They are symbols of femininity, sexuality, beauty and fertility.
In the classical tradition, Greece and Rome, are beautiful beings with a beautiful voice that attract unwary sailors to the rocks with their beautiful songs. They represent the beauty of the sea, but also its inherent danger.
The Christian tradition makes them tempting lust and soulless, and are used to prevent the deadly sins of vanity, pride and lust.
For the romance turns to the idea of ??the mermaid and the sea as a symbol of femininity, which help the lost sailors. Begin to be depicted as beautiful women with fishtail.
The men are called newts and no interest in human affairs.
Automatically translated from Spanish language by computerized means. Kindly excuse any possible errors of wording.