Cornucopia
The cornucopia is a symbol of abundance, and it’s a popular decoration for Thanksgiving tables and other autumnal celebrations. Cornucopias are typically made of fruit- or vegetable-shaped hollow horns and filled with fruits, vegetables, grains and other foods representing the harvest. The cornucopia sits in the center of the table to welcome guests with an offering of plenty as they enter your home.
Cornus comes from Latin corona meaning “crown” or “wreath.” It refers to the shape of this plant’s leaves which resemble a crown or wreath. For centuries in classical mythology the cornucopia has been associated with Zeus (or Jupiter), the king of gods who presided over the festivals where people blessed their harvests by celebrating his bountiful gifts.
Fillings
Fillings can be anything you like. It is best to keep them small and versatile, however, since the main idea is to make sure the cornucopia will hold together well during transport. Consider putting in plenty of different foods, such as nuts, gourds and Indian corn (also known as “popcorn”), cookies or candy bars. Don’t put in too many nuts because they are heavier than other items and might make the base heavy; don’t put in too many cookies because they have a tendency to crumble when you carry them around all day at school or work; don’t put in too much candy because children love it and they won’t be able to resist eating it before they get home!
Horn
The horn of plenty is an ancient symbol that represents fertility, abundance and prosperity. It is a great decoration for Thanksgiving as it reminds us of the bounty to be thankful for. The horn-shaped vessel was first used by the ancient Greeks who believed it was capable of magically producing an endless supply of food and drink. The symbol has been adopted by many cultures throughout history including Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
The traditional goat’s horn can be used to make your own horned lantern centerpiece or figurine, but if you don’t have access to one you can use any round object in its place: apples, orange slices or even wine bottles work well!
The horn of plenty is a great decoration at Thanksgiving!
The horn of plenty is a great decoration at Thanksgiving! It’s filled with mini gourds, Indian corn and nuts. The horn of plenty is a symbol of abundance and was first used in ancient Greece.
Cornucopias and the Past, Present, and Future
Hopefully, you enjoyed learning some internet factoids about the history of cornucopia. The symbol is rich with meaning and significance. It emphasizes the importance for everyone to stop and reflect in an attempt to gain a better thankful understanding of where we came from in order to move forward with our own lives as we transition into a new season anticipated with prosperity of another bountiful future.
Bake Your Homemade Bread Dough into a Cornucopia or Witch's Hat!
Equipment
- Non-Stick Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
- Traditional White Bucket of Bread For the Traditional White, using the bags, mix this up with about ¼ cup less water. So 1 large bag, 1 yeast bag, and about 295 grams of lukewarm water. This will give you a stiffer dough that forms easier when making this and other recipes beyond just plain bread.
- Hearty Wheat Bucket of Bread
- 1 Egg
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Form aluminum foil into a cone and stuff it with additional foil to stiffen it up.
- Bend the small end of the cone to form the shape of a cornucopia (not too much as the foil will need removed after baking).
- Roll out some of the risen Traditional White dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut thin strips no wider than 1/4 inch.
- Start at the small end of the cone and begin wrapping the strips of dough around the non-stick foil. It helps to over lap the layers so no foil shows through any gaps.
- Work on wrapping the dough towards the larger end of the foil cone pushing together any new strands that need to be added.
- Use a small amount of Hearty Wheat and Traditional White dough and roll each out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut two 1 inch wide wheat strands and one 1 inch wide wheat strand and braid them together.
- Push the braid onto the last portion of the large end of the cone covering the edges.
- Egg wash the dough cone to cover as much surface as possible.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds onto the egg washed dough.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 mins.
- Place cone on rack to cool.
- Carefully remove foil.
- Place as a center piece to a wonderful fall meal
- Be thankful!
Video
Notes
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Google has more information on the history of the cornucopia and its symbolism in various cultures! Click here!
