What does a swallow symbolize tattoo?

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.

What does a crab tattoo mean?

The crab has many meanings and the symbolism can be different for everyone. The crab is a powerful symbol of wealth, renewal and adventures of the sea. It has lunar connections which defines its symbol of renewal; as the moon changes, everything can be reborn.

What does a swallow tattoo mean sailing?

Memorial. Dagger Through Swallow – This tattoo would be used as a memorial of a lost comrade at sea. You’ll remember the swallow represented 5000 nautical miles, and in this circumstance, it also represented the sailor who sailed those miles too.

How many miles does a swallow tattoo represent?

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.

Are swallow tattoos feminine?

Swallow tattoos are considered to be a very old-school and traditional design, since they have been around for so many years and remain a pretty unisex choice!

What is special about swallows?

Swallows are small birds with dark, glossy-blue backs, red throats, pale underparts and long tail streamers. They are extremely agile in flight and spend most of their time on the wing. They are widespread breeding birds in the Northern Hemisphere, migrating south in winter.

What do crane tattoos mean?

many people who get crane tattoos wear the birds as reminders that strength and patience can weather any storm. With their white feathers, they also embody beauty, youth, and good fortune… since, it’s pretty lucky to be born so gorgeous as a crane!

Can I get a swallow tattoo?

You can also choose a watercolor swallow tattoo to signify your triumph over great hardship. If you’re someone who has beaten a certain disease and survived, you can get a swallow tattoo with the color used for raising awareness for that specific disease (e.g., pink for breast cancer).

What do swallows mean spiritually?

Devotion to Your Loved Ones We mentioned earlier that they indicated a sailor’s ocean experience. But they could also imply the sailor’s love for his family. Swallows re-use their nests and can recycle the nests of other birds too. They’re also thought to carry souls.

Are swallows lucky?

Swallows are widely regarded as omens of good fortune. In much of northern and eastern Europe, a farm without swallows was regarded as an unfortunate farm.