Where does the name Christmas come from in English? How old is the tradition of sending Christmas cards? In which plays of Shakespeare is Christmas mentioned? What does the kiss under the mistletoe foretell? Do deer see the “invisible” and can they fly? On the eve of one of the most beloved holidays, the Internet is full of interesting and curious facts about the upcoming celebration and the accompanying traditions, symbols, dishes.
Interesting facts about Christmas
The earliest mention of December 25 as the Nativity of Christ is in the Roman calendar from 354 AD. It remains a mystery why this date was chosen. Some believe that it is a continuation of the ancient Roman Saturnalia – pagan festivals in honor of the god Saturn, which began after the harvest during the winter solstice. According to others, the date marks the nine months after the Annunciation on March 25.
The name Christmas (Christmas) in English comes from the Old English expression Christ’s Mass, first mentioned in 1123.
The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in 1843 by the British Sir Henry Cole. Cole’s first Christmas card was created by artist John Calcott Horsley. In fact, it was not until 1883 that Christmas cards began to be called Christmas cards.
The earliest English reference for a Christmas tree dates from 1835 and for a Christmas pudding from 1858.
The only two Shakespearean plays that mention Christmas are “The Vain Efforts of Love” and “Taming the Shrew.”
The pandemic will not prevent children from following Santa’s movement
The first song released from space – on December 16, 1965, was “Jingle Bells”. In fact, the popular Christmas song was originally written in 1857 for Thanksgiving.
Interesting facts about mistletoe:
Mistletoe is one of the symbols of the upcoming Christmas holiday. The twig serves not only for decoration – the kisses under it portend a happy year, harmony and health.
There are about 1,300 species of mistletoe in the world. About 20 of them are classified as endangered.
Christmas Eve is one of the most important holidays in the Bulgarian tradition
The plant is a parasite – it burrows its roots into a host tree, from which it sucks nutrients.
Despite its parasitic existence, mistletoe is an important part of the ecosystem, as several species of birds, butterflies and bees rely on its fruits, leaves and nectar.
According to Norse mythology, the fruits of the mistletoe are the tears of the goddess Friga, who brought back to life her murdered son Baldur.
It is believed that any woman who refuses to be kissed under a mistletoe twig will be overtaken by bad luck.
Mistletoe fruits contain the poison foratoxin, so it is not recommended to swallow.
Interesting facts about deer:
Deer are known to be Santa’s constant helpers in delivering gifts. In fact, these animals cannot fly, but they are excellent swimmers and can see the invisible.
Are reindeer and caribou the same species?
In North America, reindeer are often called caribou, but experts differ on their species. A genetic map published in the journal Nature Climate Change for Rangifer tarandus species, including reindeer and caribou, reveals the migration patterns of these mammals over the past 21,000 years. It turns out that they are different animals, but are close cousins.
Reindeer have “smart” legs
Unable to change their “boots with sandals”, reindeer do the next smartest thing – their foot pads widen and become “spongy” in the summer, improving their movement through the “softened” tundra. In winter, they shrink, exposing their hooves so that the animals can move through the snow and ice, and even dig with them.
Females have horns
Only among more than 45 species of deer, reindeer females also have antlers. Males shed their horns at the beginning of winter and females later. This means that Santa relies on a women’s team.
The surprising fate of deer antlers
Reindeer change their antlers every year. However, old horns are not just a waste, but a delicacy for rodents and other animals due to the abundance of calcium and minerals.
Deer have practical coats
Deer coats are hollow hair that traps air and provides good thermal insulation in harsh environments.
Deer cannot fly, but they can swim
Thanks to their special coats, reindeer are also excellent swimmers.
Deer migrate great distances
Not all reindeer migrate, but those that do do so travel longer distances than any other land animal. Some North American deer travel nearly 5,000 kilometers a year.
Reindeer see the invisible
Researchers at University College London have found that reindeer are the only mammals to see ultraviolet light. This ability improves their visibility in dazzling Arctic light.
Deer have been fleeing since birth
By 90 minutes after birth, the deer is able to run. Hours after its birth, it can run several kilometers.
The amazing milk of reindeer
Deer milk is among the richest and most nutritious, produced by any mammal on Earth. It contains an impressive 22 percent fat and 10 percent protein. By comparison, cow’s milk contains only between 3 and 4 percent fat.
Interesting facts about the main products of the Christmas table:
On Christmas day, the turkey occupies a prominent place on many tables. Before becoming a traditional Christmas dish in Britain, for example, it was replaced by the goose. Another popular product of the holiday table is Brussels sprouts.
Turkey
Only turkeys make a specific squeaking sound.
A study published in 1997 showed that turkeys preferred males with longer leathery appendages around their necks.
The sex of the turkeys betrays their feces – those of the males are spiral, and of the females – in the shape of the letter J.
According to Benjamin Franklin, turkeys are more respectable and more suitable as a national symbol of the United States than the bald eagle, which, according to the statesman, is a bird with “bad morals”.
The turkeys were imported into Britain in 1526 by the traveler William Strickland. About 10 million turkeys are eaten in the country every year at Christmas.
Goose
Before turkeys took their place, geese were the traditional Christmas dish in Britain, especially among the poor. If they “get rid” of the table, the geese can live up to 25 years.
The only Oscar-winning film to feature a goose derivative in the title is the 1964 comedy Father Goose with Carrie Grant and Leslie Caron.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts have been grown in Belgium since the 13th century, hence its name, although the vegetable was also known to the ancient Romans.
The ancient Chinese recommended Brussels sprouts as a remedy for stomach problems.
The leader in the consumption of Brussels sprouts per capita is the United Kingdom. The vegetable plantations in the country are equal to the area of over 3200 football fields.
The reason many people do not “like” Brussels sprouts is its specific taste, which is due to the TAS2R38 gene.
In 2014, Britain’s Stuart Kettle climbed Snowden Peak, pushing Brussels sprouts with his nose for a charity. His initiative lasts four days and 22 hours. During this time, Kettle used 20 cabbages.
The record for the most eaten “cabbages” in one minute – 31, with the help of a cocktail stick, was set in 2008 by Linus Urbanek (Sweden).
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