Blogpost # 4: The Symbolism of Mermaids

Have you ever thought why people love mermaid decorations and designs? Do these mermaids give important meanings to people?

Love, seduction, feminine, wild, free, alluring, enchanting... These are the things mermaids do represent during the ancient times. But when I started searching through the internet, I found out that mermaids have different symbols and representations in our lives. Let us define how important mermaids are in life in different perspectives.

Mermaids as Tattoo

One of the most popular designs tattoo lovers wanted to have in their body is a mermaid tattoo. Some people also bought some mermaid designs as decorations. Have you ever think why many people love tattoos? They wanted to show to people what they can’t say and sometimes to show what they like and love or even a remembrance. Tattoos like skull, chains, butterfly, heart, anchor, cross, angel, dragon, eagle, flowers, stars, lion, moon, snake, yin and yang, and mermaids. These tattoo designs are very popular because it represents bravery, freedom, religion, emotions, feelings and love. But let’s focus on the mermaid tattoo. In an article in about.com entitled “Symbolism of Mermaid Tattoos” by Jodie Michalak, there are different reasons why people have mermaids as their tattoos.  
First is our love to ocean. Many of us have the desire to jump off the ship and swim fearlessly to the ocean. Mermaids signify freedom of life. Like mermaids, we want to be free and do whatever that will make us happy and contented. She also said that mermaid beckons us to calm and feel protected.
Second is sensuality. Mermaids have sensual power. Her breasts, curves and gorgeous hair are symbols of her feminine beauty. Mermaids aren't shy about baring their bodies. This means that mermaids bring confidence especially to women. They inspire women to express their feelings and not to be afraid.
The last is destruction which is about the mermaids who took down ships and drowned any man who followed their lure. We can also say that having a mermaid tattoo also represents seduction and attracting men because of their enchanting beauty.

These mermaid tattoo lovers put tattoos to express their feelings and emotions. That having a mermaid tattoo makes us show how confident, beautiful, and attractive we are. And also, these mermaid tattoos serves as their strength to show what they wanted to show and express.

Mermaids in Jewelries

In an article on katieojewelry.com entitled “Mermaid Symbology” by Katie O’ Sullivan, she said that the mermaid with the body of a woman and the tail of a fish is a symbol for fertility, eternal grace and beauty.  As with many water creatures she is associated with the moon, mystery, and the unconscious.  Residing in the cosmic ocean from which all life has emerged and into which it must eventually return, the mermaid also represents renewal, purification, wisdom, and infinity. She also said that amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury.

In my opinion, mermaid jewelries and accessories represent and give elegance and beauty in women. However, people wearing charms and amulets might think that these things give them super magical powers and let them stay healthy and strong. But for me, these charms do not bring any powers or magic in people. Believing that these things are powerful makes them think positive in life.

Mermaids in Our Dreams

We all know that every time we dream, there must be something that our dreams wanted to tell us or warn us. But what if you dreamed about mermaids? I found an article in physicsuniverse.com entitled “Mermaid Dreams: What They Mean” by Mackenzie Wright, that dreaming about mermaids have different interpretations.

Femininity

Whether you are a man or a woman, dreaming about a mermaid could be telling you something about your feminine side. If in the dream the mermaid made you happy and inspired, most likely you are happy about getting in touch with your feminine side. If you were a mermaid and happily dashing through the waves, it means you're embracing your femininity. However, the mermaid frightened you or made you uncomfortable; it could mean you're afraid of being overwhelmed by the feminine side of your soul.

Hybrids

Mermaids are half human and half fish. Sometimes dreaming of a mermaid is reminding yourself that there is more than one side to you. Perhaps you are focusing too much on one side of your nature but have been ignoring the other side. But becoming a mermaid in your dream could be your subconscious mind reminding you that you have to find a more balanced lifestyle to be happy.

Drowning in Emotion

Water and women are primal symbols of emotion. If you dream you’re facing a mermaid in your dream that is a threat to you, it may be a sign that you’re feeling emotionally overwhelmed. If she’s fighting with you, struggling with you, dragging you down into the depths, you may be having a hard time coming out of an emotional state like depression or despair. Dreams like this may indicate that you’re in over your head and need to seek help and support.

Transformation

There are two ways in which mermaids symbolize transformation. The first is in their own transformation from human to fish. Out of the water they look like the rest of us, in the water their legs are magically transformed into a tail, their skin transformed into scales. The other reason mermaids are associated with death is that their songs were said to lure sailors to their doom. Death in a dream rarely means physical death, but is a symbol of transformation. You have to kill of parts of yourself in order to let other parts be born.

Honestly, I never dreamed about mermaids. But after reading this article let me know that dreaming about mermaids is not just a simple thing. It may be just a dream but it can give you some realizations in life that will guide you. Like what Mackenzie Wright said, Pay attention to what she’s telling you and you can learn a lot about what’s going on in your subconscious.

The different interpretations and symbolism of mermaids may be true and may not be true. But knowing these things can help us think and consider things in life. It can give us strength and confidence. It can help us decide in our realizations in life.