Why the Orca is Black and White

The Killer Whale, or Orca, is often used as a symbol for romance, since Killer Whales mate for life.  Like the wolf, the whale stays with his family.  Together they travel in large pods.



It is said that the Killer Whale originated from a single great white wolf...




... who leaped into the sea and transformed himself into a Killer Whale. That is why Orcas have  white markings on their sides, and why they travel in packs, and are skilled hunters.

Another legend goes back to the love between Killer Whale and Osprey.  Back then, Killer Whale was all black.

But Killer Whale was so in love with osprey, that he would leap into the air in order to be closer to her.  And osprey would swoop down toward the water to be closer to Killer Whale.



So great was their love that, when their child was born, she was black and white: black like Killer Whale and white like Osprey.



Earrings that tell the story of the romance between Killer Whale and Osprey.