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Thanksgiving Cornucopia Meaning: Why Is the Horn of Plenty a Symbol of Thanksgiving?
There’s a whole lot of history regarding your favorite Turkey Day centerpiece.
By Madoline Markham Updated: Sep 13, 2023
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Jump to:
- What’s the history of the Thanksgiving cornucopia?
- Why is the cornucopia a symbol of Thanksgiving? And was there a cornucopia at the first Thanksgiving?
- What is the purpose of a cornucopia?
- How do you fill a cornucopia—and where should you display it?
- How should you style a cornucopia?
You probably made plenty of cornucopia crafts as a kid and know it has something to do with Thanksgiving, but what exactly is it? Here we give you a rundown of everything you need to know about the Thanksgiving cornucopia (pronounced kor·nuh·kow·pee·uh), its origins, and it symbolism.
Knowing a bit about the horn-shaped basket is super to take your Thanksgiving trivia skills next level. Sure you fill them in the fall and use the decoration as a Thanksgiving centerpiece to set the tone for your Thanksgiving dinner. But what do you fill it with? What is the history of the cornucopia? What does it symbolize and where does it appear in mythology? Not to worry, we have answers to all of those questions about this eye-catching decor item that goes far back in history—far before the the story of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving—for you. (Fun fact: Its origins date back to the times of ancient Greeks and Romans!)
Here’s to a fun conversation starter for your Turkey Day gatherings this year! And to that cornucopia on the table too!
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What’s the history of the Thanksgiving cornucopia?
The word “cornucopia” is derived from two Latin words: cornu, meaning “horn,” and copia, meaning “plenty.” A frequent presence in Greek and Roman folklore, the overflowing cornucopia was often depicted as a symbolic accessory carried by gods and goddesses like Hercules, Fortuna, and Demeter. It was first described as an actual animal “horn” taken from Amalthea, the goat nurse of Zeus. According to the ancient Greeks, baby Zeus was being cared for and fed by Amalthea when he broke off one of her horns, which began to emit a constant supply of food for him. That’s how this “horn of plenty” first came to symbolize prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
The pagan symbol was later adopted by Christians and used often in European harvest festivals to celebrate lush, bountiful crops. It was also used on currencies, coats of arms, and in church decorations.
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