The Donkey: a Very Special Animal at Christmas!
A Jamaican Christmas carol declares that, “….cow an horse an donkey an sheep, see the pretty little bwoy sleep…”
Indeed, this lowly beast of burden - the donkey - was a witness to the birth of Jesus Christ. This animal is special for being the major mode of transportation at the time of Jesus’ birth and likely to have carried pregnant Mary to Bethlehem before she gave birth.
Donkeys hold special significance for the Christmas season in some countries. In Italy, a donkey called Dominic is a well-known symbol of Christmas. This donkey, according to legend, helps Santa Claus deliver presents to good Italian children.
The donkey, brought to Jamaica by the Spaniards during the 15th and 16th centuries as a beast of burden, has also become a symbol of Christmas! In one Jamaican carol the donkey – though unwillingly – is described as having to take up the task of helping Santa Claus to distribute gifts to children when Santa had the misfortune of “ketching up in mango tree.”
In Jamaica, where there are neither chimneys nor reindeers, Santa Claus may at times be seen delivering his gifts riding a cart pulled by donkeys. Throughout the year, in some tourist resort areas in Jamaica, it is not uncommon to see donkeys well decorated with flowers looking like true Christmas animals.
A Jamaican Christmas carol declares that, “….cow an horse an donkey an sheep, see the pretty little bwoy sleep…”
Indeed, this lowly beast of burden - the donkey - was a witness to the birth of Jesus Christ. This animal is special for being the major mode of transportation at the time of Jesus’ birth and likely to have carried pregnant Mary to Bethlehem before she gave birth.
Donkeys hold special significance for the Christmas season in some countries. In Italy, a donkey called Dominic is a well-known symbol of Christmas. This donkey, according to legend, helps Santa Claus deliver presents to good Italian children.
The donkey, brought to Jamaica by the Spaniards during the 15th and 16th centuries as a beast of burden, has also become a symbol of Christmas! In one Jamaican carol the donkey – though unwillingly – is described as having to take up the task of helping Santa Claus to distribute gifts to children when Santa had the misfortune of “ketching up in mango tree.”
In Jamaica, where there are neither chimneys nor reindeers, Santa Claus may at times be seen delivering his gifts riding a cart pulled by donkeys. Throughout the year, in some tourist resort areas in Jamaica, it is not uncommon to see donkeys well decorated with flowers looking like true Christmas animals.
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