If it’s April 9, then it’s time to celebrate National Unicorn Day. This unique holiday is a whimsical tribute to many people’s favorite mythical creature – the unicorn. If it feels a little silly to celebrate something made up… that’s sort of the point. This holiday invites us all (even the cynical realists among us) to revel in the magic, purity, and joy that unicorns have come to symbolize.
The mythical origins of unicorns date back thousands of years. Ancient Greeks believed that these one-horned creatures roamed the distant lands of India, describing them as fierce and powerful. Over the years, unicorns became symbols of purity and grace; some legends claimed that unicorns could heal sicknesses and purify water with their horns. It’s worth noting that unicorns hold a particularly special place in Scottish heritage – they are both the country’s national animal and have appeared on its coat of arms since the 12th century.
Unicorns continue to pop up in modern culture, too. Just this month saw the release of the creature feature flick ‘Death of a Unicorn’ (during which Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd accidentally run over and kill a unicorn, obviously). Pretty much every woman between the ages of four and 50 has either played with a My Little Pony unicorn or drooled over a Lisa Frank folder with a picture of a purple and pink one-horned pony on it. There’s no escaping the allure of the unicorn; and why would there be?
So, how can you celebrate National Unicorn Day? Here are some fun, imaginative ways to make the festivities delightful:
Host a unicorn-themed party for one or a hundred. Deck your space with sparkly streamers, vibrant balloons, and unicorn motifs. Serve pink- or rainbow-colored treats and encourage guests to dress in unicorn-inspired attire. (Think glitter, tulle, and wispy materials!)
Engage in unicorn-inspired arts & crafts activities. Assemble festive crafts, like unicorn masks, or draw unicorn art, or assemble unicorn puzzles. You can also step outside, take a walk, and look for unicorns in the real world – who knows, maybe you’ll spot one! (Or you can just pretend you did, if your kids are young enough to believe you.)
Press ‘play’ on films that feature unicorns. While ‘Death of a Unicorn’ might be a little heavy for holiday viewing, there are plenty of other options that can set a magic mode. We highly recommend the 1982 classic ‘The Last Unicorn’ – and in a pinch, you can just watch Agnes be obsessed with her unicorn plush in ‘Despicable Me.’
Culturally, we celebrate unicorns because they embody the wonder and innocence of childhood. Unicorns represent the magic of possibility – and the allure of the unknown – making them much more than just mythical creatures. Their enduring presence in literature, art, and pop culture underscores humanity's fascination with the magical, as well as the power of our imaginations.
National Unicorn Day is celebrated with colorful parties, glittery crafts, unicorn-themed treats, and a general celebration of imagination and creativity. Unicorns have appeared in ancient myths from Greek, Roman, Indian, and Chinese cultures, and they are known for their magic, purity, and enchantment. In the 21st century, the unicorn has become a symbol of rarity and uniqueness, even serving as an LGBTQ icon.
The word ‘unicorn’ comes from the Latin words unus, meaning one, and cornu, meaning horn. Thus, the word unicorn translates to ‘single horn.’ Unicorns are mostly white and black, and they have been around for an estimated 6,000 years. They are known to live in groups of five, and a baby unicorn is affectionately called a sparkle.
Unicorns have also made their mark in history. In 2000 BC, they were a common feature on soapstone stamps in the Bronze Age, depicted with bodies more like cows. By 400 BC, Greek historian Ctesias described the unicorn as the size of a horse, with a white body, purple head, blue eyes, and a cubit-long horn. From 1460 to 1488, King James III issued coins depicting the unicorn, which is the natural enemy of the lion, England’s national symbol.
In the 18th century, London pharmacies sold powdered unicorn horns as a general treatment, stemming from the belief that they could heal wounds. The unicorn’s image has appeared on the British coat of arms since 1707, symbolizing the joining of Scotland and England.
In modern times, unicorns have maintained their cultural relevance. In 2017, Starbucks launched its Unicorn Frappuccino, tapping into the trend of colorful, whimsical food and drinks. The unicorn continues to enchant people of all ages, reminding us of the beauty of imagination and the joy of childhood.
So, whether you’re baking cupcakes frosted with colorful swirls and edible glitter, or crafting a unicorn headband adorned with faux flowers, take a moment today to appreciate the magic of unicorns. After all, who wouldn’t want a little more sparkle and joy in their life?
