National Unicorn Day is on Friday, April 9, 2027, and it falls on April 9 every year. It celebrates the one-horned creature of legend, a favorite of kids and fantasy fans alike. It’s also a fun day to learn how real history shaped the myth.
When Is National Unicorn Day?
It’s always April 9. It’s an unofficial day, celebrated mostly with themed parties, crafts and treats.
Who Started National Unicorn Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: Scotland’s national animal
The unicorn is Scotland’s national animal. VisitScotland says it first appeared on the Scottish royal coat of arms in the 12th century, under King William I. In Celtic mythology, it stood for purity, innocence and power.
When James VI of Scotland also became king of England in 1603, the royal arms paired England’s lion with Scotland’s unicorn.
What Is the Purpose of Unicorn Day?
To enjoy a bit of magic. The unicorn has appeared in art for centuries, from royal crests to famous tapestries, and still shows up on everything from toys to cakes.
Some of the most famous unicorn art hangs at The Met Cloisters in New York. The Unicorn Rests in a Garden was woven in the Southern Netherlands around 1495–1505, in wool, silk, silver and gilt threads.
How to Celebrate National Unicorn Day
- Bake a unicorn cake: top a white cake with a gold fondant horn, piped flower “mane” and pastel sprinkles.
- Make unicorn toast: spread cream cheese tinted in pastel colors and swirl with a knife.
- Craft horn headbands: roll felt into a cone and glue it to a plain headband.
- See the tapestries: visit The Met Cloisters, or browse the unicorn tapestries online.
- Read a unicorn story: try The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle for older readers.
- Learn about narwhals: the real “sea unicorns” make a great science lesson.
How Narwhal Tusks Became “Unicorn Horns”
Medieval Europeans bought narwhal tusks believing they were unicorn horns. The “horns” were thought to detect poison and cure illness, the Cleveland Museum of Art notes. One could be worth ten times its weight in gold.
In 1638, Danish naturalist Ole Worm showed they were narwhal tusks, and the trade faded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Scotland’s unicorn shown in chains?
The chains are often read as a sign of the unicorn’s wild power being tamed. The exact meaning isn’t settled, and interpretations vary.
Are narwhals real?
Yes. Narwhals are Arctic whales. NOAA Fisheries says the male’s spiral tusk is a tooth that grows through the upper lip and can reach 9.8 feet.
Where can I see unicorns in Scotland?
VisitScotland points to carvings at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh and at Delgatie Castle, among other places.