I apologize for not posting earlier, I was too caught up with life >_< This post features the in depth studies and theories that I have summed up whilst my vacation. My laptop has mixed up the files so I’ll post the rest of the evidence after I find them out XD
I know that most of you people think that mere words and hints have no actual meaning to them but I’m here to prove all those ‘evidence deifiers’ that hints do matter when it comes to analytical situations.
Pearl-shipping for one is entirely based on pure evidence.
The name ‘Pearl’ as we like to call it was actually taken from ‘Pokémon Diamond and Pearl’, right? WRONG! By fine research, the very name ‘Pearl’ has a whole new history behind it.
Pearl’s are said to be one of the finest and rarest stones across the planet. They have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable. As we all know it, ‘wild pearls’ are considered to be more valuable than a mere ‘cultured Pearl’.
The only way people can obtain wild pearls is to find it. However, the pearls have to be clamped up for many years just so that it can be perfected. It takes effort, time and stamina.
Why am I taking this information into account? Ash and Dawn’s relationship developed just like a pearl. They started off by meeting each other in the woods searching for Pikachu then advanced forward by teaching each other their tricks and sharing different experiences (Ash taught Dawn the basics of Pokémon training while Dawn shared her coordinating tricks with Ash which proved to be very handy for at least 6-7 seasons), they quarreled and laughed and traveled together.
It cost them time, effort and stamina to truly understand each other and in the end they emerged as a fully developed pearl.
Their relationship is a direct indicator to the title ‘pearlshipping’. The both of them weren't ‘meant to be’ the minute they met. Their friendship was heightened and perfected as the time passed by which obliviously is referring to their relationship being similar to a pearl.
They have this ‘bond’ that is admirable, valuable and maybe in the distant future can be something that the both of them could cherish together.
Now that I have explained why ‘Pearl-shipping’ is pearlshipping, I’ll get in with another theory.
The names of the character’s themselves matter most. The names ‘Ash and Dawn’ don’t only have reference to legendaries and other Pokémon but they also have a mythological links to them as well.
The name ‘Dawn’ is ‘Aurora’ in latin which means sunset. Aurora also happens to be the name of the goddess of sunrise in Roman myths.
I have no clear definitions on Ash till yet but this means that I still have work to do!
Let me explain the links to the legendaries and Pokémon first:
1- Darkrai and Creselia
I don’t think this one is difficult to understand, right? Darkrai, is referred to as the ‘Pitch black Pokémon’ while Cresselia is sometimes called the ‘lunar wing Pokémon’. Cresselia is also known as the Pokémon of light and Darkrai as the nightmare Pokémon.
‘Dawn’ means ‘the first light’ or ‘sunrise’ which points out that our beloved bluenette has a link with Cresselia. Ash means the remains after a fire. Fire leads to destruction and so nightmares also –at least to a certain extent – cause havoc among people. Ash is a direct reference to the nightmare Pokémon. Also, in the 10th movie, Ash is seen to have some sort of contact with Darkrai. Similarly, Dawn is shown to be slightly afraid of nightmares and wants to get rid of them by a charm which obviously means that she is not fond of nightmares and gets rid of them. The lunar wing duo is a very evident hint of Ash and Dawn.
2- Mesprit and Azelf
This doesn't need much explaining either. Mesprit is Dawn’s ‘spirit’ Pokémon in Sinnoh while Ash’s spirit Pokémon is Azelf. The being of Emotion and the being of will power add a great blend to any plot line. As it is stated in bulbapedia:
“Agnome(Azelf’s Japanese name) may be a combination of agnosticism (gnosis; Greek for knowledge)”
Satoshi (Ash ketchum’s Japanese name also happens to mean ‘Knowledge’
“Emrit may be a combination of 笑む emu (to smile)”
Dawn is always seen smiling. Even when she is in deep water she never gives up. Her personality is positive and it always will be. Even her catch phrase is, “No need to worry!”
3- Xerneas and Yvetal
I really love to link these two with Ash and Dawn honestly. It is my new inspiration. Xerneas is the Pokémon of life while Yvetal is the Pokémon of destruction, right? Dawn and Mesprit have a link with each other and Mesprit happens to be the being of emotion like Dawn. They have a direct link with each other because life runs on emotion. Fairy type Pokémon are all referring to the name ‘Emotion and Kindness’. These qualities are amplified in Dawns character.
Yvetal, is the Pokémon of destruction. ‘Ash’ means the remains after a fire. Fire leads to destruction and fire in turn also ends life. It leaves the ashes that remain. Yvetal and Ash have a link with each other too.
I also think that Ash and Dawn are somehow related to Lugia and Ho-Oh. I guess I still have to find out.
Now that I’m done with Pokémon, I’ll move to the human psychology. Here are a few hints that show a blooming relationship between two people:
1- “A guy who loves a girl is considerate of her feelings, needs and desires. He makes them as important as his desires and needs. Not only does he treat you well, he is also good to your family and friends.”
I’d like to hint this fact towards the ‘Piplup, Pansage and a meeting of times!’ episode where Ash was trying his best to persuade meloetta so that Dawn could see her. He also is shown to have tried his best to cheer Dawn up and is always there to help her. He even witnessed every single contest Dawn was in. Ash is always friendly, no doubt about that but did you ever notice that he is extra nice in front of Dawn’s friends? Ash’s goofiness doubles when he is near Dawns mom.
2- “A guy doesn't let too much time go by without seeing his loved one. When he is available, he wants to be with her and chooses to spend his time with her.”
Ash is shown to be very close to Dawn. He is always talking with her and eventually meeting up with her. He even jumped into a portal that led to Giritina’s dimension so that he doesn't part from her and so that he can make sure that nothing serious happens to her. When Dawn was crying in a certain episode (I can’t recall its name!), Ash asked her if everything was alright. He never hesitates to ask Dawn if she is okay.
3- “A guy considers the girl when making decisions and is considerate about doing things the girl wants to do. When speaking, he uses "we" instead of "I".”
To be fair, Ash always asks Dawn what she wants first. He is always helping her out but sometimes doesn’t go with the way Dawn likes to work things like.
4- “A guy who loves somebody is genuinely happy for her when good things happen to her. He is compassionate when she’s going through challenges. The guy is there for her in the good and not so good times.”
Does this one need any further explaining? Ash is always there for Dawn. The movies are a clear evidence of this fact. Ash is always there to support Dawn after her loss and cheers for her when she wins. Their ‘Hi five’ is a symbol of their compassion towards each other.
5- “The guy is proud to be with the girl and has introduced her to his family and friends.”
The episode, ‘Piplup, Pansage and a meeting of times!’ showed us that Ash mentioned Dawn and ONLY Dawn before. He introduced Dawn to many of his friends and family (should I consider Proff.Oak as family?)
6- “The guy is trustworthy and loyal to her. He does what he says and will let the girl know if he's not able to. When issues come up, he is willing to work through them. Although he isn't perfect, he tries to be a better person.”
Ash did in fact tell Dawn about everything. He always tried his best and talks to Dawn if he’s stuck. In the episode in which Ash was training Gliscore late at night, Dawn was there to help him with her glittery thingies. This means that they always find a way to help each other out. He also perfected the ‘spin’ technique with help from Dawn.
7- “A guy who loves a girl encourages her to do things she loves, even if it means doing these things without him. He encourages her to find and live her passions, knowing that if she is happy and engaged with life, the guy would be happy too.”
To support this point, I’ll only say: “Watch the episode, ‘Memories are made of bliss’ to get the whole thing. That episode was a whole pack of proof that Ash wanted the best for Dawn.
Now human psychology is over…I’d like to discuss a very important question raised by one of our own pearlshipper.
chosenone151 asked, “Why the bond?” as in, why are Ash and Dawn this close? Dawn could’ve been like May and Misty with Ash. See, the fact is that this question can only be answered by the writers themselves. I wonder why they portrayed Ash and Dawn like they knew each other their whole life too. There are simple theories behind this. Either the writers wanted ‘profits’ or they wanted the Pokémon anime department to succeed.