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Dolphins seem to be relevant at this point, there
has been recent talk on the forum about Miami and
talk about Mermaids. Many people suggest that
dolphins were one of the possible sea animals that
could be at the foundation of mermaid mythology.
The dolphin is a very intelligent marine
mammal that seems to have a rare attachment to
humans. Dolphins have caught the interest of people
for centuries. Stories abound about dolphins who
have saved human beings. One legend has it that the
god Apollo took on the disguise of a dolphin in
order to bring a shipload of Cretans to Delphi,
where a temple was later built in his honor.
Dolphins were also the signature aniŽmal for the
ocean god Poseidon, and they are thought to have
arranged his marriage to Aphrodite.
Aphrodite (Venus), born from the sea, is often
depicted with dolphins. The Etruscans portrayed
dolphins on gravestones and at burial sites,
believing they were carrying the soul of the dead to
the Island of the Blessed.
Other god legends state that the dolphin, the
ocean-going mammal that is neither fish nor human,
seems to be the mediator between heaven and earth.
The animal also serves as a warning to people to
treat the earth, nature, and everything alive with
reverŽence, to use its treasures Wisely and for the
benefit of all. A few African cultures consider
dolphins the equal of men and have given them the
same rights that are accorded to people. Dolphins
enjoy life and are happy, playful, and very social.
They are totally committed to their families. They
learn early on to adapt to their community, to help
each other. For example, a sick . dolphin is
constantly surrounded by other members of the
family, who lovingly care for it.
All these traits have made the dolphin a very
popular motif. Sculptures of dolphins alone, or in
pairs as a symbol of mother and child, are made from
a variety of materials (stone, semi-precious stones,
or metal). They are used as garden sculptures, as
talismans, and in jewelry. They grace indoor and
outdoor fountains and are found on posters and
pictures.
Regardless of where a dolphin is used, it is always
a symbol of wisdom, peace, harmony, responsibility,
caring, and universal love. |
