Reindeer are not only associated with Santa Claus, although for many this association is strongest (especially at this time of year). Reindeer represent journeying, wandering, safe travels, strength and endurance. This may be the inspiration for the poem which linked reindeer with Santa’s sleigh. Reindeer are mobile, adaptable to new surroundings and prefer the freedom to keep moving.
History
Twas the Night Before Christmas, a poem penned by Clement C. Moore in late 1824, established the reindeer's relationship with Santa's sleigh. Santa's sleigh is pulled by "eight small reindeer" in several versions, including the 1912 copyright edition published by Houghton Mifflin Company-Boston. Thor's chariot was drawn by goats who subsequently changed into reindeer in early Norse mythologies. Moore's poem is said to have been inspired by this.
Rudolph was added to Santa’s herd in 1939 when ad copywriter Robert L. May wrote a children’s poem for Montgomery Ward, the US retail store chain, entitled Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The May poem was reprinted as a Christmas booklet, and in 1947 a friend of May’s, Johnny Marks, wrote music for the poem. The song reached the top of the Hit Parade in 1949 when US cowboy singer Gene Autry cut the record about Rudolph.
Reindeer also feature prominently on ancient Mongolian megaliths carved with symbols. Little is known about their meaning or function; some scholars speculate they represent important people. These “deer stones” garner their name from the stylized depictions of flying deer carved into the stone.
If someone asked you to list popular symbols associated with Christmas, who would mention Rudolph?
Shooting to seasonal stardom after his creation in 1939 by copywriter Robert L. May, ‘Rudolph’ has come to represent the festive magic of christmas, not just in the United States but across the globe. The chance creation of a disheartened reindeer marginalised by his friends for his very shiny nose, earned Robert L. May and his publisher Montgomery Ward world recognition.
But what inspired May's original conception of Rudolph? Was it an early 19th century poem about eight reindeers pulling Santa's sleigh, or, was it the Norse legend of Thor – a god transported in a chariot pulled by horned goats (that supposedly transformed into reindeer)? Who knows. "Reindeer" is itself an ancient Norse word believed to mean ‘horned animal,’ so this theory tallies.
But besides the most decorated fictional reindeer of all time (originally named Rollo, before Reginald, before Rudolph), the species reindeer or Rangifer tarandus has a history dating back over 2,000 years. Hailing from the world’s arctic and subarctic regions, the reindeer or ‘caribou’ boasts an exciting history.
To help illustrate how fascinating Viking Reindeer truly is, here is the most fascinating design you should take a look :
Cute Viking Reindeer Christmas Ornament
Get order here: Cute Viking Reindeer Christmas Ornament
The Viking reindeer is a special breed of reindeer that can be found in the northern parts of Scandinavia. These reindeer are known for their unique color and markings as well as their ability to survive in such harsh conditions. This breed is also remarkable because they were only able to become what they are today by being bred with domesticated reindeers, but still maintaining their wild instincts.
Nhận xét
Đăng nhận xét