In Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Hungary there is a regular custom of setting a small sheaf of corn on a pole in the gable of the house or barn; and he would be thought a very curmudgeon who would refuse the birds their Christmas feast. The boys in Denmark say "It is for Santa Claus's white horse "; and this is suggestive of what probably originated the custom. There can be little doubt that it is a pre-Christian survival, and that the sheaf was at first intended for the mythical god, Odin and his horse Sleipnor.
But in the northern countries generally there is a prevailing notion that the lower animals ought to have a share in the Christmas bounty. St. Francis wished the oxen and asses to have extra hay and corn at Christmas, "for reverence of the Son of God, whom on such a night the blessed Virgin Mary did lay down in the stall between the ox and the ass". He thought that "All Creation"* should rejoice at Christmas, and the dumb* creatures had no other means of doing so. Accordingly in Silesia wheat is given to the beasts on Christmas Eve "to make them thrive ".
It was said that “If wheat be kept in one's pocket during Christmas service, and then given to the fowls, they will 150 Christmas Lore grow fat and lay many eggs ". This seems to belong to the large class of magical superstitions, according to which a blessing or a curse is conveyed by means of enchanted food or drink. In Norway there was usually a great brewing beforehand of Yule ale, of which a good portion was given to the cattle. This seemed quite in the spirit of Francis.
Even more so was a custom which lasted in longer in the west of England. On Christmas Day a double ration of provender is given to horses and other cattle "for luck"; and it is said that if this were neglected misfortune would certainly follow. Akin to this is a custom in some parts of Italy and Spain of scattering grain on Christmas Eve as a feast for the birds.
* All Creation in scripture is known as ktisis (Greek reference to entire universe including physical and spirit.)
* phrase "dumb animals" means - Innocent of the knowledge between good and evil. Scripture 2 Peter 2:12
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