What does a swallow tattoo symbolize?

What does a swallow tattoo symbolize?

Swallow tattoos symbolize travel and freedom, as well as returning home. Once used by sailors to show sailing prowess, swallow tattoos now come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of designs and colors.

What do 2 swallow tattoos mean?

The twin swallows are usually the symbol of love, prosperity, and rich family relations, so tattooing two of them can hint at the care and affection, as well as fidelity and loyalty between two soul mates.

Why do sailors have tattoos of swallows?

A swallow – A swallow with a dagger would be used as a memorial of a lost comrade at sea. Swallows are known for their migration patterns where they travel long distances from home and back again, a swallow tattoo would also mean that a sailor could always find their way home.

Why do men have swallows tattooed on their hands?

For the fighter: Men would often get swallows tattooed on the backs of their hands to show they were quick, strong, and ruthless fighters! In some cultures the swallow is a symbol of rebirth and positive change which is something nearly all human beings experience at some point in their life.

What does a traditional sparrow tattoo mean?

Sparrow tattoos are usually associated with freedom, love, and commitment, but there are many other great meanings that can be attached to these designs. For decades, they have been used as a standard in animal tattoo imagery.

Where did the swallow tattoo originate?

The swallow tattoo was initially used as a symbol by sailors to display their sailing experience. In the early days of sailing, it was usually an image of a barn swallow tattooed on one’s chest, neck or hands.

What does a swallow tattoo on neck mean?

Swallow tattoos on a man’s hands and neck originated in British prisons from the term ‘jail-bird’. It simply means you have been to prison and served your ‘bird’. Freedom.

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 does 3 teardrop tattoos mean?

Teardrop (Photo trendfashion2013) One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder.

What does 2 teardrop tattoo mean?

A teardrop tattoo is a small tattoo in the shape of a teardrop near one or both eyes. It is closely associated with gang and prison culture, where it often indicates one has served time, one has been humiliated, or one has killed. Others may get such a tattoo to represent sorrow or loss.

What’s the difference between a swallow and a sparrow tattoo?

What is the difference between a sparrow and a swallow tattoo? The sparrow is a more common tattoo design choice than the swallow, but they are both small birds. Sparrow tattoos are often used to depict independence, whereas swallow tattoo designs are usually done as an ode to love or life’s journey.

What’s the difference between a sparrow and a swallow?

Size and Shape A swallow will have a cone-shaped body that is 15 to 19 centimeters long and a flat head, without a visible neck. His wings are long and pointed, and his tail may be forked or notched. A sparrow has a stocky body 12 to 18 centimeters in length with a rounded head and tail, and broad wings.

What tattoos did Pirates have?

A rope around the wrist, or the word “Hold Fast” across the knuckles – Mark of a deck hand. A pig on one foot, and a rooster on the other – Two animals often found on sailing ships as part of the food supplies.

Where do you put a swallow tattoo?

The most common locations for a swallow tattoo, however, are the chest, hip, shoulders or lower back. A swallow can be all by itself, or combined with elements like an arrow, cherry, banner, stars, or some text. Some swallow tattoos are in black only, while others are in bright, beautiful colors.

Why do prisoners have swallow tattoos?

The swallow tattoo was traditionally a symbol that a sailor had returned home safely after a successful voyage. But it can also be a symbol that someone has spent time in prison. The tattoo is supposed to mean that you have “done your bird, done your time”.

What does a swallow tattoo on the neck mean?

What does a sparrow tattoo symbolize?

The sparrow, while not the flashiest bird type, has become a popular choice for tattoos. Sparrow tattoos are usually associated with freedom, love, and commitment, but there are many other great meanings that can be attached to these designs. For decades, they have been used as a standard in animal tattoo imagery.

What is the difference between a swift and a swallow?

Spot the Difference Swallows’ distinctive forked tail have long, tapered feathers, while they also have a black head and red chin strap. Confusingly, swifts have forked tails that look quite similar to the martins, however they are dark brown all over, while house martins have white bellies and rumps.

What are old school swallow tattoos?

Old school swallow tattoos done in a traditional style have long been an incredibly popular choice for sailors and tattoo enthusiasts alike. For better or worse, gone are the days where one had to earn their nautical tattoos at sea. Back in the day, a sailor had to cross 5000 miles of ocean to earn a swallow tattoo.

How to choose the right swallow tattoo design?

This tattoo is best when inked on the chest, upper back, or waist. Swallow tattoo design would look amazing when inked in medium to large sizes. A tattoo like this looks good on people with fair or wheatish skin tones. This is a pretty colorful and creative swallow tattoo design.

Where to place a swallow tattoo on your neck?

If you want your swallow tattoo design to look chic, then the neck is the best placement idea. You can place it on the side of the neck or the nape of the neck. However, you have to make sure that your design is not too big in size as smalls designs look better in these areas.

What kind of bird is a swallow tattoo?

Most often than ever, these swallow tattoos are presented in the Bran Swallow or European Swallow design which is one of the most popular varieties of these birds. These birds have a colorful body with an orange face, a white stomach, and a beautiful blue back.