Reindeer
Santa’s reindeer are an essential part of the Christmas tradition and have a rich history dating back centuries. The tradition of handing gifts to your loved ones during Christmas is believed to have its roots in the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia. This holiday honored the god Saturn. During Saturnalia, enslaved people had the opportunity to serve their masters and mistresses for a day. Everyone could indulge in food, drink, and debauchery. Later, Christmas co-opted some Saturnalia traditions, such as gift-giving and feasting. In addition, Santa Claus himself is a blend of Norse and Germanic mythology. Like the Norse god, Odin, Santa is a traveler who arrives laden with gifts. Like St. Nicholas of Bari, he is the patron saint of children. Finally, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer resulted from a clever advertising campaign in the 1920s. An author named Robert L. May created the story of a reindeer with a unique characteristic that could guide Santa’s sleigh on foggy nights. This story was used by Parker Brothers to sell candies. It eventually evolved into the beloved Christmas icon we know today.
Goat
The Christmas goat is a traditional Scandinavian holiday figure, as it is said to bring good luck to the home and those who see it. This animal is usually depicted as a handmade wooden figure with a woolly coat and large horns. Its size can vary from a small figure to a life-size animal. The Christmas goat tradition may have its roots in ancient pagan winter festivals. For example, in Sweden, the goat is often referred to as a julbock and is sometimes depicted with a red coat and green hat. Furthermore, in Norway, the Christmas goat is known as a juleunder and is often given angel wings. This Christmas animal has become a popular decoration in many homes, and it is not uncommon for people to take their goats out to watch the sunlight at dawn on Christmas morning. In some places, the Christmas goat has also come to be associated with a legendary mascot called Trottoaren, who is said to visit farms and grant wishes.
Horse
The tradition of the Christmas horse dates back to the Middle Ages. At that time, they were an essential part of life, as people used them for farming and transportation. They were also an important member of the family and often received special treatment on special occasions such as Christmas. For this reason, in ancient Netherlands legend, St. Nicholas rides a horse through the various villages visiting schools and homes. The horse reminds us of the importance of working together as a family and spending quality time with our loved ones. So the next time you see a horse at Christmas, take a moment to appreciate their role in our past and the special connection they hold in our present.
Donkey
During the Victorian era, there was a tendency to associate Christmas with animals, as it was increasingly popular and because animals were considered innocent and pure. The popularity of donkeys on Christmas is related to the fact that it is a hard-working and robust animal. This quality contrasts with the excessive consumerism of Christmas and is seen as a challenge to the hedonistic holiday. In fact, some critics have suggested that donkeys represent everything wrong with Christmas and its emphasis on spending money and materialism. On the other hand, donkeys can also be seen as a positive symbol of diligence and commitment. The story of the three wise men suggests that the donkey represents faith and dedication to a cause, even when it seems an impossible task. In any case, donkeys have become an essential symbol of Christmas, both good and bad. It continues to be used in children’s books and advertisements, giving the holiday a sense of both lavish celebration and hard work.
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