Mermaids have been a popular topic of myth, legend, and beauty for hundreds of years, and they have a lot of symbols and meanings. From representing freedom and the sea to sensuality and dual natures, a mermaid tattoo can be a powerful and meaningful choice for those who are drawn to these fascinating sea creatures.
Mermaid tattoo meaning
Swimming through the Seven Seas and charming men with their siren songs, mermaids have long been subjects of myth, legend, and beauty.
There is plenty of symbolism and meaning within the mermaid’s body, and it is much more than just a pretty face. Often representing danger, temptation, sensuality, and dual natures, the history and many meanings behind merfolk are as deep as the oceans.
If you’re considering a mermaid tattoo, take a look at some of the more popular associations and meanings behind these mythical creatures and get swept away in their lure.
Mermaid Tattoo Meanings and Design Ideas
Mermaid tattoos are popular for those looking for a unique and beautiful design. Popular designs include mermaids in motion, gradient black mermaids, vibrant color and watercolor designs, delicate linework, and mermaid sleeves with other sea creatures.
Ode to Sea
Since our bodies are made primarily of water, it’s no wonder many of us want to jump ship and swim fearlessly through the vast oceans. Mermaids can represent this freedom of life and help us remember where we came from.
Singing her sweet song, the mermaid beckons us to return to the calm and, at times, turbulent water, yet seems to promise our protection if we follow. How tempting!
Mermaids symbolize freedom, adventure, and connection to the vast oceans. With a mermaid tattoo, you can remember where you came from and show how much you love the sea.
Beauty
Mermaids love to bask in the sun, comb their hair, and gaze into handheld mirrors, admiring their own beauty. Churches have used the mermaid as a symbol of vanity, which is one of the seven deadly sins, for a long time.
Painted swimming amongst schools of fish and depicted in murals throughout churches to encourage men to refrain from the Devil’s ways, mermaids take on an entirely different connotation in Greek mythology.
Rather than being associated with sin, mermaids are the admired descendants of Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of both love and beauty. Why not celebrate and embrace your inner and outer beauty with a mermaid tattoo?
Mermaids have long been associated with beauty, sensuality, and vanity. In Christian tradition, they have been used as a symbol of vanity, one of the seven deadly sins. Still, in Greek mythology, they are the admired descendants of Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love and beauty.
Sensuality
Mermaids are often depicted as sensual and alluring creatures with bare-breasted curves and long, flowing hair. They can represent femininity, sexuality, and grace.
Of course, the mermaid has sensual power. Bare-breasted curves and long flowing hair are symbols of her feminine beauty, adding to her loveliness. Mermaids aren’t shy about baring their bodies.
During the Victorian era, when women were deemed to be covered up and wear their hair secured in conservative styles, mermaids let their wavy tresses down, tossed the rules aside, and playfully enticed men at sea, at least in legend.
Destruction
Is it really fair to call the mermaid dangerous? Ironically, during the Victorian era, the mermaid was dubbed untrustworthy.
Perhaps it was the jealous wife of a sailor who started this tale? What was once a lovely storybook character became the temptress who destroyed ships and drowned any man who followed her enticement. A good wedding or couples tattoo to encourage fidelity? Perhaps.
Although they are typically seen as beautiful and alluring, mermaids have also been associated with danger, temptation, and death. Some legends portray them as dangerous temptresses who lure sailors to their deaths.
Dual Nature
Always giving yet always taking away—that is the dual nature of the mermaid. As an ancient goddess, mermaids provided water for crops and contributed deadly storms and waves that resulted in mass destruction and the loss of life.
If you’re a giver and a taker, a mermaid tattoo might help capture this essence of your character and, of course, your dangerous allure.
With a mermaid tattoo, you can express your own dual nature.
Mermaids Around the World
If you’re seriously considering a mermaid tattoo, you may want to research a fictional depiction of the merfolk that are celebrated around the world. There are many types of mermaids, and their histories and legends vary.
In Russia, water spirits are called the rusalka. In Scandinavia, the havman behaves in a kind and helpful manner.
No matter what country the stories come from, most mermen have the qualities of fertility goddesses. This is likely because, before Christianity, people thought that gods controlled the water.
Got your feet wet? Splash more into the world of mermaid history here.
If you’re interested in getting a mermaid tattoo, you may want to research different fictional depictions of merfolk from around the world.
Where do you put a mermaid tattoo?
These tattoos can be placed on various body parts, with each location lending a different look and feel to the tattoo. Some popular locations for mermaid tattoos include:
- Arm: Mermaid tattoos on the arm, especially the upper arm, can look striking and bold. This location is perfect for larger tattoos with detailed designs and vibrant colors.
- Back: Mermaid tattoos on the back can be very large and intricate and can even be made to look like the mermaid is swimming across the wearer’s back.
- Ankle: Mermaid tattoos on the ankle are a great choice for those who want a more subtle design. Smaller tattoos of mermaids or their tails look beautiful when inked on the ankle.
- Wrist: Mermaid tattoos on the wrist are another great way to go for a subtle yet elegant look. They are often small and simple and can be easily covered up with clothing or jewelry.
- Ribs: Mermaid tattoos on the ribs can look elegant and feminine, hidden with clothing or shown off in a swimsuit. They can also be elongated to wrap around the torso for a larger and more detailed piece.
- Thigh: Mermaid tattoos on the thigh can be an excellent choice for those who want a larger tattoo. The thigh provides a lot of space for a detailed design and can be covered up easily with clothing if needed.
- Leg: Mermaid tattoos on the leg are also a popular location. The design can wrap around the leg and can be a more visible tattoo when wearing shorts or a swimsuit.
The location of a mermaid tattoo is a personal choice and depends on the wearer’s preferences, lifestyle, and comfort. The most important thing is to choose a design that you love, and that has special meaning.
What do mermaids symbolize?
Mermaids are often associated with femininity, freedom, sensuality, wisdom, magic, and renewal. They are also sometimes linked to the lost land of Atlantis.
Mermaid tattoos can be a symbol of your connection to the sea, your love for beauty and sensuality, or your dual nature.
No matter what symbolism you choose, a mermaid tattoo can be a powerful and meaningful choice for those who are drawn to these alluring sea creatures.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website's content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra's expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
