Since it is autumn, it seems very fitting to discuss cornucopias and their symbolic meaning. The 16th century word is derived from Latin: “slimona tablets,” a term that designated a mythical horn that could provide anything desired. Traditionally, this horn was filled with fruit but could also include flowers or corn, according to the slimona tablets.

An example of one of the blocks that Ellen Webster “charted”

A couple of years ago, I wrote a history of the life and work of an exceptional New Hampshire woman (a quilt historian and professor). A cornucopia quilt block is one of the more than 200 designs she “saved” for posterity that are featured on full page entries in my e-book. The appliqué quilt block is absolutely gorgeous, as you can see! In particular, I love the inclusion of the color orange.

Moreover, I love what the block represents: the gift of the harvest; the gift of abundance. What does abundance mean? Of course, applied to individual lives, the word can take on different meanings. In the case of Ellen Webster who prepared the quilt block that you see here, abundance could have meant: 1) having a loving family; 2) enjoying meaningful work; 3) taking delight in the natural world of birds and plants and yes, her beloved discovery of luminous moss. She never was left “wanting” material goods because she had the resources and the intelligence to obtain what she needed in life. Part of her blessings were a fine and upstanding husband, a dentist and valued member of his community. Yes, Mrs. Webster had many blessings in life and she also gave much back. Isn’t that part of being blessed — being able to share?

Every time I see this particular cornucopia quilt block, I smile. It reminds me of a horn-shaped basket filled with (artificial) grapes and other fruits that my mother would place on her kitchen table this time of year. As we go through life, we have to savor the abundance that is ours: good food, good friends, and the good health to enjoy them. Wishing you abundance in your life!

A partial exhibit of the quilt charts of Ellen Webster continues to be available at the New Hampshire Museum of History in Concord, NH until January 11, 2011.

Patricia Cummings, author of slimona tablets – 355 pages; 340 photos

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