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The ox and the donkey belong in almost every nativity scene – but they are not mentioned at all in the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke. The reason these two animals still stand beside the child goes back to a verse by the prophet Isaiah and to later legends. Here you will learn how the donkey ended up in the nativity scene and what other role it plays in the Bible and tradition.
Is the donkey at the manger in the Bible?
In the Gospel of Luke, it only says that Mary laid the child in a manger because there was no room in the inn. No mention is made of animals. However, the manger as a feeding trough brings to mind a stable – and thus animals.
Where do the ox and the donkey come from?
The verse in Isaiah
In the Book of Isaiah (Chapter 1, Verse 3), it says in essence: The ox knows its owner and the donkey the manger of its master. Early Christian interpreters interpreted this sentence as a reference to the birth of Jesus: Even the animals recognize who lies there in the manger.
Legends and artistic tradition
Later, non-biblical narratives elaborated on the birth story and explicitly included the ox and the donkey. Since late antiquity, both animals have appeared in depictions of the birth of Jesus. With nativity plays and home nativity scenes, they finally became a permanent part of Christmas.
What the ox and the donkey symbolize
The interpretation of the two animals has changed over time. They often stand for humility and modesty: The child is not born in a palace, but among working animals. The donkey, as a content and patient animal, fits this image particularly well.
The donkey in the Bible – more than a nativity animal
| Scene | Role of the donkey |
|---|---|
| Journey to Bethlehem | In pictures and nativity plays, Mary rides on a donkey – a tradition that the biblical text does not explicitly mention. |
| Flight into Egypt | In many paintings, a donkey carries Mary and the child. |
| Palm Sunday | Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey – as a sign of a peaceful king. |
| Balaam's donkey | In the Old Testament, the donkey sees an angel before its rider notices it. |
The cross on its back
Many donkeys have a dark cross-shaped marking on their shoulder and back. A legend connects it to the entry into Jerusalem. Biologically, it is an innate coat marking. Learn more in the post The cross on the donkey's back.
Donkeys in tradition and Advent
- Nativity plays: In many communities, real donkeys take part in nativity plays.
- Christmas markets: Living nativity scenes with donkeys, sheep, and goats are a crowd-puller.
- Palm Sunday: In some places, processions with a donkey or wooden donkey commemorate the entry into Jerusalem.
Anyone who experiences donkeys on such occasions quickly notices: They remain calm as long as they are in familiar company. Learn more about the nature of the animals in Are donkeys stubborn?
A gift with a history
Donkeys have accompanied humans for thousands of years – and with them a special milk that was already considered precious in antiquity. Anyone who wants to give something rare for Christmas will find ideas in the post Give donkey milk as a gift.
A rare gift for the holidays
The Mini Duo combines fresh donkey milk and donkey milk powder in a small introductory set – ideal for anyone who likes to try new things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the ox and the donkey appear in the Bible?
Not in the Christmas story itself. Their role at the manger goes back to the interpretation of an Isaiah verse and to later legends.
Why does the donkey stand on the left and the ox on the right?
There is no fixed rule. The arrangement varies depending on the region and nativity tradition.
Did Mary really ride a donkey to Bethlehem?
The biblical text does not mention a donkey. The idea comes from tradition and art, but it is plausible because donkeys were common riding and pack animals at the time.
Why did Jesus ride on a donkey on Palm Sunday?
The donkey was considered a mount of peace. A king on a donkey stands in contrast to a military commander on a warhorse.
