The cornucopia is a traditional symbol of happiness, good luck and material well-being. Like many other symbols, it came from ancient mythology. There are at least 2 versions of the origin of the cornucopia.
The ancient Greeks were of the opinion that the cornucopia was created by the great Zeus himself. According to the myth, the future lord of the gods spent his childhood in a cave on the island of Crete, where Rey's mother hid him from his father, the formidable titan Kronos. The fact is that Kronos was predicted that one of the children would deprive him of power, and he swallowed the babies immediately after their birth.
The nurse of Zeus was the sacred goat Amalfeus, whose name translates as "bearer of wealth." In gratitude and memory of her, Zeus made one of her horns a symbol of wealth. Since then, he has turned into an inexhaustible stream of happiness, prosperity and prosperity. It is believed that the horn is able to endow a person with not only material, but also spiritual benefits.
In ancient Rome, coins with the image of the cornucopia were minted, so the plot of the ancient Greek myth found its material embodiment. The Romans believed that the goddess of fortune Fortune endowed people with wealth and prosperity flowing from their horns. No wonder she was often portrayed with a cornucopia in her hands.
According to another version, the greatest Greek hero Hercules, in the heat of battle with the river god Acheloy, broke off one horn to him. However, after the battle, the generous winner returned his trophy to Acheloy. In gratitude, the deity gave Heracles the cornucopia, which was the very horn of Amalfei. In another version of the myth, Hercules gave Achelos horn to the nymphs, who filled him with apples and other gifts of nature.
Sometimes the cornucopia was depicted in the right hand of the goddess of justice Themis. Also, its origin was associated with the kingdom of the dead. It was believed that it belongs to Plutos - the god of countless underground wealth. Plutos could also be identified with the lord of the underworld, Hades.
In the hands of Fortune, the cornucopia could symbolize not only material wealth, but also love, family happiness and the joy of motherhood. In addition, he was considered a symbol of femininity and was associated with the birth of numerous offspring.
In medieval legends, the cornucopia turned into the Holy Grail. It was believed that those who drink from the grail will receive the forgiveness of all sins, immortality and many other blessings. Some versions said that even contemplating the cup could bring temporary invulnerability, or at least provide the knight with food and wine. In the works of Renaissance art, small winged cupids were often depicted scattering food from the cornucopia.
