The Cornucopia

Cornucopia was first introduced into the English language in 1508. Cornucopia is also known as “the horn of plenty” and it is the emblem of the Stewards.

According to myth, when the young Zeus (Jupiter) was playing with Amalthea, the goat who had suckled him in a cave on the island of Crete, and gave him everything else he needed to survive, he accidentally broke off one of her horns. To make amends, Zeus promised that from that day forward, the horn would always be filled with whatever fruit she desired. As such, the Cornucopia came to symbolize the unasked profusion of gifts from the gods.

It has been used as an emblem of many deities, including Copia (Roman goddess of wealth and plenty who carries a cornucopia), Justitia (Roman goddess of justice), Spes (Roman goddess of hope), Honos (Roman deity of morality and military honor), and many others. The myth of the horn returns in the story of Hercules, who fights the river-god Achelous, who, having the power to change himself into anything, took the form of a bull. Achelous was the son of the ocean, and the god of the biggest river. Hercules breaks off one of the bull’s horns, but after generously returning it, receives from Achelous the horn of plenty - the cornucopia.

In Masonry, the cornucopia symbolizes peace, plenty and joy.