In holiday lore, animals have a special place in the celebration of Christmas and many Christmas plays and outdoor nativity scenes showcase animals such as donkeys, camels, sheep, oxen and goats. There are also many legends surrounding animals at Christmas. Animals frequently adorn Christmas cards and they can also be used in Christmas clip art or Christmas crafts.
This page contains information about and links to a variety of different kinds of Christmas animals.
Christmas Animal Legends
- Animals are able to speak at midnight on Christmas EveBlog: The Night The Animals Talk (December 25, 2005)
- Cattle kneel on Christmas to worship baby JesusSuite101.com: Legendary Animals (December 13, 2007)
- Indian lore believes that deer kneel on Christmas night and look at the sky in praise of the Great SpiritSuite101.com: Legendary Animals (December 13, 2007)
- An English legend holds to the belief that bees would gather on Christmas Eve to hum a hymnSuite101.com: Legendary Animals (December 13, 2007)
- Tabby cats were given the stamp of the letter "M" on their heads, as thanks from Mary for comforting baby Jesus after his birthSuite101.com: Legendary Animals (December 13, 2007)
Dogs Singing Christmas Songs
This hilarious video features a variety of different breeds of dogs all barking their hearts out to a catchy Christmas tune.
Featured Video
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
According to the Bible, animals were present in the manger when baby Jesus was born
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Fact:
Mary rode into Bethlehem on a donkey
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Fact:
St Francis of Assisi used live animals in his nativity plays
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Fact:
Santa Claus rides in a reindeer-drawn sleigh
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Fact:
Animals frequently adorn Christmas cards
