Unicorns, with their single spiraling horn and graceful horse-like form, have captured imaginations for thousands of years. National Unicorn Day, on April 9, celebrates these mythical creatures and all things magical. Today, unicorns appear on everything from birthday cakes to backpacks, and they symbolize individuality, wonder and the idea that something rare and special is worth believing in.
History of National Unicorn Day
Stories of unicorns go back to ancient times. Around 400 BC, the Greek writer Ctesias described a wild one-horned animal from India, and later writers, including Pliny the Elder, repeated similar accounts. These descriptions may have been inspired by real animals, such as the Indian rhinoceros.
In medieval Europe, the unicorn became a symbol of purity and grace. People believed its horn could neutralize poison, and so-called unicorn horns were valued as treasures. Many of these were actually narwhal tusks brought from the Arctic. The famous Unicorn Tapestries, woven around 1500, are displayed at The Met Cloisters in New York City.
The unicorn is also Scotland's national animal and appears on the British royal coat of arms. In recent decades, unicorns became a popular pop-culture symbol, inspiring colorful foods, fashion and toys. Who created National Unicorn Day is not documented.
Why National Unicorn Day Matters
Unicorns encourage creativity and imagination. Celebrating them is a fun way to embrace playfulness and the idea of being one of a kind.
The unicorn's history also connects to real science and art, from narwhals to medieval tapestries.
Unicorn imagery has also become a symbol of inclusion and celebrating differences. In business, a 'unicorn' is a startup valued at more than one billion dollars, a term coined in 2013 because such companies seemed as rare as the mythical creature. Whether in art, language or play, the unicorn stands for the idea that rare and remarkable things are worth looking for.
How to Celebrate National Unicorn Day
- Throw a unicorn party: decorate with rainbows, glitter and pastel colors.
- Make unicorn treats: bake cupcakes with swirled frosting and a cone 'horn'.
- Read unicorn stories: explore myths and picture books.
- Learn about narwhals: discover the real animal behind many 'unicorn horns'.
- Create art: draw or craft your own unicorn.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a unicorn theme is a lighthearted way to celebrate team 'unicorns', colleagues whose rare skills make a difference, with small awards or shout-outs. In classrooms, students can research the history of unicorn legends, learn about narwhals, and write creative stories featuring their own magical creatures. Art classes can design unicorn-inspired patterns. At home, families can make unicorn toast with colored cream cheese, bake rainbow cupcakes, or create unicorn headbands from cardboard and ribbon. Visit an aquarium or watch a documentary to learn about narwhals together.
Fun Facts About National Unicorn Day
- The unicorn is Scotland's national animal.
- Many medieval 'unicorn horns' were narwhal tusks.
- The Unicorn Tapestries were woven around 1500.
National Unicorn Day FAQs
When is National Unicorn Day?
National Unicorn Day is April 9.
Are unicorns real?
No; unicorns are mythical, though stories may have been inspired by real animals like rhinoceroses.
What is Scotland's national animal?
The unicorn.
What animal's tusk was sold as a unicorn horn?
The narwhal.