Mermaids in Modern Culture

Modern mermaid folklore is the representative archetype of the beautiful mystical creature. A symbolic figure of transformation and sexuality, it has become popular with many different groups. Mermaids are seen in a variety of art, entertainment, children's toys, clothes, advertising, and festivals all over the world. The lore of the mermaid has never lost the duality, even in the modern versions we see today. It can be the bath toy for a child or the sexy costume of a headliner in a drag show.

Artist: Joe Khay

The iconic mermaid archetype is prevalent in artistic expression from high art to home crafts. There are around 130 public mermaid art installations around the world (Comack et al., 2018). Mermaids are a common theme for parties and home decorations. They still adorn the bows of boats to guide and bring luck to a voyage. Mermaid folklore is also represented abundantly in films to present different aspects of social and psychological contexts through the archetype.

Statue of Triton and a mermaid on the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Photo © by Morenaki 123RF

Groups all over the world celebrate mermaid folklore. There are professional organizations of mermaids that make public appearances at aquariums, business openings, and swimming competitions. There are annual festivals and parades in many places where cosplay as mermaids is expected. There are also many communities with long histories of mermaid lore that incorporate the ideology into their seasonal festivities.

Sirena Fest: Kate Ferguson

The image of the mermaid has been used in advertising for many products. Most commonly seafood, but most famously coffee. The iconic sexuality and freedom that mermaid lore represents have been a valued commodity for the promotion of products around the globe. Nearly anywhere you travel you can find the modern folkloric archetype of the mermaid used for commercial purposes.