Little Bird Told
What is the origin of the expression “a little bird told me”?
It dates back to at least the 16th century. Here are some possible ones.
1. Biblical origin, found in Ecclesiastes 10:20 includes “for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter”, reinforcing the idea of the noiseless flight of a bird.
All the birds of the air were summoned to King Solomon but the Lapwing did not appear. Later the Lapwing explained that he had been with the Queen of Sheba and that she had indicated that she intended to visit Solomon. The King began to make preparations for the visit; in the meanwhile the Lapwing flew to the Queen and told her that the King had a great desire to see her. As history records, such a meeting did take place, but the role of the Lapwing is less clear.
2. Arabic version – A rare bird, the Hoopoe, was missing. Another bird was sent to find it and bring it back to Solomon. On return, the Hoopoe said that it had been with the Queen of Sheba and that she was planning to visit. Same theme, but only one journey.
3. The phrase could have come from Pope Gregory’s alleged dictation of the chant melodies from a dove that landed on his shoulder. Thanks to Ed Adams & Nicholas Patterson.
Evelyn Knight – A Little Bird Told Me
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife – Mugs A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife Mug is new. Why drink coffee out of an ordinary mug when an imprinted mug is so much cooler? Microwave safe, FDA approved. Image is printed on both sides of the mug. Dishwasher use is not recommended…. |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife – Tile Napkin Holders A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife Tile Napkin Holder is measuring 6w x 6h x 4d. Made from high quality solid maple wood with satin finish and two 4.25 commercial grade mirror gloss ceramic tiles. Holds napkins, mail, letters or files. In addition, customized engraving, on the face of the item, is available on request…. |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife – Trivets A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife Trivet is measuring 8w x 8h x .75d. Made of solid wood with padding on back that protects your furniture. Framed trivet comes with 6w x 6h ceramic gloss tile attached to the wood frame…. |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife – Light Switch Covers – 2 plug outlet cover $13.95 A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, bird, birds, wildlife Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material…. |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife – Light Switch Covers – single toggle switch $11.75 A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material…. |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife – Light Switch Covers – double toggle switch $13.75 A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife Light Switch Cover is new and handcrafted utilizing unique process resulting in a stunning high gloss ceramic-like finish. SET OF MATCHING SCREWS IS INCLUDED giving it a perfect finishing touch. Made of durable metal material…. |
|
|
100 Years Happy Birthday Little Bird in a Tree Told Me Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Find birthday cards for everyone on your list at Greeting Card Universe. Make your loved ones feel special with a custom paper card. Send a paper birthday card from Greeting Card Universe this year. This paper card includes the following themes: paper greeting cards, Penny Cork, and greeting cards. 100th Birthday cards from Greeting Card Unive… |
|
|
Aunt – Little Bird Told Me – Birthday Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Find Animals / Pets cards for everyone on your list at Greeting Card Universe. Show your loved ones you care with a custom paper card to make the occasion memorable. Turn to Greeting Card Universe for all your Animals / Pets card needs. This paper card includes the following themes: corrie kuipers, bird, and birdie. Greeting Card Universe has … |
|
|
Aunt in Law – Little Bird Told Me – Birthday Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Birthday greeting cards & photo cards are available at Greeting Card Universe. Do something special this year with a paper card. Turn to Greeting Card Universe for all your birthday card needs. This paper card includes the following themes: corrie kuipers, bird, and birdie. Greeting Card Universe offers custom Aunt in Law cards so that everyon… |
|
|
Taiche – Photography – Robin – A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 A Little Bird Told Me – european robin, erithacus rubecula, robin, robin redbreast, bird, wildlife Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and t… |