Saturday, June 29, 2013

How A Plush Unicorn Promotes Imagination

By Freda Watts


Choosing a plush unicorn as a gift for an infant up through the end of the stuffed toy stage in a child's life is an attractive option. There is nothing grotesque or ferocious in most of the renditions of the creature in the toy manufacturer's versions. The plush fabric is soothing and comforting to a young child as a carry-around toy and can take center stage as a bed decoration for a preteen who still believes in fairy-tale princesses.

According to stories and the artistic renditions of unicorns, this mythical creature varies in appearance and abilities. Usually it is described as similar to a white horse in size and configuration. From the center of the forehead, a single spiral horn protrudes. The horn is pointed and large. Some descriptions show the horn as sparkling. The animal is graceful and beautiful, but described as wild and shy.

Unicorns are purported to hold magical abilities. This is part of what makes the toys popular with young children. A soft and cuddly toy is a "security blanket" for protection against nightmares and fear of the dark. The unicorns are perceived as strong and able to fight off evil, making the youngster feel safe. Bedtime stories that feature unicorns are powerful to win out over danger. Being able to grasp the toy which enhances the sense of touch is beneficial for a young child seeking comfort.

There are early references to unicorns in ancient Greek literature. They were described as wild and untamed. The belief was that they could only be captured and killed by using a young, innocent girl as "bait". The creatures would be unafraid of the girl and trusting her, could then be killed by hunters.

The majority of depictions in art come from European Middle Ages. Some elaborate tapestry panels still exist from this time period which portray the hunters, the maiden and the graceful unicorn during the hunt. The animal is depicted as graceful, pure and yet strong. The creature was hunted because of the belief in the magical power of the horn. It was believed to banish illness and to serve as an antidote for poisoned water.

Over the years, a number of movies have been produced with the creature playing a minor role. These range from Disney type animated movies, usually featuring princesses in need of a protector. Medieval setting occasionally have a unicorn in the cast of players.

Today, this plush animal is popular as a child's toy or as a preadolescent bed decoration. The toy is made of durable polyester so that it can be cleaned. The horn is the perfect size for a child's hand to grasp. Unicorns come in a variety of sizes. They are often white, but may be pastel colors. Because they are suitable for young children, care is taken to avoid small parts that could cause choking.

A plush unicorn is a cuddle toy for a baby or toddler. It is a decorative item for a pre-teen bedroom. Cleaning the toy according to the instructions is easy to accomplish.




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