Name Yourself Day
About National Unicorn Day
When is National Unicorn Day? This holiday is always observed on April 9
Today is National Unicorn Day. On this April 9 holiday we celebrate the mythical one-horned, horse-like creature and its long-storied legend. Now, we refer to the existence of magical Unicorns as a myth. But, not everyone agrees. Some people believe they once roamed the earth. And, most of us truly wish they were real. Notably, there is no fossil evidence to support their existence. However, there are pictures of them on cave walls from thousands of years ago. And, over those thousands of years, there have been many sightings all over the world.
Do Unicorns exist? Did they ever roam the earth? Or, are they simply a popular myth? Just ask any young girl these questions. She will enthusiastically, say yes! And, many adults believe in their existence, too. Certainly, if you took a survey, about their existence, almost 100% of respondents would say “Yes” or “I hope so”.
What is a Unicorn?
The mythical Unicorn is described as a horse or sometimes as goat-like. In early Greek literature, it is a white horse-like creature with a single horn on its head just above the eyes. The horn is conical in shape coming to a point at the tip. The horn is often described as having several different colors. They are a symbol of awe, fantasy, happiness, and wonder.
One-horned creatures are indeed rare. There are only nine animals known to have a single horn on its head. They are:
- Indian Rhinos
- Javan Rhinos
- Naso Fish
- Narwhals – The Unicorns of the Sea.
- Cassowaries
- Horned Silkworm
- Rhinoceros Beetles
- Rhino-horned Lizards
- Unicorn Crestfish
Did You Know? The Scientific name for Rhinoceros is Rhinoceros Unicornis.
The Legend of the Unicorn
We all would like to believe Unicorns once existed, and that Noah somehow missed bringing them aboard the Ark before the rains began to fall. Unfortunately, there is no evidence whatsoever that these enchanting creatures once roamed the earth. So, we must conclude they are mythical. And, this is where the legend begins.
Historians believe Unicorn stories and sightings first occurred in early Mesopotamia around 2,000 B.C. Reference to unicorns is found in the ancient writings of several cultures. Also, there are drawings on cave walls. The earliest written references come from India. Descriptions of them were similar to the Indian Wild Ass. They may have been mistaken for Indian Rhinoceros. During the Middle Ages and the Rennaissance.
Each culture described their appearance a little differently. And, they described the behavior and traits similarly, too. Unicorns are known as elusive woodland creatures. Unicorns are very fast and almost impossible to catch. According to legend, a unicorn can only be caught by a virgin. Sorry, we don’t know how a unicorn knows a young girl is a virgin. He probably looks to see if there is a ring on her ring finger. Upon seeing a virgin sitting down, a Unicorn will crawl into her lap. Then, it will quickly fall asleep in the comfort and safety of the virgin’s lap. They shy away from all other people. As a result, few people have ever seen them.
Their horns contain magical properties. It is believed that drinking from their horn will cure epilepsy, it protects you from stomach ailments, and it protects you from poisoning. It also heals other sicknesses, too. The only problem is trying to get a unicorn horn as they don’t like to stand still long enough for you to get their horn..
Movies with Unicorns
What better way to enjoy National Unicorn Day than to watch a movie with them in it!? Usually, these elusive creatures have a short or a cameo role in the movies. Here are a few you may want to watch:
- Blade Runner (1982)
- Fantasia (1999)
- Legend (1986)
- Stardust (2007)
National Unicorn Day Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some interesting Unicorn trivia and fun facts to learn as you celebrate this mystical holiday:
- A baby Unicorn is called a “Sparkle”.
- They are peaceful creatures. They do not bother people or attack unless they are provoked.
- Unicorns are the National symbol of Scotland.
- Cavemen drew pictures of them on cave walls several thousand years ago.
- The horn is called an “alicorn”.
- Marco Polo described them as “Ugly creatures”.
- Young virgins have power over them.
- Narhwal tusks have been sold as Unicorn tusks.
- The Hebrew bible word for unicorns is “Re’em”.
- King James of England once poisoned a servant to test whether a unicorn horn would neutralize the poison. The servant died.
- The State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan issues permits allowing you to hunt them around the Lake Superior area. To date, no one has been successful.
- In the 17th century, powdered unicorn horns were worth up to ten times their weight in gold.
How to Participate in National Unicorn Day
Participating in National Unicorn Day is simple and easy. And, it’s lots of fun. Here are some ways to enjoy this holiday:
- Learn more about Unicorn mythology.
- Go out and actively search for them. Maybe, you will find one in your backyard, or a nearby park. Have your camera ready.
- Watch a movie with them in it.
- Buy a book about them.
- Give a Unicorn stuffed animal to a child.
- Listen to the Unicorn Song. Sing along.
- Grade school art teachers can have the class draw pictures of them.
- Make Unicorn cookies, cakes, or cupcakes.
Today's Quote
“Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.” – – Khalil Gibran
History and Origin of National Unicorn Day
Our research did not find the creator or the origin of this day. It is obvious to us that the creator of this holiday is someone who truly loves Unicorns. The earliest reference we found to this holiday was in 2015.
We found no documentation in congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – Learn why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Here are a couple of things that happened on National Unicorn Day:
- Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, ending the Civil War. (1865)
- Bob Hope’s first appearance on television. (1950)
- Actor W. C. Fields was born on this day in 1879.
Related Holidays
People who like National Unicorn Day will also like these mythical holidays:
More April 9 Holidays
In addition to National Unicorn Day, here is another April 9 holiday we are sure you will enjoy:
More About Today
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Recipe of the Day: Broccoli Soufflé
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Did You Know? In addition to National Unicorn Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.