Destination weddings, beach weddings and summer weddings often feature island-style motifs for invitations, décor, programs, centerpiece accents and even wedding and shower favors. You’ll see palm trees, colorful fish, sandy beach scenes, starfish and seahorses. Now, a new design has emerged as a leader in wedding décor and themes: the dolphin.
So many brides and grooms dream of swimming with dolphins, and they might just pick their honeymoon spot because it affords them the dreamy opportunity to do so, either in open ocean waters or in a dolphin-swim attraction at a zoo or aquarium. Dolphins just make us happy. They’re smart, friendly, protective, and just bring a smile to your face.
But did you know that dolphins have symbolism, just like in the Language of Flowers where a white rose means innocence and purity? Cultures long ago ascribed symbols and meanings to animals, and the dolphin has a list of enduring meanings that could make your wedding or bridal shower theme extra-special to you.
Here are the symbols and meanings most commonly associated with dolphins:
- Community
- Compassion
- Contentment
- Friendship
- Generosity
- Gentleness
- Grace
- Harmony
- Intelligence
- Playfulness
- Power
- Protection
- Renewal
- Transcendence
- Vibrance
The cultures that looked upon the dolphin with symbolic messaging embraced the idea that dolphins belong to both air and water, since they swim and also leap into the air. So they look upon the dolphin as living in two worlds at once, which is a mighty symbol for marriage: you live in the realm of your marriage, and you also live in your own personal realm. Soaring or majestically gliding in both.
Dolphins have been associated with deities of Roman and Greek culture, such as Poseidon (Greek)/ Neptune (Roman) with themes of strength, freedom and protection over the sea. For Eros(Greek)/ Cupid (Roman), the meanings are love, friendliness, playfulness, sensuality, desire, exploration, curiosity, attraction and joy.
Pirate lore, always a big draw for the islands, calls the dolphin as a symbol of protection, and some legends associate dolphins with mermaids. The dolphin, then, is quite a magical creature in legend, bringing with it a collection of good portents for your marriage. In modern times, we also associate dolphins with their friendliness, caring and generous spirit, even a healing presence – which you might find describes your partner and your partnership itself.
Very interesting! I found your article while searching Greek marriage traditions and dolphins. This weekend at a Greek Museum I saw an ancient Grecian jug that was used by Brides washing in preparation for their weddings. I noticed there were dolphins depicted on that pottery and wondered what the significance was. Your entry answered those questions for me. Thanks 🙂