Christopher Columbus experienced mermaid sighting on his voyage. For centuries mermaids have been a mysterious mythical phenomenon that has been ever tempting, yet dodging public eyes. Read on to know more about mermaids.
Do mermaids really exist?
Usually depicted as a beautiful woman, a mermaid has an upper body of a woman and the lower tail of a fish. Often considered as a mythical creature, sailors in the older days wrote about seeing mermaids; John Smith, Edward Teach, and Christopher Columbus have given historical accounts of seeing mermaids.
Is there any difference between mermaids and sirens?
Though both of them share physical depictions i.e., half human half fish, sirens are often considered different from mermaids. Sirens are slayers that lure sailors to death and are often pictured having sharp teeth, spikes, fierce eyes, and webbed hands. Mermaids on the other hand are enchanting attractive creatures singing and rescuing drowning sailors.
Where do the mermaids live?
Though mermaids are often associated with deep oceans, there are some stories of them living in lakes and rivers. Another folklore is that mermaids live in the Lost City of Atlantis, a fictional island that is submerged and inhibits such spiritual beings and deities. Some even believe that you can’t see a mermaid with eyes but can summon them in dreams and pray to these metaphysical beings!
How do mermaids procreate?
One might believe mermaids lay eggs as fish does. But given the anatomy, half-human, and half-fish, mermaids may be mammals and reproduce as humans do. They may get pregnant and give birth like dolphins, which means they keep the baby mermaid in their belly till the time it’s big enough to swim and survive independently.
Is ‘Mermaiding’ gaining popularity?
The concept of mermaidingcame up in 2004 when professionals such as Hannah Fraser, Linden Wolbert, Melissa Dawn, and Mermaid Kariel performed freediving and other water sports dressed up as mermaids. At present, there are thousands of mermaid enthusiasts and performers around the globe who wear mermaid tails and gracefully glide in the water!
Are there some mermaid hoaxes?
Given the popularity and love for the mermaids, many people have tried to profit off by tricking the public and promoting mermaid hoaxes. Feejee Mermaid is one such hoax that was promoted by Phinneas Taylor Barnum, founder of the Barnum and Bailey circus. Jenny Haniversis another hoax that was ray carcasses, dried and carved.
Whether you believe in them or not, mermaids will continue to lure humans.
