What kind of 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.

What tattoos do sailors get?

What do pirate tattoos mean?

A large portion of maritime tattoos were: Mementos used to mark a milestone in a sailor's voyage. Symbols of patriotism. Reminders of certain triumphs or places they've set foot on.

Did sailors have tattoos?

By the late 18th century, around a third of British and a fifth of American sailors had at least one tattoo. Spurred by 19th-century whaling expeditions and long trading voyages, tattooing continued to spread among both naval and merchant seamen—and from them to landlubbers.

Why do sailors get sparrow tattoos?

Among the most popular recipients of this traditional bird would of course be sailors. Before the days of advanced navigation systems, sailors would only know they were near land once they spotted swallows in the skies. This transpired into the tattoo meaning of a safe return to home.

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What does swallow tattoo on neck mean?

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 feather tattoo mean?

The feather represents freedom, trust, honor, and strength, among other things. The powerful meaning associated with this symbol makes it a great tattoo, regardless of the size.

What are sailor tattoos called?

Nautical Star Tattoos

Representing the North Star (historically used by sailors use for navigation) a nautical star tattoo was believed to keep a sailor on course. As such, they were also considered to help guide a sailor home.

Why do sailors get swallow tattoos?

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.

What does the 1971 tattoo mean?

The Odin's Cross – popularized by the KKK in 1920, this tattoo is generally worn by neo-Nazis and white supremacist groups. In 1971, a display of this tattoo caused a race riot in North Carolina. The Nazi Swastika – this symbol was adopted by the German Nazi party.

What is a pirate symbol?

Jolly Roger: A Symbol of Terror and Pride tells the story of the skull and crossbones flag, commonly known as the Jolly Roger, which has been associated with pirates for centuries. The title Jolly Roger is thought to come from the French phrase "joli rouge" which means "pretty red".

What are Jack Sparrow's tattoos?

For example, in nautical ink terminology (and for pirates in particular) the swallow tattoo that Jack boasts means a long distance covered (5000 nautical miles for pirates), and also implies the promised safety of reaching home.

Did pirates get branded?

A common punishment was to be flogged on board a single ship or sent around all the ships in the port and flogged at each one of them (a punishment also used in the Royal Navy). In the Indian Ocean, pirates were so numerous that those captured were often branded with a letter P on their foreheads using a red-hot iron.

What does a pirate ship tattoo mean?

It also depends on your current situation in life. Some meanings associated with the ship tattoo are new journeys/beginnings, home, good luck, a way of life, direction, bravery, honour or even a troubled past.

What does shaking hands tattoo mean?

Shaking hands tattoos, or friendship hands as they are often called, are an old school tattoo design that is great for a filler tattoo. They're small, simple and quite awesome! Representing anything from friendship, love and brotherhood to respect and loyalty a handshake tattoo is great piece of classic ink!

What does a sailor girl tattoo mean?

It is used to signify that you had served in the United States coast guard, United States Navy, or the Marines. Crossed cannons. Crossed cannons traditionally meant that a person was a sailor and had done military service. Swallows. Swallows were a mark of honor for those who have traveled 5,000 nautical miles.

What do teardrop tattoos mean?

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. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder.

What does a bird tattoo on the hand mean?

The tattoo is supposed to mean that you have "done your bird, done your time". Where "bird" comes from the cockney rhyming slang "bird lime" which means for "doing time".

What does hold fast mean tattoo?

“Hold Fast” written across the knuckles indicate a sailor's career as a deckhand. It's said that having “Hold Fast” on each of a deckhand's fingers would give them the grip they needed to work with the ship's lines and rigging.

What does a chicken tattoo mean?

The chicken tattoo also symbolizes bravery since these animals will often willingly put their lives on the line in battle. This is makes chicken tats great for anyone who wants a unique image to add to a military tattoo. It's also perfect for someone who takes pride in being brave regardless of the circumstances.

What tattoos do sailors get when they cross the equator?

An anchor tattoo symbolizes a Sailor's crossing of the Atlantic. Sailors may get a Shellback turtle once they have crossed the equator and get initiated into 'King Neptune's Court'.

What does JKL tattoo mean?

The title is a nod to Matthew McConaughey's mantra, “Just Keep Livin',” a statement she believes in so deeply that she had it immortalized in a tattoo that reads “JKL.” It's her only tattoo.

What does the tattoo 18 mean?

18 – This tattoo represents the initials of Adolf Hitler, using the first (“A”) and eighth (“H”) letters of the alphabet.

What does a butterfly tattoo mean?

A paradigm of natural beauty, the butterfly is a long-standing symbol that represents faith, transformation, and freedom. Traditionally, the butterfly has also been closely connected to femininity and romantic love, which is why butterfly tattoo designs are so popular.

What does owl tattoo mean?

An owl tattoo can symbolize many things, including wisdom, mystery, and magic. In Native American cultures, owls are often associated with the afterlife and are considered spiritual guides.