I love Christmas. This is my favorite time of year, I never get tired of blogging about it. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is Santa Claus and his sleigh, pulled by eight reindeer, nine reindeer if you are one of those people who counts Rudolph.
Reindeer, otherwise known as Caribou, have long been associated with Christmas, as the official method of transportation for Santa Claus. The key turning point in associating reindeer with Christmas came with the 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (also known as “The Night Before Christmas”) by Clement Clarke Moore. Coincidentally, Moore didn’t admit to being the author until years after the poem was published.
This poem introduced the idea of Santa Claus flying in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer, giving names to each: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (originally “Dunder”), and Blitzen (originally “Blixem”). This vivid imagery captured the public imagination and established reindeer as part of the Christmas tradition.
Reindeer though, have been part of northern and Arctic cultures for thousands of years, serving as crucial resources for indigenous peoples in regions like Scandinavia and Siberia. Their significance in these cultures likely contributed to their inclusion in folklore such as Christmas. Reindeer are fascinating animals with unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in harsh Arctic and Subarctic environments.
The scientific name of reindeer/ caribou is Rangifer tarandus. Reindeer are actually medium-sized members of the deer family, known as Cervidae. Adult reindeer stand about 2.8 to 4.9 ft (85 to 150 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 130 to 660 lbs (about 60 to 300 kg). They have a thick, double-layered coat that provides insulation in cold temperatures. The outer hairs are hollow, trapping air and providing additional insulation.
The fur color of reindeer varies seasonally, generally being brown in summer and turning to gray in winter. Reindeer are unique among deer species in that both males and females grow antlers. The antlers are shed and regrown annually. Male reindeer usually shed their antlers in late autumn, while pregnant females retain theirs throughout the winter, likely to maintain access to food resources during pregnancy.
Their noses are specialized to warm incoming cold air before it reaches their lungs and to conserve water when breathing out in cold climates. Reindeer hooves are adaptable, being large and spreading to support the animal in snow or soft ground and having sharp edges for digging into ice and hard snow.
Reindeer are primarily herbivores and consume a variety of vegetation, including grasses, sedges, leaves, and twigs. A significant part of their winter diet is lichen (often referred to as “reindeer moss”), which they can digest thanks to specialized bacteria in their gut.
Some populations of reindeer are migratory. These migrations can be among the longest of any terrestrial mammal, with some herds traveling up to 3,100 miles (5,000 km) annually. Reindeer are typically social animals, often found in large groups or herds. The size and composition of these herds can vary depending on the season and environmental conditions.
Certain populations of reindeer have been domesticated for thousands of years, particularly by indigenous peoples in the Arctic regions. They are used for transportation, meat, milk, and hides. This is typically the differential with reindeer and caribou. Caribou tends to refer to the wild, free-ranging animals found in North American regions like Canada and Alaska.
Reindeer have excellent senses, particularly their sense of smell, which is crucial for locating food under the snow. Their vision is also adapted to detect UV light, which is prevalent in their Arctic environment and helps them see in low-light conditions.
Continuing the story of reindeer and Christmas.
In 1939, the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was written by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward department stores. Rudolph, with his iconic glowing red nose, was a new addition to Santa’s reindeer team and quickly became a popular Christmas figure.
This further cemented the connection between reindeer and Christmas.
Reindeer have become an iconic and beloved part of modern Christmas traditions and culture, largely through their association with Santa Claus and the imagery of a magical, journey where gifts are delivered.
There is now a multitude of Christmas movies featuring reindeer, such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Christmas Under Wraps, Prancer, Klaus, and Frozen.