Thanksgiving is a special holiday for many reasons, but what makes it so unique is the fact that it is the one major holiday that is centered around a meal.

According to lore, Thanksgiving began as the celebration of a bountiful harvest. It was – and still is – a time to reflect and give thanks through a meal shared with friends and loved ones.
One of the most iconic symbols of Thanksgiving is the cornucopia. Often called the “horn of plenty,” cornucopias represent an abundance of food and nourishment, and serve as a visible reminder of meaning of the holiday.

While cornucopias are most closely associated with Thanksgiving, their origin can be traced all the way back to Greek and Roman mythology. Cornucopias are even depicted on the state flags of Idaho and Wisconsin.

With food being the center of attention at Thanksgiving, the table itself an important part of the holiday as it often serves as the hub of the day’s activities. Long after the food is enjoyed and the dishes are put away, the cornucopia and other autumn-inspired centerpieces remain to serve as a reminder of the prosperity and good things in life for which we give thanks.