Sailor tattoos have been made for thousands of years, but today they are not used for their intended purpose. But do you know the original meaning of sea tattoos?
History written on the body
You can often meet a girl with a tattoo in the form of a neat swallow or a guy with an anchor all over his chest. Previously, these tattoos would convey some information about their wearer, but now this tradition is a thing of the past. We do not undertake to say whether this is bad or good, but the fact remains.

Sailors used tattoos in ancient times as a kind of life-long “ship's journal”. In general, the roots of this tradition go back to the 16th century. The word tattoo comes from the Samoan word “tatau”, which means “to strike”. However, there are several versions of the origin of the name.
Four centuries ago, tattoos came to Europe along with sailors. Then it was a curiosity from the distant islands of the Pacific Ocean, where the natives decorated their bodies with bizarre patterns. Interestingly, gunpowder and urine were used as the first tattoo inks.

Most often, tattoos were used to capture important events in the life of a sailor. Sometimes tattoos were made to confirm the skills and experience of a sailor, as a reminder of the places visited or any success, wealth, etc. Also, tattoos were applied to demonstrate certain qualities of a sailor.
The swallow is one of the main symbols of sailors.
What can a swallow on a sailor's skin tell about? By the way, there may even be several of them. Until now, in the fleet of different countries, it is sometimes practiced to apply the image of a swallow to a sailor who has traveled 5,000 nautical miles. To simplify, the swallow tattoo indicates that you have an experienced sailor who has passed many tests. But why a swallow?

It is this bird that is able to overcome huge distances during flights and still successfully return home. It symbolizes hope and the return home. It is believed that this tattoo will protect the sailor from evil forces and will surely guide him on the right path.

Another variation of the swallow tattoo is a bird pierced by a dagger. Such a tattoo has a sadder story, because it is usually dedicated to fallen comrades and friends.
Three-masted sailboat (Clipper), rose and dagger
This tattoo also has its own history. Only those who successfully passed Cape Horn had the right to fill such a sailboat. Even today, this is a difficult and sometimes dangerous section, for the passage of which it is necessary to prepare well.

The meaning of the tattoo is not only that the person passed a dangerous part of a particular path, but also that he showed himself to be a brave and fearless sailor. In addition, another interesting point is associated with Cape Horn in the American maritime tradition. A sailor who passed Cape Horn received the right to wear an earring and always on the ear that was closest to the ground.
Similar in meaning is a tattoo with a rose with a dagger, but it is not necessary for her to cross Cape Horn. The right to wear such a tattoo has a brave sailor, a man of action and always having a warm heart.
Turtle and Neptune tattoo
Even a small turtle on a sailor's body once served as a marker of serious seafaring experience. However, only a certain group of sailors got a turtle with a shell.

Only those sailors who crossed the equator had the honor of wearing a shell turtle. Often tattoos with Neptune fall into the same category and are applied instead of a turtle.
Dragon - Storm of the East
The dragon is an ancient and powerful creature. In the tradition of ancient China, it is also a wise, albeit dangerous beast. According to all the same legends, it was the dragons of the sea that first appeared.
Naturally, the high cultural significance of dragons could not but affect the popularity of tattoos with them. The sailors who visited China had the right to inflict the dragon on themselves.

Interestingly, things are with the color of the dragon. Specifically, a gold-colored dragon was received by sailors who crossed the International Date Line. We remind you that the international date line is located on the 180th meridian.
hold and fast
Usually these two words were stuffed on the phalanges of the fingers. Naturally, they were common among the sailors of English-speaking countries. If translated literally, then translated as “hold on tight”, “keep the line”.

Sailors received such a tattoo for a quick and accurate response to critical situations. It also testifies to the rich experience and time spent at the helm.
Fine ladies
Girls, women and various marine humanized female creatures are also often found among tattoos. Typically, such tattoos in some sense helped fill the void of loneliness that arose after long months at sea. Some of them had special meaning.

The tattoo of a dancer in Hawaiian attire symbolized the Hawaiian folk dance hula. Such tattoos were usually done by men who were frequent visitors to Hawaii.

Pin-up girl tattoos were especially popular in the 40-60s of the 20th century. Usually such girls were a reminder of the love that the sailor left on land.

Sailors with mermaid tattoos especially stood out. While sailors were getting tattoos of Hawaiian dancers and L.A. beauties, these guys were demonstrating perhaps the most important quality of a sailor - dedication to the sea. Such sailors used the mermaid as a symbol of eternal love for the sea.
Good luck, good luck, good luck!
Sailing is a difficult, risky profession. Sailors have always had a lot superstitions and traditions. As a result, some of these superstitions migrated into tattoo designs and themes. In addition, it was believed that with the help of these tattoos one could ward off bad luck.

One of the most popular symbols of protection, stability and security is the anchor. In addition, the anchor represents loyalty, honor and hope. It is not uncommon to see an anchor along with a heart and/or the words "mom", "dad" or partner. The anchor also has another meaning - it could be stuffed to a sailor who successfully completed a journey across the Atlantic.
Lighthouse - words are superfluous here. Is it worth it to remind many sailors and yachtsmen the joy of a small light above the horizon? The journey, if not over, at least you can take a short break. The lighthouse is a symbol of hope, protection and light. Sometimes it symbolizes God.

Animals are also an important part of maritime folklore. Especially favorite animals were, all of a sudden, pigs and roosters. Why they? They don't even know how to swim! Here the story goes back to antiquity - these animals were often transported in boxes that did not sink. As a result, the ship could go under water, and after a while, boxes with live animals were thrown ashore. Therefore, pigs and roosters almost literally symbolize unsinkability - although they themselves do not know how to swim.

Images of animals were often worn on the feet or ankles. The combination of these tattoos was interesting. They beat a pig on the left knee, and a rooster on the right. Such a picture was a literal visualization of the old sea saying: “A pig on the left knee - you will not drown in the sea, a rooster on the right - there are no equals in battle” (ed. note - the original saying sounds like this: “Pig on the knee, safety at sea .A cock on the right, never lose a fight”).
A starfish and a wind rose on the body of a sailor should help him sail and return home safely.
Part of the team - part of the ship!
Here, usually, everything is quite obvious and transparent. Fishermen and whalers loved to adorn themselves with a harpoon. Crossed ship cannons symbolize military service. Bosuns could put crossed anchors on their hands - between the thumb and forefinger. If the tattoo was on the left hand, then this meant that the owner had passed all the oceans, and on the right hand he had passed the seven seas.

Deck officers and mechanic officers often put a rope on their wrist - a symbol that the owner of the tattoo is taking care of the ship and its safety. In the 19th century, red devil tattoos were popular among engineers, firefighters, and specifically ship mechanics. So they meant that they work in difficult conditions with high temperatures - as if they themselves descended into the underworld.
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01.04.2023
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