Bountiful Cornucopias
When it comes to fall decorations and especially thanksgiving table decor, floral cornucopia are something more than a classic centerpiece.
Let’s take a glimpse into the past and see where this holiday tradition actually started.
THE ORIGIN OF THE CORNUCOPIA
Not to sound like Gus Portokalos but, he did have a point
“ Now, gimme a word, any word, and I'll show you how the root of that word is Greek.”
The cornucopia , “ Horn of Plenty “ is a hollow, horn-shaped wicker basket that is typically filled with various vegetables, seasonal fruits and flowers.
In America the cornucopia is always associated with the Thanksgiving holiday, but it was actually around long before.
AMALTHEA AND THE HORN OF PLENTY
Cornucopia, or cornu copiae, translates literally to horn (cornu) of plenty (copiae). In the English language, it also means abundance. But while the word may have Latin roots, its origins are firmly planted in Greek mythology.
In Greek legend, the cornucopia actually refers to the horn of Amalthea, the name given to the goat who fed the infant Zeus on Crete. According to one version of the myth, Zeus broke off one of Amalthea’s horns and gave it to the nymph daughters of Melisseus. In so doing, he endowed it with the power to be filled with whatever its possessors desired.
Other accounts say Amalthea was herself a nymph who fed the god with the milk of a goat. When the goat accidentally broke off one of her horns, the nymph filled it with fresh herbs and fruit and gave it to Zeus as a gift. This may explain why for centuries, the cornucopia is depicted as a real goat’s horn filled with fruits and grains.
Whatever the reason for the horn being separated from the goat, Zeus is said to have so loved Amalthea that he placed her among the stars as the constellation Capra, (which is Latin for goat). Today we know her as Capricornus (horned goat), or Capricorn.
SYMBOL OF ROMAN ABUNDANCE
Still other stories associate the horn of plenty with Fortuna, the Roman goddess of luck, fate and fortune. As the giver of abundance, she is often depicted bearing a cornucopia.
Fortuna holding a cornucopia/Istanbul Archeology Museum
What It Symbolizes Today
Throughout the years the cornucopia has been used at festivals representing abundance and nourishment. The cornucopia stands as a symbol of prosperity being the coat of arms of Colombia, Panama, Peru, Venezuela and even appears on the state flag of Idaho. It has also been said that the cornucopia is lucky and will bring future wealth.
This Thanksgiving use a plentiful cornucopia overflowing with fresh flowers to decorate your table. The sweet fragrance will fill the room and it will be a nice reminder of the ways that your family has been provided for over the years. Use the centerpiece as a conversation starter and go around the table saying what you are thankful for.
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