Christmas Animals

Animals play a crucial part in Christmas celebrations, symbolizing the age-old norms and traditions of the festival. These animals have been instrumental in the development of the stories of Christmas and date back all the way to the origin and birth of Christianity. Some of these animals like the wren, the owl and the camel are not very common during the festivities today. However, on various occasions, these animals are also remembered and have religious significance in the celebrations. Some of the newer generation of Christmas animals that revolve primarily around myths and newer periods of celebration include the reindeers and polar bears that are now symbolic of the festival. The miniatures of these animals are hung on the Christmas tree according to their significance. Read on to know more on the animals associated with the joyous festival of Christmas.

Famous Christmas Animals

Reindeer
Reindeers are symbolic of good fortune and joy in abundance. They are happy creatures, who are most closely associated with Santa Claus. It is 'Rudolph' and his group of other reindeers who pull the sleigh that takes Santa to homes around the world. Reindeers have been depicted as flying creatures who rest on the roofs of houses as Santa climbs down the chimney to slide presents under the Christmas trees and into the stockings.

Camels And Donkeys
These animals have been associated with Christmas historically, as they are said to have brought the three Magis to the birth scene of Jesus Christ. The donkey is believed to have carried Mary and baby Jesus into Bethlehem which is why it is of religious importance and is directly linked to Christmas today.

The Goat
Many Scandinavians include the figure of a Yule goat as a prominent Christmas decoration. It is also used as food for an elaborate Christmas feast. Other communities also set up straw goats during Christmas as a part of historical tradition.

Birds
Birds such as the robin, the wren, penguins and doves are all linked with Christmas. Most of the time, these birds come in the form of traditional Christmas motifs and are also mentioned in the Bible. The turtle dove is also mentioned in the tune of 'Twelve days of Christmas'. Birds are popular decorative items around the house for Christmas and usually symbolize good news and happiness.

Sheep
Sheep are an integral part of the Nativity Scene and are also popular animals associated with the birth of Jesus Christ and Christmas. On account of having historical importance, sheep are used as decorative items on the tree as a symbol of loyalty and devotion.

There will never be an exact count of how many animals are associated with Christmas. A few of the other animals such as dogs, bees, pigs and cows are all believed to have a direct relationship to the festival and its birth. At the end of the day, it all boils down to personal beliefs and the country you dwell in.