The swallow tattoo is a symbol used historically by sailors to show off their sailing experience. Origin of England in the early sailing, it is a picture of a swallow, usually tattooed on the chest, hand or neck.
According to one legend, a tattooed sailor with a swallow has traveled over 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km); a sailor with two swallows has traveled 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km). This long distance trip is very difficult and dangerous in the early days of sailing, so one or more swallowing tattoos symbolize a sailor who is very experienced and valuable.
Another legend states that since the swallows return to the same location every year for mating and nesting, the swallow will guarantee the sailors return home safely. A sailor will have one tattooed tattoo before embarking on a journey, and a second tattoo swallows at the end of their duty journey, upon returning to their harbor home.
It is also said that if the sailors drown, the swallows will bring their souls to heaven.
Today, the swallow symbol can mean many different things. This is considered a fundamental style of "Traditional English" and "Sailor Jerry Collins" styles.
Several former Royal Navy Sailors have tattoos swallowed in both wrists as a symbol of successful shipping.
Video Swallow tattoo
References
- Swallow Tattoo Gallery
- Swallowing Tattoos and Information
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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