Brimming with the fruits of the harvest, the cornucopia has become an important symbol of American Thanksgiving. Its origins go further back in time to the ancient Greeks. According to their myths, young Zeus gave his foster mother Amalthaea a goat's horn that could be filled with whatever she wished.
Through the years, the cornucopia or horn of plenty has been used in art and decoration to show that there is more than enough of the good things in life.
Whether you call it a cornucopia or a horn of plenty, the traditional basket filled with harvest time goodies such as grapes and apples is everywhere on Thanksgiving Day. Why not make cornucopia for yourself that lasts all year long?
You can either create your own cornucopia out of a cone of construction paper or find one ready-made at a crafts store. Fill it up with reminders of what's important to you--what you're thankful for this holiday and all through the year.
You might include:
- Pictures of your family, friends, and pets
- Shells from a beach trip or acorns from a walk in the woods
- A paint brush, if you like painting
- Autumn leaves in beautiful colors
- Dried flowers from a bouquet or from the garden
- A packet of seeds for planting next spring
- Anything else you like!
Your own cornucopia can be a reminder of the good things in your life. And don't stop collecting at Thanksgiving. A tiny, beautiful ornament, a special valentine, a lucky clover--all these small things that add joy to your days can be gathered into your horn of plenty.
Read more about harvest customs and more ways to decorate with cornucopias in the library and on the Web.
In the Library
All New Crafts for Thanksgiving, opens a new window
Provides instructions for creating a variety of Thanksgiving Day crafts, including pilgrim place cards, turkey napkin rings, cornucopia centerpieces, wreaths, puzzles, and favors.
Merrily Comes Our Harvest In, opens a new window selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Twenty poems--pick one or two to share on Thanksgiving Day.
My Very Own Thanksgiving, opens a new window by Robin West
A collection of Thanksgiving recipes and crafts, accompanied by information about the holiday.
Thanksgiving Crafts, opens a new window by Judith Hoffman Corwin
Everyday materials and step-by-step illustrated directions will appeal to teachers, club leaders, and children.
Thanksgiving Fun, opens a new window by Ronne Randall
Crafts and recipes for a memorable holiday.
This First Thanksgiving Day, opens a new window by Laura Krauss Melmed
A rhyming picture book (that also works as a counting book) that features children gathering a feast for that first shared Thanksgiving.
We Gather Together, opens a new window by Wendy Pfeffer
Tells how different cultures celebrate the harvest and has fun projects to try.
On the Web
AllCrafts.net: Thanksgiving, opens a new window
Make a cornucopia from bread dough. Or one from balloons. Or one using modern materials. Lots of Thanksgiving crafts here.
Cornucopia Paper Craft, opens a new window
Cut, color, and glue a cornucopia craft. You can choose templates in black and white to color or a colored version.
Sugar-Cone Cornucopia, opens a new window
Sweet party favors for the Thanksgiving table can also be used as name cards. Hint: use larger waffle cones for a centerpiece.
