Santa's Reindeer

[Viking01]

Perhaps some-one can assist me with an answer to a simple question.

I was asked recently which country do Santa's reindeer hail from, and
I had to admit that I didn't know the answer.

I have done a number of Google searches today, but could not find a
satisfactory answer.

I was very reluctant to ask some of my Scandinavian friends, especially
in these politically sensitive times, just in case I suddenly found myself
in the middle of some kind of Scandinavian turf war.

The Dutch side of the wider family have already insisted Dunder en Blixem
were Dutch ('thunder' and 'lightning'), but I just know the Germans in the
audience will disagree and insist that they were actually German (simply
a common mispronunciation of Donner und Blitzen).

So, which country do they come from ?

Are they Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, German, Russian (even) ... ?

Please, no, I hope they're not Russian, not after this last year and all
its political troubles. I don't want to have to try and explain how Santa
managed to get air traffic approval for flight across North American air
space with Russian reindeer.

Anyway, if one of you kind people could assist me, that would be very
much appreciated. I look forward to your replies.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy 2018 to you all.

Cheers,
Viking

[Laava]

I hate to be the one to tell you this...but here goes...Santa isn't real! It was probably your dad that ate the milk and cookies and def your parents that left the presents...sorry about that!

[ellipsis]

...disneyland...

[T.W.R]

Reindeer depicted as Santa's reindeer come from Lapland In Finland

[ellipsis]

Reindeer depicted as Santa's reindeer come from Lapland In Finland


...the dancers came later...

[T.W.R]

...the dancers came later...

:puke: you seen the majority of laplandic females....they'd leave skid marks a mile long :eek:

[ellipsis]

:puke: you seen the majority of laplandic females....they'd leave skid marks a mile long :eek:


...that sounds like stereotyping to me...Lapp boys probably think they are cool, which temperature wise would equate...

[T.W.R]

...that sounds like stereotyping to me...Lapp boys probably think they are cool, which temperature wise would equate...

Sami people keepin the gene pool tight for centuries :msn-wink: can you tell who the females are :scratch:

http://humanitieswest.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/lapp-800x423.jpg

[husaberg]

Sami people keepin the gene pool tight for centuries :msn-wink: can you tell who the females are :scratch:

http://humanitieswest.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/lapp-800x423.jpg
Easy they are the ones who can't parallel park the sled, Or read the map.

[russd7]

Sami people keepin the gene pool tight for centuries :msn-wink: can you tell who the females are :scratch:



an overtly happy looking bunch

[oldrider]

Perhaps some-one can assist me with an answer to a simple question.

I was asked recently which country do Santa's reindeer hail from, and
I had to admit that I didn't know the answer.

I have done a number of Google searches today, but could not find a
satisfactory answer.

I was very reluctant to ask some of my Scandinavian friends, especially
in these politically sensitive times, just in case I suddenly found myself
in the middle of some kind of Scandinavian turf war.

The Dutch side of the wider family have already insisted Dunder en Blixem
were Dutch ('thunder' and 'lightning'), but I just know the Germans in the
audience will disagree and insist that they were actually German (simply
a common mispronunciation of Donner und Blitzen).

So, which country do they come from ?

Are they Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, Dutch, German, Russian (even) ... ?

Please, no, I hope they're not Russian, not after this last year and all
its political troubles. I don't want to have to try and explain how Santa
managed to get air traffic approval for flight across North American air
space with Russian reindeer.

Anyway, if one of you kind people could assist me, that would be very
much appreciated. I look forward to your replies.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy 2018 to you all.

Cheers,
Viking

They are Australian! - Ask any Aussie! :rolleyes:

[TheDemonLord]

They are Delicious....

[Viking01]

They are Australian! - Ask any Aussie! :rolleyes:

Oldrider,

Greetings. Thanks for the reply. At least you didn't try and "shoot down my
sleigh", unlike the writer who even questioned Santa's existence. Let alone
the reindeer.

But I think this Australian link might be a little tenuous. I think what you may
be referring to are those "kangaroos with the fake antlers" that they put up
in some of those Australian malls (so Cassina reliably informed me).

Not very convincing, I know. But then again, considering the audience that
Santa has to play to across the waters, it's probably enough to do the job.
No offence intended to our Australian neighbours.

Cheers,
Viking

[granstar]

Mr-Sir Attenbourgh did a docu in Norway some time ago, here is a snippet that may allude to the answer?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq9pLiNLNrY

But wait, don't rush off to lick your candy cane, there is more... Finland Lapland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_E9TBPeDl0

But burning question (pun) what is the secret ingredient in super lichen?

https://files.merryjane.com/uploads/article/hero_image/2657/presents_SQUARE.jpeg

[Viking01]

Mr-Sir Attenbourgh did a docu in Norway some time ago, here is a snippet that may allude to the answer?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq9pLiNLNrY

But wait, don't rush off and lick you candy cane, there is more... Finland Lapland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_E9TBPeDl0

But burning question (pun) what is the secret ingredient in super lichen?

https://files.merryjane.com/uploads/article/hero_image/2657/presents_SQUARE.jpeg


Granstar,

Greetings, and thanks for the two videos you posted. I think that we may be
close to the answer.

TWR mentioned earlier that the reindeer hailed from Finland (herded by the Sami
people). And I think that he's probably right. Full marks.

As it so happens, a Finnish friend of ours dropped in for a visit (and for a pre-
Christmas beverage) last night, so I asked her what was the situation. She was
most adamant.

Her words were: "Santa's reindeer come from Finland. There is no doubt at all.
Yes, of course, the Norwegians and the Swedes may try to say otherwise, but
I would dump that claim into the same basket as Australian Pavlova is placed".

So, there you have it, straight from the reindeer's mouth, so to speak. [I did
say that this might be a contentious subject for Scandinavians].

While the first video clip you posted - from the BBC with David Attenborough -
was well presented, I still have my doubts. Not only was it filmed in Norway,
but "water training for reindeer in preparation for the big night" - well, yes,
plausible, I suppose, but I'm not convinced.

I found the second video clip far more convincing. First of all, you had the
"big man himself" presenting, and then he started talking about what the
reindeer like to eat (their liking for lichen, and for magic mushrooms).

I mean, if you were going to have to do a "big trip" and stay awake for an
extended period of time?

So I think that I'm leaning towards the Finnish option at this stage. I'll keep
an open mind, just in case new information comes to hand.


As to your last question: What is the special ingredient in super lichen?

Well, I'm not sure that I can answer that question. I will however ask the wife,
as she is the forensic toxicologist in the family.

I will however say that in the photo you also posted, I'm not sure that it was
lichen that Santa was carrying in his bag. They look awfully like some of the
Police samples that I've seen submitted to the wife's lab for drug analysis.
And it may also account for his perpetual smile. Just saying.

Cheers,
Viking

[Viking01]

Granstar,

Apologies. In my haste, I forgot to add some further information that my Finnish
friend later emailed through to me last night. She also said:

"Santa's main residency is in Finnish Lapland, in the town of Rovaniemi on the
Arctic Circle . You can check it here: https://www.santaclausvillage.info.

As a part of his large estate there is a special area called "Santa Claus Reindeer
Resort" occupied by his reindeer ( www.santaclausreindeer.fi ).

As far as I am aware, this Reindeer Resort is still in Santa's ownership (i.e. it has
not been outsourced or sold to a global corporation)".

So, there you have it. Fairly conclusive proof, I would think.

Cheers,
Viking

[oldrider]

I am going to stay awake and catch him (Santa) as he goes by and will ask him the direct questions - I will get back to you with his account! :wait:

[pritch]

On the basis of nothing whatsoever I would have assumed that Lapland existed prior to the formation of the modern states of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. I would not dream of questioning you friend from Finland though.

[granstar]

Hey, just hang for a few days and ask the gent in person, hyvää joulua.

[george formby]

Hmmm, I think we have a problem, Houston.

Apparently St Nicholas, the Patron Saint of pressies, is Turkish.... What a delight!

So, perhaps, as traditions go, Turkey should have more consideration.
I think the Finnish determination to "own" Santa & his Reindeer is a corporate decision. The only other Finnish exports I can think of are pine and vodka. They need the money!
If you dig deep enough I'm sure you will find our modern reindeer were historically camels.

Just sayin.

[Viking01]

On the basis of nothing whatsoever I would have assumed that Lapland existed prior to the formation of the modern states of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. I would not dream of questioning you friend from Finland though.

Pritch,

Indeed you are right. Sweden did possess some of the land attributed to modern
Finland until the early 1800's, at which point the Finnish state then slowly came
into being.

The area known as Lapland was split across both countries up until that point,
but with various changes in boundaries over time, it is now defined as a region
solely within Finland.

I think that in the past, the Sami reindeer herders (also fishermen and trappers)
effectively migrated across the boundaries of modern day Norway / Sweden / Finland
as they wished, but that became more difficult in the 1900's. It appears that the
Sami people effectively become Finnish citizens as of the 1970's.

However, it appears that the association of Lapland with Santa Claus came about
in 1927, when proposed by a Finnish radio host [ credit: Wikipedia ]. Due to an
abundance of snow, and all those pines and spruces (but no larches).

Just goes to show the benefit of "being in first" with an idea, and capitalising
upon it.

As for doubting my Finnish friend, no, I wouldn't do that either .... 8-)

Cheers,
Viking

[granstar]

Perhaps why turkeys appear in supermarket freezers where reindeer roasts don't?


Ahhh wooops; a bit slow at delivering that, maybe NZ Post has a job for me :killingme

[george formby]

Perhaps why turkeys appear in supermarket freezers where reindeer roasts don't?


Ahhh wooops; a bit slow at delivering that, maybe NZ Post has a job for me :killingme


Christmas is a conspiracy, fake festivities!

Reindeer may be on the menu. Apparently Sara the Sami Lap shepherd has been told to cull his Reindeer flock, he's not happy! A new export venture for - Norway? (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/22/norway-court-clears-way-for-controversial-reindeer-slaughter):pinch:
This conspiracy deepens...

[granstar]

Have a merry Winter Solstice all :scooter:

[Swoop]

I was asked recently which country do Santa's reindeer hail from
"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Have a merry Winter Solstice all :scooter:
Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.:rolleyes:

A joyous solstice to you all!

[ellipsis]

...garlic is ready...

[husaberg]

"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.:rolleyes:

A joyous solstice to you all!

Well my grandma got run over my a reindeer....

[GazzaH]

I've been to Lapland.

They told me: in the summer, the Laplanders fish and make love.

In Winter, they can't fish.

Laplanders are cool. Literally and figuratively.

[Viking01]

"Santa", much like jesus or "god" doesn't exist.

Yes. The Winter Solstice happening so close to x-mas... What a co-incidence.:rolleyes:

A joyous solstice to you all!


Well, you may be right (in that Santa doesn't exist), but I've always had quite a bit
of fun over the years, having to wear the red suit and dish out presents to children.


Maybe I'll just finish with a link to Tom Lehrer's "Christmas Carole", and whatever
your beliefs may be, perhaps still take note of the final lines:

https://youtu.be/DtZR3lJobjw

Cheers,
Viking

[granstar]

Heh its a bit like me telling kids when you hear the van play Greensleeves, means its all out if icecream.

[Luckylegs]

The only other Finnish exports I can think of are pine and vodka.

And a couple of notable hockey players

[Grumph]

The only other Finnish exports I can think of are pine and vodka.


And a couple of notable hockey players

You're forgetting the rally drivers....If centuries of inbreeding can produce drivers of that quality, when can we see some from the West Coast ?

[husaberg]

You're forgetting the rally drivers....If centuries of inbreeding can produce drivers of that quality, when can we see some from the West Coast ?
Line breeding ps one of your cats is on the loose again...........
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11964754

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hbyVkTIck

[Viking01]

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