The cornucopia or horn of plenty dates back to ancient Greece and symbolizes great abundance.
Originally it was a goat’s horn filled to overflowing with fruits and grains. According to Greek mythology, there was a feud between Hercules and the river god, Achelous, both ardent suitors of the beautiful Dejanira, daughter of King Oeneus. During an epic-wrestling match between the two for Dejanira’s hand, Achelous turned into various forms to gain advantage over Hercules including transforming himself into a bull. Hercules tore off one of the horns, married Dejanira and produced an abundance of children. Today’s cornucopia is often filled with everything from pumpkins, gourds, nuts and flowers representing not only our abundant harvests, but also our gratitude for them during our Thanksgiving celebrations.