My Childhood Fascination with Unicorns

As a young child growing up in Cleveland, Ohio I felt a bit closed in. Fantasy and enchantment was no where to be found in my house. So once I learned about the magical unicorn I was in heaven. For me the unicorn stood for freedom, beauty and power…three things I yearned for so deeply.

When my dad got an apartment, I chose a picture of a unicorn to adorn my bedroom wall. Recently I found that same picture online. I was shaken when I saw it, as I never realized that the unicorn in the tapestry was fenced in; trapped. It is named “The Unicorn In Captivity” …I must have felt that was me.

The picture you see here is the exact tapestry I am referring to. It’s actually a series of seven tapestries named “The Hunt of The Unicorn” dating from 1495–1505. The tapestries show a group of noblemen and hunters in pursuit of a unicorn. It is believed to have come from a culture in the Southern Netherlands.

Although I had a special bond with this creature, it wasn’t until a few days ago that I learned so much more about her.

Some interesting facts…
- The unicorn is found in the coat of arms for both United Kingdom and Scotland. Usually shown collard with a broken chain attached – shows broken free from its bondage and can not be taken again.
- Denmark royal thrones were made of “unicorn horns” and the same material was used for ceremonial cups because the horn was believed to neutralize poison.
- In religious art the unicorn falls asleep on the Virgin Mary’s lap as it was known to only be tamed by a Virgin; thus can only be mounted by virgins.
- A grouping of unicorns = a blessing of unicorns
- Only be captured by unfair means
- A unicorn symbolizes love, truth, purity, freedom, chase love, faithful marriage, protection from evil, pride, and they stand on their own
- They are fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary & mysteriously beautiful

So I have just written a song called LOVE IS A UNICORN.