What do swallow tattoos symbolize?
The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to denote 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, hands or neck. It is also said that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry his soul to heaven.
What do two swallow tattoos mean?
Wrist Swallow Tattoo The twin swallows are usually the symbol of love, prosperity, and rich family relations, so tattooing two of them can hint at the care and affection, as well as fidelity and loyalty between two soul mates.
What do sparrows tattoos symbolize?
Sparrow tattoos are usually associated with freedom, love, and commitment, but there are many other great meanings that can be attached to these designs. For decades, they have been used as a standard in animal tattoo imagery.
Why do girls get swallow tattoos?
“The swallow is a bird that chooses a mate for life,” noted FreeTattoo. Therefore a swallow tattoo is also a symbol for love and loyalty to the family. Other symbolic meanings are in the same line: The return home after a struggle, a hardship survived, or a victory gained.”
How many nautical miles does a swallow tattoo?
5,000 nautical miles
Swallow tattoos are one of the most popular in the navy and have a number of meanings. Each swallow represents 5,000 nautical miles in a sailor’s career. The circumference of the earth is 21,639 nautical miles – about 4.16 swallows. A swallow with a dagger would be used as a memorial of a lost comrade at sea.
What does the tattoo of the Swallow mean?
You probably already checked out other meanings online, in short, the swallow tattoo is used by sailors to communicate the amount of sailing experience and safe return to land. This originates from British navy folklore. According to ancient stories, sailors had ink of the swallow tattooed on their hands, neck, and chest.
What does the return of the Swallows mean?
In countries like Austria and Estonia, the return of the Swallows signifies Spring that is believed to be associated with change, a start of a new commencement and brand-new life. It is also a symbol of joy and peaceful times. We have prepared a list of Swallow Tattoos that you can use as a reference before getting inked.
Why do sailors get tattoos of swallow birds?
Sailors often get swallow tattoos combined with nautical symbols like ropes, an Anchor, and compass. The main reason is that swallow birds are the first they see when reaching the lands and are often good signs.
What’s the difference between a sparrow and a swallow?
The swallow has a forked tail with long curved wings and is generally portrayed in shades of blue or green, while the sparrow is a plump, brown bird with a short rather stout tail. The best placement for a swallow tattoo depends on the size of the tattoo and whether you desire to show off your tattoo to the world.