swallow tattoos are rich in history and symbolism throughout the world. Throughout the centuries, the little bird has been associated with health, wealth, loyalty, and the rigors of long-distance travel.
The swallow tattoo is trendy and trendy today, as are other bird tattoos and old school designs like the nautical star tattoo. Swallow tattoos are often combined with stars, cherries, flowers, arrows or a banner with text. The most popular body parts to wear a swallow tattoo are the hips, chest, lower back, and shoulders.
what does a swallow tattoo symbolize?
The swallow, as well as the bluebirds and the sparrows, has always had a symbolic meaning for sailors because these birds used to be the first sign that the land it was close (before modern times). navigation technology). a swallow tattoo for a sailor reflected his hope of returning home safe and sound.
another fact is that swallows return home every year, wherever they are. Every year, Mission San Juan Capistrano in California welcomes this wonder of nature. a flock of tiny birds numbering in the tens or even hundreds of thousands descend on the mission in a grand display of migration at work.
the swallow is a bird that chooses a partner for life. therefore, a swallow tattoo is also a symbol of love and loyalty to family.
other symbolic meanings are on the same line:
- coming home after a fight
- a hardship survived
- a victory won.
- Sea travel in the early years was a dangerous and difficult undertaking, so a sailor with one or two swallow tattoos was considered very experienced and therefore worthy trusted and valuable.
- The legend tells that if the sailor does not survive his trips and ends up drowning, the birds perch on his soul and carry him from the murky waters, to the claws of the sky… certainly a disturbing image.
- other times sailors used to get swallow tattoos:
- after sailing the 7 seas.
- after navigating around the horns (the bottom of Africa and South America).
- 1 swallow tattoo after crossing the equator and another when returning.
- In some cultures, the first drink of spring is a very lucky sight because it is a harbinger of financial success. to ensure wealth throughout the year, one must rub two coins while watching the bird.
- a tattoo of 2 swallows represents freedom. is a popular tattoo design among people who have just been released from prison.
- a swallow tattoo on the fists symbolizes that the person wearing it is a good fighter (in the UK). the tattoo is supposed to give you quick hands in a fight.
- Sometimes a swallow can also be seen in gang tattoos.
- swallow tattoos, as well as bluebird and sparrow (prisoner) tattoos, are also a symbol of white supremacy for some people.
- robbie williams: this celebrity has a tattoo of 2 swallows on his abdomen.
- marc almond: singer of the British band softcell, has a swallow tattoo on his neck.
- marianne faithful: singer with a swallow tattoo on her left hand.
- christina applegate: actress married with children, has a swallow tattoo on her abdomen.
- mark mcgrath: singer of the band sugar ray, has a red swallow on his right shoulder and a blue swallow on the left.
- rachel perry: vh1 hostess with two swallows on her abdomen.
- johnny depp: He has a swallow tattoo on his right arm. he is full of tattoos, you couldn’t find a better actor for the role of jack sparrow in pirates of the caribbean.
other meanings of swallow tattoos
The swallow tattoo and other old school tattoos are back in fashion, especially in some scenes, such as the rockabilly scene. they are a popular design among rockabilly girls and other retro girls, as are nautical stars and cherry tattoos. This is due to the fact that these old school tattoos were common during the prime time of rockabilly music. A good example of typical tattoo designs from that era is the work of tattoo artist Sailor Jerry, who had his tattoo parlor in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Sailor Jerry’s student ed hardy is also known for this traditional style.
A symbol of hope for homecoming, of loyalty to family and home, of freedom, the swallow is a beautiful choice for a tattoo, whether you plan to spend your days away or not in the sea. as with all anamorphics, you can decide how to explain the meaning behind your skin art, each one has its own symbolic interpretation.
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look at these photos and designs:
Make sure you also check out our Heart Tattoo Designscelebrities with swallow tattoo
The origins of the swallow tattoo can be traced back to a ship called the swallow. at one point, the ship’s crew had a riot. To recognize each other, the 7 mutineers who started the riot got a swallow tattooed on their chest.
After that, the swallow tattoo was the tattoo design for sailors to show their experience at sea. Every five thousand nautical miles (5,750 miles or 9,250 km), a sailor traditionally gets a swallow tattooed on his chest:
