# Why Unicorns Enchant Little Girls‘ Imaginations - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-do-girls-like-unicorns-so-much/ - Published: 2023-11-17 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Basic knowledge & Meaning](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/meaning/) --- As a parent of two young girls, I‘ve seen first-hand the magical spell unicorns can cast over little kids‘ imaginations. Unicorns star in my daughters‘ books, movies, games, and fantasies. Their rooms overflow with unicorn toys, school supplies, clothes and more. Clearly these mythical horned horses have gained an almost cult-like following among girls. But what is it about unicorns that makes them so universally beloved by the elementary school set? Let‘s take a closer look at the phenomenon. ## A Long Legacy of Legend and Lore While unicorns may seem like another glittery cartoon creation to today‘s kids, they actually have a long mythological history spanning cultures worldwide. In ancient Greek writings, unicorns were described as fierce, swift wild animals with healing powers. According to Pliny the Elder, the unicorn‘s horn could act as an antidote to poison. Later European tales portrayed unicorns as symbols of purity, grace, and power. Only virgins were said to be able to tame them. In Chinese myths, unicorns were auspicious omens foretelling the birth of a great ruler. The Chinese unicorn, sometimes called a qilin, resembled a dragon more than a horse. The Japanese unicorn, known as a kirin, was seen as a protector of the innocent. Across these cultures and legends, unicorns were rare, exotic creatures with abilities to heal, protect, and foretell the future. Their elusiveness just seemed to amplify their mystical allure. ## Magical Abilities Appeal to Kids‘ Imaginations Modern fictional unicorns retain this aura of magic and mystery. From the sparkling mane of My Little Pony‘s Twilight Sparkle to Harry Potter‘s doomed friend Uni, today‘s unicorns represent extraordinary powers. Kids love imagining what special gifts unicorns might have – maybe they can grant wishes, talk to woodland creatures, shoot rainbows out of their horns! In a 2016 survey by toy brand Animaccord, 35% of girls aged 5-12 said unicorns were their favorite imaginary animal, topping mermaids, fairies, and dragons. Clearly the unicorn‘s magical abilities strike a chord with young female imaginations. As child psychologist Sandra Rastogi told NPR, "I think for many young girls, there‘s a fantasy that someday you will be recognized as the secretly beautiful, magical thing that you are." ## A Rainbow of Color and Possibility Visually too, unicorns represent an explosion of color, sparkle, and possibility. With their rainbow manes and tails, unicorns inhabit brightly colored fantasy worlds where anything can happen. Lisa Frank, creator of the vibrantly hued unicorn and rainbow branded school supplies popular in the 90s, said, “Unicorns are so popular because they’re different, because they’re mythical, because they’re fun.” More recently, The New York Times noted the unicorn trend embodies "the innocent, imagination-infused pastel vision of childhood so many millennial women seem to crave right now." ## Innocence, Purity and Princess Appeal Along with their magical abilities, unicorns symbolize purity, gentleness and grace. Their ties to maidens and virgins in myth reinforce connotations of innocence. Unicorns offer an escape to an idyllic, non-threatening world free of complexity. For generations, unicorns have been drawn as delicate, pastel-colored equines with flowers and butterflies. Their feminine aesthetic appeals to girls, as cultural historian Margarita Simonian notes: > "The unicorn is white as a bride‘s dress, slender and beautiful, with long locks that connect it to femininity. It‘s certainly an embodiment of perfection for the female gender." Many young girls see unicorns as representations of their inner princess – lovely, special, and deserving of a fairy-tale ending. ## "Unicorn Culture" Merchandising Bonanza The allure of unicorns translates into big business in toys, clothing, media and more targeted at unicorn-crazed kids. - Sales of toys and games featuring unicorns [reached $1.1 billion in the U.S. in 2019](https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/us/news/press-releases/2019/the-npd-group-us-toy-industry-sales-up-7-percent-in-the-first-half-of-2019/), up 30% from 2015. - Party store chains reported surging demand for unicorn decorations and supplies, with Party City increasing its unicorn inventory by 20% in 2016. | Year | Google Search Interest for "Unicorns" | | --- | --- | | 2004 | 22 | | 2008 | 11 | | 2012 | 67 | | 2016 | 100 | Google Trends data showing rising search interest in "unicorns" among girls over time, scaled 0 to 100. Media franchises like My Little Pony, The Last Unicorn, and Charlie the Unicorn have further fueled unicorn obsession in recent decades. For better or worse, unicorn merchandising and marketing clearly responds to young girls‘ preexisting adoration. ## Why Do Some Challenge Unicorns‘ Feminine Image? Despite their historic popularity among girls, some argue unicorn stereotypes should be challenged. A 2019 Glamour article made the case that unicorns could appeal to boys too if not pigeon-holed: > "If we expose boys to unicorns and encourage them to embrace the magic, then unicorns can absolutely become gender-neutral." Others contend that unicorns represent unrealistic expectations of perfection and beauty for women. Author Paris Lees described present-day unicorn culture as "problematic, because it builds up this myth that women are supposed to be shiny, sparkly, perfect like an airbrushed Instagram filter…a modern unattainable beauty standard." Valid points, but for most young girls, unicorns remain icons of imagination unburdened by societal messages they‘re yet to absorb. ## Shared Joy and Connection As a parent, I‘ve seen how unicorns provide a common language and shared experience among girls. At my daughters‘ unicorn-themed birthday parties, unicorn fans immediately felt a sense of community and belonging. One mom told me her daughter found it easier to make friends once she discovered unicorns were "their thing" too. Unicorns create an instant connection rare for interests so specific. Though a transitory phase for some, this magical unicorn era clearly represents a special childhood experience recalled fondly later in life. Like believing in Santa, suspending disbelief for unicorns allows imagination to take flight untethered. ## Why Unicorns Will Continue Enchanting Generations of Girls Will unicorns continue enthralling kids forever, or fade back into myth? Hard to say, but their symbolic power and appeal seem timeless. Unicorns spark kids‘ imaginations and represent their ideals, hopes, and innocent dreams. As long as little girls nurture big fantasies, unicorns will likely gallop along with them. --- Source: [Why Unicorns Enchant Little Girls‘ Imaginations](https://33rdsquare.com/why-do-girls-like-unicorns-so-much/)