Weathervanes have been a staple of American homes since the earliest settlers, first for their function and later for their unique designs. Over time, weathervane designs grew increasingly imaginative and complex to depict the interests and personalities of their owners. A perennial subject of weathervane design is the ocean and all things associated with it.
The sea (and what lies beneath) has stirred our imaginations as far back as ancient Babylon. This is not surprising, considering three-quarters of the world is covered in water and we know very little about what those waters hold. It contains truly fantastic and terrifying creatures - from colossal squid and narwhals to hammerhead sharks and black dragonfish - so it is no surprise that legends of other mysterious beings - such as mermaids, kraken, and selkies - have enjoyed a long popularity in human folklore. Perhaps that is why copper mermaid weathervanes are one of the most popular weathervane designs.
The sea (and what lies beneath) has stirred our imaginations as far back as ancient Babylon. This is not surprising, considering three-quarters of the world is covered in water and we know very little about what those waters hold. It contains truly fantastic and terrifying creatures - from colossal squid and narwhals to hammerhead sharks and black dragonfish - so it is no surprise that legends of other mysterious beings - such as mermaids, kraken, and selkies - have enjoyed a long popularity in human folklore. Perhaps that is why copper mermaid weathervanes are one of the most popular weathervane designs.
Mankind’s Love/Hate Relationship with Mermaids
Modern mermaid mythology often depicts merfolk as kind and friendly toward humans; however the oldest mermaid tales paint a very different picture. In traditional folklore, mermaids were often associated with bad luck and misfortune. They - along with their cousins, the Sirens - were said to lure sailors to their death by tricking them into running their ships aground. Other popular legends, including those from the British Isles and the famous Arabian Nights tales, depict mermaids hypnotizing sailors with their beauty and song. Under the mermaids’ spell, they would rush out to sea, only to end up drowned, eaten, or otherwise doomed.
Even well-intentioned mermaids could be dangerous: men would think they saw a woman drowning and dive into the waters to save them. Still other tales suggested that mermaids didn’t understand humans can’t breathe underwater, and they would pull them down to the depths of the sea, accidentally drowning them.
However, other cultures - such as Welsh and Scottish - have mermaids befriending, and even marrying, humans. This was the stance taken by Hans Christian Andersen when he wrote “The Little Mermaid,” and our modern interpretation of mermaids is largely thanks to him. Disney turned his tale into a popular movie in 1989, cementing the image of the friendly mermaid for generations of young girls.
Even well-intentioned mermaids could be dangerous: men would think they saw a woman drowning and dive into the waters to save them. Still other tales suggested that mermaids didn’t understand humans can’t breathe underwater, and they would pull them down to the depths of the sea, accidentally drowning them.
However, other cultures - such as Welsh and Scottish - have mermaids befriending, and even marrying, humans. This was the stance taken by Hans Christian Andersen when he wrote “The Little Mermaid,” and our modern interpretation of mermaids is largely thanks to him. Disney turned his tale into a popular movie in 1989, cementing the image of the friendly mermaid for generations of young girls.
Add a Touch of Magic to Your Home with One of Our Copper Mermaid Weathervanes
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Whether you prefer to picture mermaids as dangerous temptresses or curious adventurers, you can make these legends a part of your home with one of our lovely copper mermaid weathervanes. These 3-dimensional beauties want to be a part of your world. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to purchase your copper mermaid weathervane!
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