Christmas animals – a listing of animals related to Christmas, with photos and information.
Animals play a central half in Christmas celebrations in lots of elements of the world. On this web page we check out animals related to Christmas. We’ll uncover what half they play in Yuletide celebrations, and in addition discover out concerning the animals themselves…
Reindeer
- Scientific identify: Rangifer tarandus
- Conservation standing: Weak
Reindeer are massive deer present in chilly northerly areas within the northern hemisphere. Though they’re the identical species, reindeer present in North America are generally known as ‘caribou’.
Reindeer (caribou) in Canada make the longest migration of any (non-flying) land animal. In a single yr they will journey so far as 3,000 miles / 5,000 km.
Reindeer have grow to be intently related to Christmas for the reason that early nineteenth century. Within the conventional festive legend, Santa Claus’s sleigh is pulled by a group of 9 reindeer: Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Donner, Prancer, Vixen, and Rudolph, the ‘red-nosed reindeer’.
- You could find out extra about reindeer / caribou on this web page: Reindeer Information
Donkey
- Scientific identify: Equus africanus asinus
- Conservation standing: Home
The donkey is a member of the horse household Equidae. A donkey is the domesticated subspecies of the African wild ass, a critically endangered species present in deserts and different dry areas in East Africa.
Donkeys have been first domesticated round 3,000 years in the past, and proceed for use as pack animals in lots of elements of the world right this moment.
Donkeys are one of many animals most strongly related to Christmas; Mary rode a donkey as she traveled to Bethlehem with Joseph.
Polar Bear
- Scientific identify: Ursus maritimus
- Conservation standing: Weak
The polar bear is a member of the bear household Ursidae. It’s primarily discovered throughout the Arctic Circle, and has a variety of diversifications for dwelling on this chilly, inhospitable area.
The white fur of the polar bear gives camouflage in opposition to the snow and ice. Beneath this cozy fur coat is a thick layer of fats, which prevents warmth from escaping.
The polar bear’s big toes assist it to stroll over the snow with out sinking, and in addition assist it to swim.
The polar bear isn’t a standard Christmas animal, however as a result of it’s related to snow (and due to this fact winter) it typically seems on Christmas playing cards.
Robin
- Scientific identify: Erithacus rubecula
- Conservation standing: Least Concern
An animal related to Christmas within the British Isles is the robin. This small hen is a standard sight in woods and gardens within the British Isles and all through a lot of Europe.
The robin is definitely recognized by its purple breast. One other species with a purple breast, the American robin, is so-named as a result of it reminded European settlers in North America of the European robin.
The robin is related to Christmas as a result of it is among the most frequently-seen backyard birds through the winter months.
Turkey
- Scientific identify: Meleagris gallopavo
- Conservation standing: Least Concern / Home
Turkey varieties a part of the standard Christmas meal in lots of English-speaking nations. Turkeys farmed for meals are domesticated wild turkeys. The species’ scientific identify is Meleagris gallopavo.
Wild turkeys are native to North America, the place they’re the biggest sport hen. Regardless of their massive dimension they’re quick, highly effective flyers.
Partridge
Partridges are members of the hen household Phasianidae, which additionally consists of pheasants, chickens, turkeys and several other different teams of gamebirds. Partridges are Outdated World species, and aren’t native to North America, though the grey partridge has been launched to the continent.
The partridge has grow to be related to Christmas as a consequence of its look within the English carol ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’, through which a ‘partridge in a pear tree’ is among the twelve items despatched to the singer by their ‘real love’.
Turtle Dove (European)
- Scientific identify: Streptopelia turtur
- Conservation standing: Weak
The turtle dove, just like the ‘partridge in a pear tree’, is one other of the items talked about within the Christmas track ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
The turtle dove is a small member of the household Columbidae, which incorporates all pigeons and doves.
It’s unlikely that the turtle dove is definitely seen in Europe at Christmas, as it’s a migratory species that spends the winter in southern Africa.
Right this moment, due each to searching and a change in farming strategies, the turtle dove is threatened, and has a conservation standing of ‘Weak’.
Camel
Camels are members of the genus Camelus. There are three species of camel: the single-humped dromedary, and the double-humped Bactrian and wild Bactrian.
Each the dromedary and the Bactrian camel are domesticated, and are used for transport and as pack animals. The wild Bactrian camel is discovered within the wild in Asia, and is Critically Endangered.
The three camel species are members of the mammal household Camelidae, which additionally consists of animals similar to llamas and alpacas.
The Three Clever Males, or Magi, are stated to have traveled to Bethlehem on camels. The animals are sometimes included within the Nativity scene.
You could find out extra about camels on the next pages:
Sheep
- Scientific identify: Ovis aries
- Conservation standing: Home
Sheep are mammals within the subfamily Caprinae, which additionally accommodates goats. Caprinae is a part of the household Bovidae, which incorporates associated animals similar to bison, buffalo, antelopes and cattle. Members of this household are generally known as bovids.
Like all bovids, sheep are hoofed animals with a posh digestive system that permits them to dwell on crops (similar to grass) that different animals would discover laborious to digest. By regurgitating their meals and chewing it for a second time as ‘cud’, sheep can break down these powerful crops.
Within the Gospel of Luke, angels announce the start of Jesus to a bunch of shepherds who’re tending to their flock. Sheep are a standard a part of the Nativity scene.
Goat
- Scientific identify: Capra aegagrus hircus
- Conservation standing: Home
Goats, like sheep, are members of the subfamily Caprinae. The domesticated kind is a subspecies of the wild goat present in Asia.
In Scandinavia and different elements of northern Europe, the Yuletide Goat performs a component in conventional Christmas celebrations. Yuletide goat ornaments are positioned beneath the Christmas tree, and bigger Yuletide goats fabricated from straw could also be seen as a part of a city’s decorations.
Wren
- Scientific identify: Troglodytes troglodytes
- Conservation standing: Least Concern
The wren performs a component within the conventional Christmas festivities of Eire, Wales, the Isle of Man and different European nations. In some areas, the day after Christmas is named ‘Wren Day’.
Historically, an actual wren was hunted after which paraded via the city with a purpose to acquire cash for festivities. This custom has a number of variations, though right this moment an imitation wren is used instead of an actual one.
The Eurasian wren, round which the traditions are based mostly, is a tiny hen within the household Troglodytidae. It’s the third-smallest hen present in Britain, and the one member of its household present in Europe.
Penguins
Penguins are flightless birds discovered primarily in chilly, southerly areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Just one species of penguin, the Galapagos penguin, is discovered within the Northern Hemisphere.
Though clumsy on land, penguins are wonderful swimmers. As a substitute of flying within the air, these aquatic birds use their quick, highly effective wings to ‘fly’ via the water.
Penguins are related to Christmas as a result of they dwell in chilly climates. They’re typically seen on Christmas playing cards alongside polar bears and reindeers. In actual life this could be inconceivable, as penguins actually dwell on the different facet of the world to polar bears and reindeers!
- You could find out extra about penguins on this web page: Penguin Information
- You may see photos and information on all of the several types of penguin on this web page: Penguin Varieties
Ox
- Scientific identify: Bos taurus
- Conservation standing: Home
The ox, along with the ass (or donkey) is a part of a standard Christmas nativity scene. Each animals are talked about within the E book of Isaiah.
Oxen are domesticated cattle which can be utilized in a variety of roles, together with transporting items and pulling ploughs. Cattle have been first domesticated over 10,000 years in the past.
Boar
- Scientific identify: Sus scrofa
- Conservation standing: Least Concern
The wild boar is a big member of the pig household Suidae. It’s discovered all through a lot of Europe and Asia and in elements of Africa. The wild boar has additionally been launched to North America and Australia.
A boar was historically a part of the Yuletide feast in Nordic nations. Norsemen would place their fingers on the Yuletide Boar and make oaths which they must fulfil.
Right this moment, pork continues to be a standard dish through the Christmas interval in Norway.
Rooster
- Scientific identify: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Conservation standing: Home
In Spain and Spanish-speaking nations all over the world, a Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), is well known on or round Christmas Eve. The celebrations typically contain a hen dish of some variety.
Roosters are male chickens. A home hen is a subspecies of purple junglefowl (Gallus gallus), a species native to tropical Asia.
Christmas Animals: Conclusion
We hope that you simply’ve loved discovering out concerning the animals related to Christmas in numerous elements of the world. What’s your favourite Christmas animal? Are there any animals we’ve not noted? Tell us within the feedback part beneath!
We wish to take this chance to want all of our readers a really completely satisfied Christmas!