Horses in old Christmas traditions

Horses have played a key role in Christmas celebrations throughout history, particularly in times when they were central to daily life and transportation. Their elegance and strength made them part of cherished traditions and cultural imagery during the holiday season.

1. The sleigh ride tradition

• The origin of sleigh bells: In cold climates, horses pulled sleighs over snow-covered roads, as wheeled carriages were impractical. To ensure safety on icy roads, bells were attached to horses' harnesses to alert others of their approach. The cheerful "jingle" of the bells soon became a symbol of Christmas joy and inspired the beloved song “Jingle Bells” written in the mid-19th century.
• Sleigh rides as festive activities: Wealthy Victorian families often arranged sleigh rides through snow-covered fields and towns during Christmas. Horses were adorned with red ribbons, wreaths, and bells, adding to the festive atmosphere. Families bundled up in blankets and sipped hot cocoa as horses gracefully pulled them through wintry landscapes.
• Symbol of romance: In stories and poems of the 19th century, horse-drawn sleigh rides symbolized love, romance, and togetherness during Christmas. For example, couples in small rural towns would enjoy moonlit rides, a cherished part of courting traditions.

2. Horses in victorian christmas traditions

During the Victorian era (1837-1901), Christmas became a more elaborate and festive celebration. Horses were central to this period’s holiday charm:

• Carriage rides: Wealthy families traveled in decorated horse-drawn carriages to attend Christmas church services, parties, and markets. Lanterns, wreaths, and greenery often adorned the carriages.
• Christmas markets: In European villages, horses brought goods and holiday supplies to Christmas markets. The sound of their hooves and bells added to the festive air.
• Horses in Christmas cards: With the rise of printed Christmas cards in the late 19th century, horses became popular imagery. Images of horse-drawn carriages traveling through snowy villages or pulling sleighs became synonymous with the holiday season.

3. Horses and Saint Nicholas

In parts of Europe, particularly the Netherlands and Germany, Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) was depicted riding a white horse.

• On the eve of December 5th, children left out their shoes filled with hay or carrots for Sinterklaas' horse. In return, the saint would leave small gifts like oranges, candies, or coins. This tradition highlights the horse as a trusted companion to the saint, symbolizing purity and nobility.
• The white horse was a symbol of light and guidance, reflecting the spirit of generosity during Christmas.

4. Horses in rural holiday life

For rural communities, horses were indispensable during the holiday season:

• Bringing families together: Horses were used to pull wagons or sleighs to bring extended families together for Christmas feasts and celebrations. A horse-drawn journey through snowy fields became an adventure and a cherished memory.
• Delivering holiday goods: Horses helped farmers transport firewood, Christmas trees, and goods like homemade pies or gifts to neighbors and towns.
• Carrying carolers: Groups of carolers often traveled by horse-drawn wagons or sleighs, singing through villages and spreading holiday cheer.

5. Horses in Christmas folklore

• The kneeling horse on Christmas Eve: An old European legend says that at midnight on Christmas Eve, animals are given the gift of speech or bow in reverence to honor the birth of Christ. Horses were said to kneel in their stables, a symbol of their quiet strength and loyalty.
• The Wild Hunt: In Scandinavian and Germanic folklore, horses were part of a mythical “Wild Hunt,” a supernatural procession that rode through the winter skies. While not directly tied to Christmas, it became part of winter storytelling traditions around Yule and the holidays.

6. Horses in Christmas art and decor

• Victorian Christmas art: Horses featured prominently in Victorian Christmas art, appearing in snow-covered pastoral scenes, pulling carriages or sleighs. These scenes emphasized coziness, nostalgia, and the joy of the season.
• Horse wreaths and stalls: Early barn traditions included hanging wreaths or greenery in stalls to honor the horses who worked so hard throughout the year.

7. The symbolism of the Christmas horse

Horses have long symbolized strength, loyalty, and grace—qualities that align with the themes of Christmas:

• Strength and perseverance: Horses carried families through harsh winters and snowy roads, embodying resilience and reliability during a challenging season.
• A Spirit of Giving: Horses worked alongside people to ensure families could celebrate the season, whether by delivering gifts, pulling carriages, or plowing snowy paths.

Modern celebrations inspired by old traditions

Today, horse-drawn sleigh rides, reenactments of Victorian Christmas scenes, and parades featuring decorated horses keep these old traditions alive. Many equestrian communities host festive events that harken back to these cherished customs, reminding us of the timeless role horses play during the holidays.