Popular Christmas Animals (History, Myths, and Biblical Origins)

Animals in the Bible and Mythology

1. Camels and the Donkey

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The three Kings or "Magi" who predicted the birth of Jesus are depicted as arriving on the backs of camels. It is also widely believed that Mary arrived in Bethlehem on the back of a donkey and that a donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem (for which reason the Jerusalem donkey is said to have a cross-shaped mark on its back). In fact, until the 19th century, Saint Nicholas was also typically shown riding a donkey or in a horse.

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The Bible does not specify how Mary or the wise men arrived at their destinations. So the involvement of these animals represents some embellishment of the stories based on modes of transport that were common at the time.

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2. Reindeer

The accounts of Santa Claus being pulled by reindeer stem from poetry. In 1821, William Gilley published a short anthology of poems with an anonymous verse that included the line "Old Santeclaus with much "The Journey of the Magi" (1894) James Jacques Joseph Tissot delight, his reindeer drives this frosty night." And Clement Moore's "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" provides the names the reindeer are still commonly known by, from Dasher to Blitzen.

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3. Ox, Ass, and Sheep

The ox and the ass/donkey are the most frequently mentioned animals of the nativity, as they were present during the birth of Christ. These animals are almost always included in a nativity scene. This may be partly inspired by Isaiah 1:3, which states: "The ox knows its owner, And the donkey its master's crib; But Israel does not know, My people do not consider." (KJB). These animals may also have served to symbolize Jesus' role as a Messiah for both the Jewish (ox) and gentile (ass) peoples. Sheep are also often included in a nativity scene because the birth of Jesus is reported to have been revealed to shepherds by angels. However, it seems unlikely they would have taken their flocks with them to view the baby.

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4. Mouse

The mouse often makes a small appearance due to the opening lines of the poem "The Night Before Christmas": "Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house/Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."

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Animals of Yule

5. The Yule Goat

You may notice that many Scandinavian Xmas decorations feature stylized goats. The Yule Goat is often made of straw and represents a goat that would once have been slaughtered for the feast. A Christmas tree decoration in the shape of a goat. Some Swedish towns display a large straw goat during Christmas, although it is sometimes a struggle to keep it from being set alight. Other animals associated with Christmas (as part of the feast) include the turkey and the goose.

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6. The Yule Oath Boar

In the Norse tradition, a family would make an oath for the coming year over a pig prepared for the holiday feast. This would occur on the twelfth night of Yule (January 1st) and was a precursor to the current New Year's resolutions tradition.

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Birds

7. Dove

The dove often appears in Christmas decorations, with olive branches in its beak as a symbol of peace and forgiveness. In contrast, the turtledove is a symbol of love. The Bible describes them as a "sacrificial animal," which may explain their appearance in the tune "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

 

8. Penguins

The frequent appearance of penguins as a modern Christmas motif relates only to their association with snow and the wintery conditions of the season (as inhabitants of the South Pole). And they are rather adorable, so where's the harm in that? The same applies to other animals associated with snowy environments, such as polar bears. But in real life, the two species are from different poles (polar bears are from the north pole, or at least the Arctic Circle) and would never meet as they do in some Christmas cards. Yes, I am a bit of a pedant, which bothers me. I mean, if polar bears were wandering around, there wouldn't be very many penguins.

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9. Robin (British)

In winter (around the Christmas season), robins actively forage for food, their brilliant red plumage shining bright against the snow. In Christian symbolism, the red breast symbolizes Christ's blood and sacrifice. The connection may also relate to the delivery of Christmas mail, as British mail carriers were sometimes referred to as 'redbreasts' during the Victorian period due to their red uniforms. Robins are also involved in the stories of several saints, one of whom was resurrected from death by St Kentigern. The British robin.

 

10. Wren

The wren was traditionally hunted or sacrificed late in December as a ceremony for ushering out the old year. In Ireland, the 26th of December is "Wren Day" and may be celebrated by "hunting" and displaying a fake wren.

 

Including Your Animal in the Christmas Spirit

And, of course, any animal can get in the Christmas spirit. Just remember that your pet might not enjoy dressing in costumes as much as you do. And keep an eye on the critters, especially when they're around potential hazards such as ribbons and poinsettia.