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 convert|5000|nmi|km|-3; a sailor with two swallows had travelled convert|10000|nmi|km|-3.cite web|title= Hardtack and marlinspikes – life and work aboard ship |work= Sailors’ tattoos post-visit activity, teachers’ handout |url= http://mmbc.bc.ca/downloads/educational_materials/Tatoos/tattoo%20activity%20text.pdf |publisher= Maritime Museum of British Columbia |accessdate=2007-12-01] Vanishing tattoos (on-line) [http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_swallow.htm Retrieved 17 November 2007] ] 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.Fact|date=December 2007

The swallow also represents love, care and affection towards family and friends, showing the loyalty of the person always returning to them.Fact|date=December 2007

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