Dolphin Gifts
Many years ago vacationing on the beautiful island of Crete, I was fortunate enough to visit Knossos. There I explored the ruined Palace of Minos and saw the beautiful wall art, reconstructions of the originals which had been removed for conservation. I particularly liked the beautiful Dolphin Fresco in the Queen's Hall.
Dolphins decorating a jug from the same Minoan period inspired the box and plaque below. To see larger images of these dolphin gifts click on the image or the “Buy Now!” link. Scroll on down for more about the dolphin.
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The Dolphin
Dolphins are found in Greek artwork from frescoes to vases, statues, coins or mosaic floors. Dolphins figured in Greek culture for thousands of years. The Dolphin Frescoe in the Minoan palace at Knossos, Crete was painted Ca. 1600 BC. Still popular in todays' culture these dolphin gifts will bring a little of the Greek myth and magic home to you.
One ancient tale tells of the Greek god Dionysus, god of wine, vegetation and pleasure, turning men into dolphins. Dionysus travelled far teaching men how to cultivate vines. As he travelled back to Greece he was seen as a rich young man by pirates. They thought they could ask a hefty ransom for him and so seeized him and took him aboard their ship.
However they could not tie him to the ship with rope as the rope would fall away. The helmsman realized that only a god could do this and asked the crew to free Dionysus; they refused and set sail. Out at sea the ship became overgrown with vines that held it fast. Dionysus then changed into a lion and chases the sailors overboard. As they leaped into the sea they were changed into dolphins. The helmsman was spared
