The unicorn is one of the most popular mythical creatures that seem to exist in many cultures. In the West, the unicorn is often depicted as a beautiful, slender white horse with a spiral horn on its forehead. Unicorns only appear to the pure of heart according to some legend, perhaps that is why so few of us have seen one. Although the unicorn’s behavior and appearance differ depending on location, it was generally considered indomitable and wild in the Western world, while in the East it was gentle, peaceful, meek, and said to bring good luck.
In the West, the unicorn was first mentioned by a Greek physician and historian of Persia and India, Ctesias, in 398 BC. According to him, unicorns lived in India. Ctesias described the creatures as “wild asses that are as big as a horse, or even bigger. Their heads are dark red, their bodies are white, and their eyes are deep blue. The horn on their forehead is quite long, about half a meter long.” the horn was also described as white at the base, dark brown or black in the middle, and with a sharp red tip. People believed that the horn possesses healing abilities. It became very fashionable among royalty and nobility in the Middle Ages to have a drinking cup made of unicorn horn, as it was supposed to detect poison. The animal appears to be a mix of Himalayan antelope, Indian rhinoceros, and wild ass.
In China, their unicorn is called Qilin or Chilin/Kilin. The Chinese unicorn is considered one of the four sacred beasts: Qilin, Phoenix, Dragon and Tortoise. Qilin is also considered a creature of great power and wisdom. Its appearance was always considered a sign of good luck. The Chinese believe that Qilin can only appear during the time when there is a wise and kind ruler or during the time when these great leaders are about to die or be born.
In the West, the unicorn is a symbol of strength, agility, endurance, wisdom, perseverance, and joy. It also represents hope, purity, grace and love. While in China, this sacred creature is a symbol of good luck, protection, and wisdom.
