Why are mermaids on the front of large ships?

because “Mermaids at the front of large ships” means nothing and is not a thing. Carved figureheads at the front of sailing vessels were like a badge, the figure generally being related to the name of the ship. They were not all mermaids, probably very few actually were. Bow ornaments were common since ancient times. read more

because “Mermaids at the front of large ships” means nothing and is not a thing. Carved figureheads at the front of sailing vessels were like a badge, the figure generally being related to the name of the ship. read more

No ship-wright ever build a ship with the intention of it being used as a pirate ship. (excepting the military of course). Figure-heads use to be a common feature of most ships as an appeasement to the spirits of the sea, sea Gods, ect. A mermaid was for a time a popular fashion but was in no means the only motif for a figure head. read more