Cornucopia

The cornucopia, (Latin Cornu Copiae), also known in English as the Horn of Plenty, is a symbol of prosperity and affluence, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Related Topics:
Latin - Horn - 5th century BC

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In Greek mythology, Amalthea raised Zeus on the milk of a goat. In return Zeus gave her the goat's horn. It had the power to give to the person in possession of it whatever he or she wished for. This gave rise to the legend of the cornucopia. The original depictions were of the goat's horn filled with fruits and flowers: deities, especially Fortuna, would be depicted with the horn of plenty. More modern images, such as those used in Thanksgiving murals, depict a horn-shaped wicker basket filled with fruits and vegetables.

Related Topics:
Greek mythology - Amalthea - Zeus - Goat - Fortuna - Thanksgiving

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In modern depiction, the cornucopia is basically a hollow, curved cone with no bottom. The cone is typically filed with various kinds of festive plastic fruit.

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The cornucopia is also a favourite design for corn dolly making.

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The sampo of Finnish mythology is also a source of plenty.

Related Topics:
Sampo - Finnish mythology

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