We all know that unicorns symbolize purity, innocence and magic, so I’m going to help you better understand the symbolism of unicorns.
The meaning of the word Unicorn dates back to Middle English via Old French and comes from the Latin unicornis. In Latin, uni means “simple” and cornu means “horn”. In simple terms, a unicorn is defined as an animal with a horn.
Unicorns are generally regarded as mythical animals and are usually depicted as a white horse with a single, straight, often spiralling horn protruding from its forehead. Legend has it that the creature is tireless when chased, but humbly falls to the ground when approached by someone with a pure heart. It is reputed to live a thousand years and to be the noblest of animals ✨
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UNICORNS SYMBOLIZE INNOCENCE
Unicorns are strongly associated with the feminine and as such have traditionally appeared as a symbol of chastity, the divine power that nourishes all living beings, and an emblem of the word of divine presence. This is why it is often said that only a virgin can catch a unicorn.
Although some have interpreted this fact differently, stating that any woman can be granted this sweet friendship because age and condition are unimportant, and she only needs to possess purity of heart. For the unicorn does not need that she has never known the touch of men, but only that an unrestrained desire for that touch has not imprisoned her in her inner vision, or provoked her into a worldly quest.
THE UNICORN, SYMBOL OF THE FEMININE
Unicorns have also long been a representation of the Moon. This is another clear indication of their association with feminine energy. The association with the feminine “yin” energy is also evident in the mysterious, intuitive and magical characteristics attributed to the unicorn.
The feminine nature of the unicorn is so common in different cultures that it is often considered a valid archetype or universal energy model.
THE UNICORN, SYMBOL OF MAGIC AND WONDER
Often considered the most wonderful of all mythical creatures, the unicorn is also a symbol of magic, miracles and enchantment. The magical and enchanting unicorn appears to only a few people and has the ability to bestow magic, miracles and wisdom to those who are pure of heart and virtuous in their actions.
Nowadays, the unicorn is strongly associated with an overflowing imagination and a sense of wonder. Present in many children’s books, it also seduces adults with its mysterious and fantastic attributes.
CULTURAL SYMBOLISM OF THE UNICORN
The Unicorn Is One Of The Few Mythical Creatures considered beneficial in almost all traditions. Across many different cultures, the unicorn is universally beautiful, mysterious and difficult to capture or tame.
Unicorns have a place in Greek mythology, Chinese traditions, in the art of the Indus Valley and in India. Greek writers, including “Pliny the Elder” and “Aristotle”, mention the unicorn in their writings. Translators of the Hebrew Bible used “unicorn” for the word “re’em” and give at least eight mentions of the unicorn in the Old Testament.
TRADITIONAL MEANING OF THE UNICORN IN HERALDRY
- In heraldry, which is the practice of designing, granting, displaying, describing and recording coats of arms and heraldic badges, the unicorn has many meanings. It is often depicted as having the body of a horse, the legs of a deer, the tail of a lion, and a straight spiral horn that grows on its forehead, sometimes red and black.
- Another common representation in heraldry are unicorns depicted with a collar and a broken chain. This is said to symbolize the fact that they have freed themselves from slavery and can no longer be taken back.
- The unicorn is best known in heraldry for having been used as a support for the royal arms of Great Britain or Scotland.
Explore more interesting facts about unicorns and tips on unicorns at https://think-unicorn.com/
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