Most countries have a holiday that is set aside for being grateful.
In America and Canada, we call that day Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a day we reflect on how blessed we are and our friends and family. It's a day we can forget the trials and troubles we go through and look forward to the future with an attitude of gratitude. Being grateful makes you feel renewed in mind, body, and soul. It gives you feelings of hope for the future.
Why a Cornucopia?
How is it Made?
Today the cornucopia is usually made from bamboo, basket-weaving materials, or ceramic pottery. While this fits into the decorating styles of most modern homes, the original cornucopias were made from a carved and hollowed-out goat's horn.
This decorative piece is smaller at one end of its horn but wide at the top to make it easier to decorate with fruits and vegetables. Sometimes decorative gourds were used as well. This simple centerpiece is also known as the horn of plenty. It began as a representation of how grateful people were to have food on the table and in their stomachs.
The Latin and Greek History of the Cornucopia
The word cornucopia is Latin and means horn of plenty, as previously mentioned. It represents the horn of a goat, even when made out of something other than a horn. Greek legend tells that the horn was presented to the god Zeus as a present, but there is no information on how that legend started.
The English did not hear of the cornucopia until the 16th century. Over the years, there were other legends about a cornucopia that was the source of endless food and drink. The closest thing you have to that today would be an all-you-can-eat buffet!
Thanksgiving is the time of year when everyone reflects on what they are thankful for today. The cornucopia should also be a reminder to give thanks for the bounty available to everyone throughout the entire year.
Make Your own Cornucopia!
The cornucopias commercially available may not reflect the things you are most grateful for, so create one yourself! You can create a cornucopia this Thanksgiving, and it doesn't need to be the traditional shape. It can be anything you want it to be. It's what it represents that matters the most. Make a cornucopia creation that represents things you are grateful for, and share that with family and friends this Thanksgiving season. We are all blessed beyond measure!
