We have all seen the Cardinal being used as a symbol of Christmas but where did this originate? This common feathery flyer gets its name from the Cardinals of the Catholic Church who can be found wearing crimson colored robes. Cardinals are also very cold tolerant. They can survive the coldest of nights by fluffing up their feathers to create warm air pockets as well as lowering their internal body temperature by entering a state of torpor at night. Whether it is the religious connection, feather color, or winter survival characteristics, it is safe to assume the Cardinal will remain an embodiment of the Christmas spirit.