So, just was is the deal with these wonderful and mystical animals associated with Santa Claus. Well according to ROBA (Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association) Reindeer are of the family Cervidae-which means deer. In the case of reindeer, males & females both grow antlers, that are deciduous, solid antlers which grow from permanent bases or pedicles on the frontal bones of the skull; genus-Rangifer (reindeer and caribou), species-tarandus (reindeer). That’s the technical/scientific description. Farm raised reindeer are curious, friendly, likeable animals. They are easy to fence, feed and train to pull. Exhibition at Christmas and brood stock sales make them profitable, too! Reindeer look a lot like their wild North American cousins, the caribou, but are somewhat (8-10 inches) shorter, and there is a difference in color. Reindeer are believed by many to be the first domesticated animals with a written reference to herding in a 9th century letter from Norway’s King Ottar to Alfred the Great which mentioned his fine herd of over 600 reindeer.
Santa's Reindeer Is It Donner Or Donder? "Donner" means thunder in German. "Donder" is the Dutch word for thunder. So it can be pernounced either way."Blitz" means lightning in German. "Blitzen" is the verb form of "Blitz." That's why Donner and Blitzen are at the back of Santa's team. Their names mean Power. Dasher and Dancer are at the front of the team. They are the smaller of the Reindeer and easier for Santa to steer. Rudolph was not one of the original reindeer. He was added later for a guiding light through the winter fog. Santa’s reindeer live at the North Pole and are cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a few specially trained elves. Even though there are only nine, they are not listed as a threatened or endangered species. The life expectancy of Santa’s reindeer is infinite. There have been no deaths or fatalities, though some very close calls have been reported due to slippery roof tops and heavy jet traffic around the Los Angeles airport. The nine reindeer are named: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner/Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph. They are all extremely agile, quick, and friendly. Little more is known of Santa’s reindeer. They remain well loved and rarely seen, though several reports of harness bells and hoof sounds on roof tops are reported each Christmas Eve.
To checkout a Real Working Reindeer Ranch ~ Go to The Double R Reindeer Ranch in Midlothian, Texas.
I also invite you to visit my website at SantaClausNorthwest
