Pictures of Night Before Christmas: See How Santa Spent His Eve!

Background of the poem “Night Before Christmas”

Clement Clarke Moore, a professor of oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College in New York City, is credited with writing “The Night Before Christmas”. The poem was originally published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel on December 23, 1823. It soon became popular and was reprinted in numerous newspapers, magazines, and books. The poem’s popularity can be attributed to its lively and imaginative description of Santa Claus and his magical delivery of presents on Christmas eve.

The poem’s influence on Christmas traditions in America

“The Night Before Christmas” helped to popularize the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly, rotund, white-bearded man wearing a red suit and hat. The poem also established the trope of Santa Claus arriving on a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeer, which became an icon of Christmas folklore. The poem’s description of Santa Claus coming down the chimney to deliver presents to children has also become a popular element of Christmas stories and movies.

The various adaptations of the poem in popular culture

“The Night Before Christmas” has been adapted into numerous forms of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and music. Some notable adaptations include the 1969 stop-motion animation “Frosty the Snowman” and the 2004 animated feature “The Polar Express”. The poem has also been set to music, with Bing Crosby’s 1942 rendition of the poem becoming a classic. There have been numerous parodies and adaptations of the poem as well, including “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, which reimagines the poem’s narrative as a dark and gothic fantasy.

Controversies surrounding the authorship of the poem

Despite being widely attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, there has been some controversy over the authorship of “The Night Before Christmas”. Some scholars believe that the poem was actually written by Major Henry Livingston Jr., another New Yorker who published a similar poem in 1808. However, the evidence supporting Livingston’s authorship is inconclusive, and most scholars and literary experts continue to credit Moore with writing the poem.

Depictions of the “Night Before Christmas” in Art

“The Night Before Christmas” has been a popular subject for artists, particularly as illustrations in books. The first illustrated edition of the poem was published in 1844, and since then, many renowned illustrators have added their own interpretations to the work. One of the most iconic illustrated versions of “The Night Before Christmas” is Arthur Rackham’s 1931 edition, which features rich, detailed drawings of Santa Claus and his world of toys and sweets. Another notable illustrator of the poem is Thomas Nast, who produced a series of illustrations for “Harper’s Weekly” in the late 19th century that helped to establish the modern image of Santa Claus.

Photographic Depictions of the “Night Before Christmas”

Starting in the 19th century, “The Night Before Christmas” was also depicted in early photographic recordings of the poem in tableaux vivants. Christmas cards featuring photographic interpretations of the poem became popular in the early 20th century, showcasing scenes of Santa Claus and his reindeer in charming, vintage styles. In recent years, humorous depictions of the poem have become more prevalent, with photographers introducing playful and even absurd elements into their depictions of Santa Claus.

Social Media and the “Night Before Christmas”

With the rise of social media, “The Night Before Christmas” has become a popular topic for sharing and promoting during the holiday season. Hashtags such as #NightBeforeChristmas and #TwasTheNightBeforeChristmas have been used to spread the poem online, and online challenges like the “Twelve Days of Christmas” have been adapted to incorporate the poem’s themes. Memes and parodies of the poem have also appeared on social media, highlighting its continued relevance in the digital age.

FAQs:

1. What is the significance of “The Night Before Christmas” in American culture?
The poem helped to popularize the modern image of Santa Claus and established many iconic Christmas traditions in America, such as Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, and his delivery of presents down the chimney.

2. Who is credited with writing “The Night Before Christmas”?
Clement Clarke Moore is credited with writing the poem, though there has been some debate over whether it was actually written by another New Yorker, Henry Livingston Jr.

3. What are some notable adaptations of “The Night Before Christmas” in popular culture?
Some notable adaptations include the stop-motion animation “Frosty the Snowman” and the animated feature “The Polar Express”. The poem has also been set to music, with Bing Crosby’s 1942 rendition becoming a classic.

4. Who are some notable illustrators of “The Night Before Christmas”?
Arthur Rackham and Thomas Nast are two of the most iconic illustrators of the poem, with their drawings establishing many of the modern visual elements associated with Santa Claus.

5. How has “The Night Before Christmas” been shared on social media?
Hashtags like #NightBeforeChristmas and #TwasTheNightBeforeChristmas have been used to promote the poem on social media, and online challenges have incorporated its themes. Memes and parodies of the poem have also appeared online.