Where did Santa and reindeer come from?
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Where did Santa and reindeer come from?
The roots of Santa’s mystical flying chauffeurs date back nearly two centuries, to a poem that first appeared in Upstate New York. Their names have evolved, as have some of their attributes. The 1823 poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” first introduced the concept of the modern-day Santa and his reindeer.
When did Christmas elves become a thing?
The name “Christmas elf” came into existence around the mid 19th century when famous Scandinavian writers of the era began associating elves with Santa Claus portraying them as good creatures. It was around that time that most of the traditional festivities associated with Christmas today began widely being accepted.
Are Santa’s elves evil?
They were often described as tiny, dwarf-like creatures, either male or female. They are said to be immortal and possess magical powers. In pagan times, Elves were believed to guard homes against evil. If you were good, the elves would be good to you, but if you were bad, they would play tricks on you.
How did elves start?
Like men of the time, elves lived in kingdoms found in forests, meadows, or hollowed-out tree trunks. By the 1500s, people began incorporating elf folklore into stories and legends about fairies, and by 1800, fairies and elves were widely considered to be simply different names for the same magical creatures.
Where did the reindeer names come from?
The names of Santa’s reindeer come from the 1823 poem The Night Before Christmas, which was originally called A Visit From St. Nicholas. However the surge in popularity of the song Rudolph The Red Nosed-Reindeer in 1949 resulted in Rudolph joining the group and bringing the pack to nine.
How did reindeer become associated with Santa Claus?
Pagan mythology loves the reindeer and during the Middle Ages (when Pagans converted to Christianity), their ancient customs became a part of Christmas celebrations. The reindeer came to symbolise creativity, resourcefulness and knowledge, whilst also representing safe journeying and endurance through travels.
How old is Santa’s reindeer?
The short answer is that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is 82 years old. The longer answer is that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is 82 years, 4 months, 10 days, 8 hours and 21 minutes old!
Who Invented Christmas elves?
The origins of the elf are said to have been derived from Norse mythology, which refers to the álfar, also known as huldufólk, or “hidden folk.” The elf character is most likely to have combined this Norse legend with other Scandinavian and Celtic cultures and myths regarding elves, fairies and nature spirits.
Where do elves live Christmas?
Where do Santa’s Elves Live? The elves live in the North Pole with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The North Pole is the most Northern part of Earth.
Who was Santa first reindeer?
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen!…but there’s more to the story. *Santa’s original 8 reindeer were first introduced in ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’, more commonly know as ‘The Night Before Christmas’ in 1823.