Kalenderblad december met haan 1902

This calendar from December by Theo van Hoytema presents a rich array of symbolic imagery. Note the proud rooster, a traditional symbol of dawn, vigilance, and even arrogance, set against a backdrop of holly, which has long signified protection and immortality, especially during the winter solstice. The rooster’s symbolism is not limited to this era; across cultures, from ancient Rome to the medieval period, the rooster’s image has been used to evoke courage and resurrection. Consider the placement of the crows at the bottom of the calendar. They seem to guard time itself. Crows have often been associated with mystery, prophecy, and transformation. Much like the cyclical nature of time, the crow undergoes its own transformations in folklore, sometimes appearing as a harbinger of doom, and other times as a guide between worlds. The emotional undercurrent here is palpable—the stark contrast between the rooster's vitality and the crows' somber presence creates a tension, reflecting the mixed feelings often associated with the year's end.