New Delhi: December, Winters and Christmas! These are what we look for as the year ends. When the wait for Santa is over, and Father Christmas comes with his reindeer, cheerfulness comes along. Santa Claus delivers gifts to children on Christmas Eve, usually between 9 pm and midnight.
We all have heard about the Christmas song Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer! Reindeers have become a symbol of Christmas for many reasons, like their role in the story of Santa Claus and their historical significance. In this article, let us look at how reindeer evolved as the perfect help of Santa Claus.
The Evolution of Santa’s Reindeer: From Mythology to Modern Icon
In festive legends and popular culture, Santa Claus’ reindeer pull a sleigh through the night sky on Christmas Eve to help him deliver gifts made by Christmas elves to children.
The number of reindeer and their names can differ in various stories, but in the United States and Canada, the names most commonly known are those from Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem, “A Visit from St Nicholas“. This poem popularised the reindeer, giving them the names Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixem.
The 1939 storybook Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L May and Gene Autry’s 1949 Christmas song led to Rudolph often being considered the ninth reindeer.
Many other names and numbers for reindeer have appeared in stories, songs, films, and TV shows.
Reindeer Adaptations: Why They’re Perfect for Christmas Eve
Reindeer live in the cold Arctic and have special features that help them survive in this tough environment. Their hooves can change size based on the season. In winter, when there is snow and ice, the pads on their feet shrink, and the rim of their hooves shows. This helps them maintain grip on slippery surfaces. The pads expand and become soft in the summer, allowing them to walk easily on wet ground from melting snow.
Reindeer hooves are also shaped like shovels, which enables them to dig through snow to find food. With their adaptable hooves, speed, and ability to handle jet lag, reindeer make great travel companions for Christmas.
Cultural Significance of Reindeer in Christmas
Reindeer play an important role in various myths and stories throughout history. In Norse mythology, Odin is often shown riding an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir, which some people believe could be an early version of Santa’s reindeer.
In Scandinavian folklore, there is a tradition of the “Yule Goat”, a creature that helps celebrate the Yule season, which might have inspired the idea of reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh.
The story of Santa’s reindeer combines different cultural traditions, folklore and imagination. From the Sámi people’s strong connection to reindeer to the way Santa Claus developed in popular culture, these magical creatures have a rich history that delights people all around the world.
Let us appreciate the enchanting history behind Santa’s reindeer and how they continue to spread joy during this special time of year.
This article explores the fascinating history of Santa Claus’ reindeer, tracing their evolution from Norse mythology and Sami folklore to their modern depiction in popular culture. Read on to learn about the cultural significance of reindeer in various traditions and celebrate their enduring role in spreading Christmas cheer. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
