1. The reindeer didn't always pull the sleigh
Saint Nicholas was originally depicted riding a white horse or donkey, and it was a poem published in the early 19th century in the United States that introduced the eight reindeer associated today with Santa Claus and his laden sleigh. of gifts.
Rudolph joined the crew later, in 1939, as part of a department store Christmas advertising campaign.
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2. Penguins just catch a glimpse of Santa
Featured on winter pajamas and as adorable decorations for the tree, the penguin seems to pair perfectly with other Christmas animals.
But there is a problem: the 17 species live at the antipodes of the land of Santa Claus!
Lapland, where he resides with his reindeer, is indeed located near the North Pole, but no penguin lives further north than the Galápagos Islands on the equator.
Besides, not everyone likes the cold;
some enjoy the sun in South Africa, Chile and Australia.
3. The robins delivered the Christmas mail.
Robins are among the birds that still sing at Christmas.
In Victorian times, British postmen wore a red coat which earned them the nickname
robins
(the name for robins in English).
Subsequently, the bird began to be depicted delivering mail on Christmas cards.
A robin also appears in Christian legends, having earned its red breastplate by placing itself between the Christ Child and a fire in the stable, or comforting him on the cross.
4. Turkey is a recent delicacy
Before the turkey was brought back from America in the 16th century, those who could afford it ate swan, goose, wild boar or even peacock at Christmas.
In France, it was in 1570, on the occasion of the wedding banquet of King Charles IX, that the first turkey was served.
It was much later, at the table of Charles VII of Bavaria (1697-1745), Holy Roman Emperor, that the turkey would have been served for the first time during the Christmas meal.
5. Marie would have traveled on the back of a donkey
Nativity scenes often depict a donkey carrying Mary or lying near the nativity scene;
the donkeys would thus wear a mark in the shape of a cross on their back to remind them of their role.
Several characters in the Bible own and ride donkeys, but there is no mention of them in the Luke or Matthew accounts of Jesus' birth.
Nevertheless, it would have been the most sensible means of transport for a pregnant woman with little money.
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The World of Animals & Nature
is a magazine dedicated to wild fauna and flora from around the world.
Through captivating stories and sublime photographs, the magazine offers a real visual safari in the heart of nature.
Hobbies
Four pros of winter camouflage
Hobbies
The arctic fox, a real badass
Minute Animals
Animals
Christmas
reindeer
Brittany
Party
Christmas crib
Bird
Hobbies
Santa Claus