The mysterious and alluring mermaid, a half-human and half-fish female that lives in the sea, has appeared in mythology, folklore, art, and music across many cultures for centuries dating as far back as ancient times. Mermaids have been referred to as sea-maidens, sirens, nymphs, or merrows and portrayed as beautiful and seductive creatures with benevolent and malevolent powers that can bring good fortune and tragedy. In ancient Greek mythology, they were referred to as sirens, half-women and half-bird creatures known for their enchanting songs that bewitched sailors and led them to their doom. In Irish and Scottish folklore, their beauty lured men to the sea. In Slavic folklore, mermaids were the souls of beautiful women who drowned. The mermaid in Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale, The Little Mermaid, trades her beautiful voice for legs to be with the prince she loves. Between the 16th and 20th centuries, ship builders started to carve mermaids on the figurehead of ships to please the sea and ensure a safe passage. To recognize the allure and cultural significance of mermaids, International Mermaid Day is celebrated annually on March 29. Here are some fun ways to celebrate.
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| Wear some sea-themed jewelry. |
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| Wear mermaid colors like something blue, teal, green or purple. |
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| Find evidence of mermaids in your town. In my town there is a Mermaid Gallery. |
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| There is also the statue of the Mermaid at Soter's Point in Marina Park. |
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| A mermaid watching over downtown Cambria, California. |
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| Spend the day at the beach. |
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| Look for seashells. |
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| Visit a lighthouse. |
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| Take a drive along the beautiful seaside coastline. |
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| Read a book or watch a movie about mermaids. |
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| Make a sea-theme lunch, like a simple tuna sandwich. |
