Swallow tattoo
The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to show off their sailing experience. Of British origin in the early days of sailing, it was the image of a Barn Swallow, usually tattooed on the chest. According to one legend, a sailor with one swallow had travelled over 5,000 nautical miles (9,000 km); a sailor with two swallows had travelled 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km).[1][2] Travelling these great distances was extremely difficult and dangerous in the early days of sailing, so one or more swallow tattoos denoted a very experienced and valuable sailor. It is also legend that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry their soul to heaven, representing freedom and hope.
The swallow also represents love, care and affection towards family and friends, showing the loyalty of the person always returning to them.
This tattoo has also became a common jailhouse tattoo which means you have done your bird you have done your time inside.
Today, the symbol of the swallow can mean many different things. It is considered a staple of the "British Traditional" and "Sailor Jerry Collins" style tattooing.
Ex-Sailors of the British Royal Navy have a swallow tattoo on both hands above the thumbs as a symbol of a successful voyage.
References
- ^ "Hardtack and marlinspikes – life and work aboard ship" (PDF). Sailors’ tattoos post-visit activity, teachers’ handout. Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Retrieved 2007-12-01.
- ^ Vanishing tattoos (on-line) Retrieved 17 November 2007