Have You Ever Questioned WHY Reindeer Are Associated with the Holiday Season?
Here at World Synergy, we are always questioning WHY things are the way they are. And this Holiday season, after planning our Customer’s Holiday gift campaign, we got to thinking about Reindeer.
Why are reindeer associated with the Holidays and Christmas? Where did this tradition originate? To rein in the Holiday season, here’s a look at the origin of the Holiday reindeer and how it’s come to play such a central role in many Western traditions.
The History of the Holiday Reindeer
The first known written account of reindeer in association with the legend of Santa Claus occurred in 1821. That year, New York printer William Gilley published a 16-page booklet titled A New Year’s Present, where reindeer are first introduced as the animal that drives Santa’s sleigh.
Reindeer were once viewed as mysterious creatures linked to lands in the Northern part of the world. Their population was widespread in Scandinavian and Eastern European countries where, during the 18th century, they were domesticated. They were often used in transportation, pulling sleds and sleighs, and are still an important aspect of some indigenous northern European cultures. Typically, Reindeer can pull up to twice its weight, making them an ideal animal for pulling a sleigh loaded with cargo. They are well-adapted to living in cold regions and under rugged conditions, and their large broad hooves act like snowshoes to support them over the snowy and boggy ground.
During the 18th century, as trade, immigration, and travel became more global, customs and myths from foreign lands were naturally incorporated into the West.
In Norse and Germanic mythology, Thor, the God of Thunder, soars through the sky in a chariot pulled by two magical, horned goats. Theories hold that this may have influenced the creation of Santa’s sleigh and flying, antlered reindeer by the Western author who first introduced the reindeer.
Taking this into account, it makes sense that, if this author was familiar with Dutch or Germanic mythology, the synergy of a strong, snow animal and idealized mythical God is what is what merged the reindeer with the Western story of Santa Claus.
This Holiday season, we wish you peace, joy, and growth. From our Team to yours, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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