“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
The fascinating story of its creation, marketing and becoming an essential part of the Christmas.
Origins of Rudolph
The character of Rudolph was conceived in 1939 by Robert L. May, a copywriter for the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago. At the time, Montgomery Ward was looking for a way to attract customers during the holiday season by giving away free coloring books to children. May was tasked with creating a unique character for this promotional effort, which led him to develop the story of a misfit reindeer with a glowing red nose, inspired by the tale of “The Ugly Duckling” and his own experiences of feeling like an outsider.
May initially considered several names for his character, including Rollo and Reginald, but ultimately settled on “Rudolph,” as it had a nice ring to it and fit well with the established names of Santa’s other reindeer from the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” published in 1823.
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A Visit From St. Nicholas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
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The story was written in rhyming verse and aimed to convey themes of acceptance and individuality. Despite some initial hesitations from Montgomery Ward’s management about the implications of a red nose (often associated with drunkenness), May successfully convinced them to proceed after presenting sketches of reindeer from a visit to a local zoo
During its first Christmas season, 2.4 million copies of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” were distributed, making it an instant hit among children.
Transition to Song
While May’s story gained popularity, it wasn’t until 1949 that “Rudolph” transitioned into song. Johnny Marks, who was May’s brother-in-law, saw potential in the character and decided to adapt the story into a musical format. Marks had previously written several successful songs but had not yet achieved significant recognition.
Marks crafted the lyrics for the song, which included an introduction referencing Santa’s original eight reindeer before highlighting Rudolph as “the most famous reindeer of all.” His composition was simple yet catchy, designed to appeal to both children and adults alike.
The song was first performed live on New York radio and later recorded by Gene Autry in June 1949. Autry’s rendition quickly became a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. charts during Christmas that year. This marked the beginning of Rudolph’s status as a holiday icon.
Cultural Impact
The enduring legacy of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” has led to numerous adaptations, including animated television specials and merchandise. The character embodies themes of resilience and acceptance, resonating with audiences across generations. The combination of May’s poignant storytelling and Marks’ memorable music has solidified Rudolph’s place in Christmas tradition.
In summary
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” originated from a marketing initiative during the Great Depression and evolved into one of the most beloved Christmas songs through the creative efforts of Robert L. May and Johnny Marks.
