Mostly used as a contrast with the past, I think?
Rip Van Winkle
Wolf is Rip Van Winkle's Dog
Rip Van Winkle was created in 1819.
Some exaggerated parts in Rip Van Winkle include Rip's prolonged 20-year sleep in the Catskill Mountains, the dramatic changes that occur in the village and Rip's family during his absence, and the comically exaggerated description of Rip's wife, Dame Van Winkle, as a domineering and nagging figure.
Rip Van Winkle fell asleep for 20 years.
Rip van Winkle - Hellsing - was created in 2001.
Rip Van Winkle Bridge was created in 1935.
The cast of Rip Van Winkle - 1908 includes: Hobart Bosworth as Rip Van Winkle Betty Harte
Rip Van Winkle is a fictional character created by American author Washington Irving, and there is no specific birth date provided for him in the story. "Rip Van Winkle" was published in 1819.
Dame Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle falls asleep in the Mountains!
The Rip Van Winkle Caper was created on 1961-04-21.