What tattoo 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 tattoo crosses the equator?

Shellback Turtle Tattoos

Like a ship at full mast, a shellback tattoo showed a sailor's experience at sea. Once a sailor crossed the equator, he earned the right to get a turtle inked on his body.

What does a swallow tattoo mean navy?

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.

Why did sailors get mermaid tattoos?

Mermaid/Siren Tattoos:

It was thought that the beautiful lure of a siren's voice would misguide a ship, and cause it to wreck, or pull a sailor into the sea to find her where he would drown. Having a mermaid tattoo protected against the dangers of the sea.

What does a sparrow tattoo mean navy?

The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to denote their sailing experience.

A Guide to Sailor Tattoos

What does a swallow tattoo mean in 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.

Can a non sailor get a swallow tattoo?

One thing is for sure, you'd definitely have a highly experienced sailor in front of you. Only a sailor who had sailed 5,000 nautical miles was allowed to get a tattoo of a swallow.

What tattoo do Navy Seals get?

U.S. Navy Special Warfare Insignia (Seal Trident)

A common tattoo that you will find on both current Seals and those retired from the Navy is the Seal Trident. This symbol recognizes Navy Seals and designates them as completing their training.

What does a seahorse tattoo symbolize?

Seahorse Tattoo Meaning. The seahorse is a symbol of many things including tranquility, tenderness, regality, parenthood, and gender fluidity. In addition, seahorses carry symbolism that carry some meanings including protection, friendliness, generosity, sharing, patience, contentment, perception and persistence.

Where do sailors get swallow tattoos?

A swallow also became a mark of experience. It was traditionally tattooed on the chest for every 5,000 nautical miles that a sailor had travelled. These journeys were riddled with hardships, starvation, sickness, and death, and so the more swallows the sailor had on his chest, the more experienced and respected he was.

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 hold fast mean sailing?

HOLD FAST. Physically the term Hold Fast means to bear down and fight through the storm. There is also an understanding among sailors that when on deck, you dedicate a hand for the ship and a hand for you. That means in order to help your crew you must make sure that you are taken care of.

What do hummingbird tattoos mean?

Although the hummingbird tattoo often represents overcoming difficult times, it also has many other meanings, including love, joy, hope, life, and charm, and to many different cultures and people, the hummingbird is a symbol of peace.

What do two 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 get pig and chicken tattoos?

In a shipwreck the pens would often wash ashore with the other debris from the ship. Pigs and chickens were at times th only survivors of ship wrecks. A more prosaic explanation was that having a pig and chicken tattoo would guarantee that a sailor eats well as he carries his hams and eggs with him at all times.

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 a starfish tattoo mean?

Meanings and Symbolism Of Starfish Tattoos

The starfish were believed to create that safe passage through troubled waters, as well as helping to overcome the most trying times. As such, once wearing the starfish tattoos, sailors would benefit from protection, as well as a permanent sign of infinite divine love.

What does a jellyfish tattoo mean?

Many body art enthusiasts view the jellyfish tattoo as being a symbol of strength, protection, and defending one's family and friends. While the jellyfish appears calm and serene, its tentacles can deliver deadly stings, making it one of the most stealthy and dangerous creatures when threatened.

What does a dolphin tattoo symbolize?

A dolphin tattoo idea is often linked to a sense of fun, free-spiritedness, and playfulness, yet also attracts the tattoo enthusiast with a love for wider ocean themes, conservation, and protection.

What tattoos are not allowed in the Navy?

What tattoos are prohibited in the military?

Do Navy SEALs get Rolex watches?

In the decades after Vietnam, the advent of battery-powered dive computers and the evolution of Rolex into an expensive luxury brand caused the Navy to cease its issuance of Submariners to the SEALs. Today, however, some Navy SEALs still maintain the elite organization's relationship with Rolex on their own dime.

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 do blue bird tattoos mean?

A bluebird tattoo most often symbolizes good luck, positivity and happiness, and a popular detailed, realistic design tied to prosperity.

Why do sailors have so many tattoos?

Sailor tattoos have served as protective talismans in sailors' superstitions, records of important experiences, markers of identity, and means of self-expression. Common symbols include swallow tattoos on either side of the chest, nautical stars, and anchors.