Mermaids have been part of human folklore for centuries, inspiring stories, legends and art. International Mermaid Day, observed annually on 29 March, is a time to honour our fascination with mermaids and the beauty and mystery of the ocean. In this blog post, we will discuss the origins of International Mermaid Day, the reasons for its significance.
How it all started
International Mermaid Day was first celebrated in 2012 and was founded by a woman named Laura Von Holt. Laura is a professional mermaid and author and wanted to create a day that celebrated her love for mermaids and raised awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. Since then, International Mermaid Day has become a global phenomenon and people all over the world celebrate it in their own unique ways..
Why this day is important
International Mermaid Day is important for several reasons. Firstly, it celebrates our fascination with mermaids. Mermaids represent freedom, beauty and mystery and remind us of the magic that exists in the world. Secondly, International Mermaid Day raises awareness of the importance of ocean conservation. As mermaids are closely linked to the ocean, this day reminds us of the need to protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
How to celebrate it and the history of mermaids
The best ways to celebrate this beautiful day can be found in my blog post from last year.
But in this article, we'll take a look at how mermaids have guided you through history:
Ancient History
The first record of a mermaid sighting dates back to around 1000 BC from Assyria. The goddess Atargatis was depicted as a woman with a fish body, and it is believed that she was the inspiration for the legend of the mermaid. In ancient Greece, there were tales of sirens, which were half-bird and half-female creatures that lived on rocky shores and lured sailors to their deaths by singing.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, mermaids were often depicted in art and literature. They were seen as symbols of fertility, beauty and danger. In the 16th century, the famous explorer Christopher Columbus reported seeing three mermaids off the coast of Haiti. He described them as "not female, but manatee-like".
Modern sightings
Nowadays, reports of mermaid sightings are still appearing. In 2009, a group of tourists in Israel claimed to have seen a mermaid swimming in the waters off the coast. In 2012, the Animal Planet television channel aired a documentary titled "Mermaids: claiming to have found evidence of mermaids living in the ocean.
However, it is important to note that many of these observations can be explained by other phenomena. For example, manatees and dugongs, which are large aquatic mammals, are often mistaken for mermaids because of their human-like appearance.
From mermaid-themed parties to mermaid-inspired crafts, International Mermaid Day is a time to celebrate our aquatic dreams and the magic of the ocean. So put on your mermaid tail, don your seashell bra and immerse yourself in the world of mermaids!