“Buy horns”, “sell horns” - such announcements are often found today. But for some reason, such advertisements as “I will set the horns for a modest reward” or “break the horns at a reasonable price”, although these intentions are voiced quite often in everyday life. So what, in fact, is it about?
Mammals (in particular, representatives of the families Pronghorn and giraffe, rhinoceros, deer and bovine) proudly carry on their heads formations, called horns, derived from the skin of animals. Outwardly similar outgrowths of reptiles and beetles are called the same.
And deer are better!
Deer have special horns . In their composition, bone substance, it grows on the frontal stumps. Every year they are updated after the previous ones have been discarded, and the top of the hemp is covered with a cap of cartilage protected by the skin. These young “shoots” are called antlers, and they are very sensitive due to the high content of blood vessels and nerve endings. When the horns turn into ossified horns, the skin will burst and slide away from them.
Indigenous peoples of the north (for example, the Nenets) consider the antlers a delicacy and eat them, after singing on fire.
The Chinese and Koreans are now actively buying antlers in the north of Russia. It is known that such horns are indispensable in the production of medicines and health cosmetics.
Mass cutting of young horns takes place in the northern reindeer husbandry during the antler campaign.
And now - shaggy!
And (attention!) Champion - elk horns. Among current mammals, moose possess the largest crown. In males it weighs from 20 to 30 kg with a span of about 180 cm. But in females there are no horns.
The decoration of moose has a spade-like shape, also reminiscent of a plow. Therefore, the forest giant is also referred to as sax.
Sacred horns
In the life of ancient people, animal horns were used more actively than now. In ancient Eastern mythology and magic, they played a significant role. Horns - a frequent detail of the image of the gods, rulers and priests, symbolizing power.
And here are the horns in terms of scripture:
- mountain peaks;
- ledges or corners of the altar;
- rays of radiance;
- dominion, power, kingdom;
- directly king;
- reference to the Messiah;
- divine naming.
In Christian worship, the horn is identified with the cross.
Smart horns
Explanatory dictionaries indicate several more meanings of the word “horn”:
- This is the name of the vessel for alcohol, in the manufacture of which a hollow outgrowth is used.
- A curved pipe with an expanded end, serving to give a signal or as a musical instrument.
- Either the sharp or bent end of something, something sticking out.
- Cape (obsolete use).
- Often included in stable expressions: "from the cornucopia" (a lot), "twist into a ram’s horn" (crack down hard). In the plural: “instruct the horns” (change), “break the horns” (subordinate, make complaisant), “by the devil on the horns” (very far).
The practical value of the horns
Hunters, hanging a trophy in the form of horns of a house, believe that they are pumping up housing with positive energy.
Stylish items to add originality to the interior and souvenirs adorn the halls of hotels and clubs.
Craftsmen carve works of art from the horn.
Drugs from the antlers of a deer and elk relieve many ailments.
Depending on the breed, the number of branches, the size and age of the animal, the price of its horns also changes. On average, they can be sold or purchased for 12 thousand rubles. The cheapest cost 1.5 thousand rubles, and the most expensive - from $ 300 and above (for the highest quality and aesthetically attractive specimens).