One of the quintessential decorative symbols of Thanksgiving and one that frequently graces Thanksgiving dinner tables as a centerpiece is not rooted in American History. Our Boyd’s Flowers team of floral designers have worked hard to create a cornucopia centerpiece that is sure to transform your Thanksgiving dinner tablescape.
The History Behind This Important Thanksgiving Symbol
The cornucopia dates back to the 5th century B.C. The story about its origin is rooted in a Greek myth about Zeus, the king of Greek Gods. Zeus was the son of Cronus and Rhea. After Zeus was born, Cronus became increasingly afraid that his son would grow up to overthrow him. Determined to prevent that from ever happen, Cronus fully intended to do away with his son.
Rhea wasn’t going to allow that to happen. She sent Zeus away to protect him. She sent him to live in a cave on Mount Ida where the goat Almathea would be his foster mother. One day when the two were playing, Zeus accidentally knocked Almathea’s horn off her head. She immediately turned into a unicorn. The horn she lost acquired magical powers. Eventually, Zeus was so wracked with remorse, he returned her horn to her.
Because of the horn’s magical powers, any time Almathea wished for something, it would fill the horn. Her horn was constantly filled with fruits, nuts, and flowers. She never wanted for anything.
Throughout the centuries, artists have used the cornucopia as a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and in connection with yearly harvests. That is the context in which it is used during Thanksgiving. Cornucopia centerpieces were (and still are), often filled with decorative gourds, miniature pumpkins, ornamental corn, sprigs of wheat or other grains, fresh fruits, nuts, dried fruits, and last but not least, flowers.
Our Boyd’s Horn of Plenty is true to its name. We fill it with enormous yellow sunflowers, large orange roses, solidaster, pretty autumn leaves, hypericum berries and some greenery. We also place some curly willow at the top. This cornucopia is sure to be a conversation starter on your Thanksgiving Day table.
