Swallow tattoo designs have been worn for many centuries to symbolize health, loyalty, wealth and long travels. These charming little birds are usually worn on the shoulder, upper arm, chest and hip, often paired up with flowers, stars or a banner with some type of words or a significant date.
Before modern technology and the privilege of GPS devices, sailors looked at swallows as a sign that they were close to land. Swallow tattoo designs became a popular symbol to suggest that they would return home safely. The origin can be traced back to a ship that was named “The Swallow.” This ship at one point had a mutiny so to recognize each other, the original seven creators of the mutiny had swallows tattooed on each of their chests.
Interestingly, it is a fact that a swallow will return to its original home every year regardless of where it migrates to. They are also a bird that chooses their mate for life so they are a representation of true love as well as extreme loyalty to their family. Additionally, sailors would wear them to symbolize returning to their home after a struggle, a survived hardship and a victory.
Later, swallow tattoo designs were worn as a symbol by experienced sailors to show off how much sailing experience that they had. Traditionally, a sailor would receive a new swallow tattoo after every 5,000 nautical miles that they clocked.
Back then, it was very dangerous to travel long distances over the sea so sailors that had a couple of swallow tattoo designs were considered quite experienced and therefore incredibly valuable and trustworthy. Legend says that if a sailor had the misfortune of not surviving his travel at sea, the swallows that were tattooed on his body would carry his soul to heaven.
Sailors also received swallow tattoo designs after they completed sailing all seven of the seas and after sailing around both of the horns, which were considered South America and Africa. They would also, as a superstition, receive on swallow tattoo before they went on a trip across the equator and then another one after they arrived safely back home again.
According to some cultures, to see the first swallow in spring is suppose to be an omen of great financial success for the coming year. To guarantee your wealth for the year, you must rub together two coins while you are observing the bird.
Many people choose a tattoo consisting of two swallows. This is a representation of freedom. These types of swallow tattoo designs are common to see on people that have recently gotten out of a bad relationship or prison. Looking further at the prison aspect, the swallow, along with the sparrow and bluebird were also used as a symbol of white supremacy for inmates. They are also commonly worn with various gangs and in the United Kingdom, wearing swallow tattoo designs on your fists means that you are an exceptional fighter.
Swallow tattoo designs are also a popular choice for those looking for old-school tattoos. They are a top pick along with nautical stars, cherries and any other retro tattoo designs.
Although through the years, swallow tattoo designs have been placed primarily on the chest, shoulder and arm, it is now quite common to see one on each side of the chest, two flying on the lower abdomen or two facing each other on the lower back. They are often a tattoo that is created in vibrant shades of red, blue, yellow and green however, you can choose any color for yours that represents your personality.
Tribal swallow tattoo designs have exploded with popularity as well. These are ideal for those that wish to wear such a symbolic bird, yet are not really into all of that color. The black sharp lines on swallow tattoo designs are a stunning choice that not only looks good on any skin tone but also in any size.
Christina Applegate – Actress has her swallows on her lower left part of her abdomen.Justin Chambers – Actor wears his swallow on his side.Marianne Faithful – Singer shows off her swallow on her left hand.Ed Witt – Chef has two swallow tattoo designs.Robbie Williams – Actor displays two swallows on his abdomen.Mark McGrath – Sugar Ray vocalist has a blue swallow on his left should and a red one on the other shoulder.Rachel Perry – VH1 host wears two swallows on her abdomen.Johnny Depp – Actor has a swallow on his right arm
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