Cornucopia - Meaning, History, Tips and Suggestions

A cornucopia, pronounced korn-yoo-KO-pee-uh, is a horn-shaped container. It is a time-honored symbol, long associated with Thanksgiving, that symbolizes abundance. It is also known as the "horn of plenty" and is usually filled with an assortment of the Earth's harvest.

Although it is usually a symbol of Thanksgiving, it was symbolic well before this holiday existed. The word 'cornucopia' actually dates back to the 5th century BC. It derives from two Latin words: "cornu," meaning horn (as in the name of that one-horned creature, the "unicorn") and "copia," meaning plenty.  Thus, "cornucopia" literally means horn of plenty, and the names are used interchangeably.  

History

The cornucopia was usually depicted as a curved goat's horn, filled to overflowing with fruit and grain and nuts, but could actually have been filled with whatever the owner wished. 

Cornucopia - Meaning, History, Tips and Suggestions

Today, the cornucopia often finds its way to the Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece. It is made like a basket and filled to overflowing with fresh flowers and fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Many people have such a basket that they bring annually to their local flower shop to be filled anew with a harvest of seasonal products. 

Most florists carry cornucopias and keep them on hand during the Thanksgiving season.  A horn of plenty centerpiece looks great on a Thanksgiving table or side buffet table arranged with flowers, dried wheat, or cattails, too.  Florists can use their design skills to come up with all different types of cornucopia arrangements using lotus pods, nuts, and dried fruit.  Gourds or miniature pumpkins can be used as well.

A cornucopia is a perfect symbol of gratitude for all that we have - and all that we wish to share.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Cornucopia - Meaning, History, Tips and Suggestions

Author Laura M. Scott is an expert on plant care, an award-winning floral designer, and owner of Gingerbread House Florist and Gifts in Raleigh, NC. She designs and creates cornucopias during the holiday season. Visit Gingerbread House Florist and Gifts on the web at [http://www.raleighfloristnc.com]

Laura's shop delivers flowers and plants anywhere in the world.

Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

Humans have long believed the eye symbol to be an amulet that wards off evil spirits. History references the use of "evil eye" beads in the ancient Orient and Sumeria from 3000 B.C. This belief is still prevalent in Turkey and areas of the Middle East, where many believe that when someone sees your good fortune and is envious, some type of bad luck will befall you. In fact, it is thought that any type of praise, even well meaning, has some form of greed and jealousy attached, and can cause harm. In that part of the world people with colored eyes are believed to be especially harmful with their unusual and enchanting gazes.

To protect against the negative energy of envious looks, people of Middle Eastern societies often use an evil eye bead, or talisman, to redirect the bad spirits back onto the world and keep the bearer safe. Turkish people call the bead "Nazar Boncuk" and versions of it are seen everywhere in their culture. Whether it is displayed at the entrance to a home or office, attached to a baby's clothing, or hung from a car mirror, the intent is the same, to disperse the bad luck away from the owner.

History

Evil eye beads are a single eye image typically set in a blue background color. Usually they are made of glass but other materials include agate, common stone, and Lucite. Blue is symbolic of water and prosperity in the Middle East, where it is a precious resource. Red is also a common color, as Jewish lore associates red with luck and good fortune.

Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

There are many different colored evil eye beads used in jewelry, and they are worn as a fashion accessory as well as a good luck charm. A brief search on the internet reveals evil eye beads sold as charm bracelets, pendants, rings, and anklets. Thanks to on-line websites one can find antique and newly manufactured beads alike, in an assortment of styles and sizes to coordinate with any wardrobe. As a result they are becoming more visible in Western cultures. Look for them to become collectible items, especially in jewelry as their popularity grows.

Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

Wanda Fitzgerald is a Florida native and an vintage charm collector who loves to share her adventures in an e-commerce jewelry business with anyone who is interested. Visit her vintage charm bracelet blog to learn more about all types of vintage jewelry, and her vintage charms [http://www.thecharmcellar.com] web store, The Charm Cellar, to purchase vintage charms.