stall,
The fox in the field,
While badger and bear and each wild thing
Flocked round the manger where slept a King
Housed in a stable at Bethlehem.
And the long-legged stork was there with them,
With her feathers white,
Her crest held high,
And awe in her bright,
Compassionate eye.
"Alas," mourned she, "how poor His bed
Who rules the universe overhead!"
"Though cozily curled
Sleep all my breed,
The Lord of the World
Lies hard, indeed."
"Unpillowed is He who should wear a crown."
Then out of her bosom she plucked the down.
The plumes from her breast
She tugged and tore
That the Child should rest
Like a beggar no more
But fine on a pallet fit for a prince.
And Blest has the stork been, ever since--
For the gift that she gave of her body's wear,
Blest on chimneys, blest in the air,
And patron of babies everywhere.

Such a noble act of selflessness! No wonder the stork is held in such high regard during Christmas and otherwise.