Nautical Home Decor and Mermaids

There are many myths and legends that surround the sea. Perhaps the oldest and most endearing is the legend of the mermaid.  For centuries sailors reported seeing these half-women, half-fish creatures sunning themselves on rocks, though some people speculate that they were really seeing seals or other ocean animals while others maintain that mermaids are real and claim to have seem them even today.

Despite their alleged beauty, mermaids were often thought to be ill omens, associated with floods, storms, shipwrecks and drownings. In some legends they are similar to the Greek sirens, and lure sailors to their deaths. However, at times they can be benevolent towards sailors or even fall in love with them.

Their visual descriptions can vary as well, sometimes they are depicted with two fish tails, or with a snakes body rather than the usual single fish tail.

The most widely known and loved mermaid story is Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid” from 1836. There is even a statue of the mermaid from the story in Copenhagen, Denmark along with copies in thirteen other locations around the world. Many people are familiar with this story due to the 1989 Disney animated film of the same title.

The fascination with mermaids has even evolved into a swimming activity dubbed, "mermaiding", where participants can don a mermaid tail and swim. There are swim schools which offer this opportunity all over the world, including a swim school in Colorado.

For many, mermaids simply evoke the freedom and beauty of the sea, making them a favorite of both fantasy and Nautical Home Decor . They add a touch of magic and whimsy to any collection.  Our Goddess of the Sea Mermaid Figurine is made from real crushed seashells as is our Bronze mermaid. We also carry mermaid bookends, and vases as well as many other nautical items. For more information on our decor, feel free to contact us.