Why do sailors get pig and chicken tattoos?

Sailors believed that a nautical star or compass rose would help them navigate, including finding their way back to port or back home. A pig and a hen, usually tattooed on each foot (pig on the left, chicken on the right), were wards against drowning in a shipwreck.

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 do sailors tattoos meaning?

At sea, the anchor is the most secure object in a sailor's life, making it the perfect representation of stability. This is why you'll often see anchor tattoos emblazoned with "Mom" or the name of a sailor's sweetheart (the people who keep them grounded).

Why did sailors get anchor tattoos?

Anchors became a popular tattoo design during the 18^th century. The meaning behind the anchor derives from a sailor's desire for stability at sea. In turbulent and changing waters, the anchor would keep sailors steady on board the ship and ground them in the same way a real anchor does a vessel.

What does the chicken and pig tattoo mean?

Mike Koepsell. Tattoos. Traditionally, Sailors would tattoo a pig and rooster on their feet to protect them from drowning. Tradition says that because these were farm animals not so fond of water they would find the quickest route to shore.

A Guide to Sailor Tattoos

What tattoos do sailors get?

What does a rooster tattoo symbolize?

It is known to be a good omen when spotted and therefore, revered in Korean culture. Their willingness to fight until the very end represents their strength and conviction which are admirable qualities that most hope they can conjure by getting a rooster tattoo.

What does a swallow mean in the Navy?

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.

What does a swallow tattoo on the 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.

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 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.

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".

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 swallows, nautical stars, and anchors.

What do swallow tattoos mean?

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 does a noose tattoo mean?

This is a variant of the first KKK tattoo that was used in the early 20's. the noose is the more significant symbol. Represents the large amount of lynching of blacks that took place in the early part of the last century. Unfortunately the tattoo is becoming more popular with the KKK and Aryan Nation.

What does a snake tattoo symbolize?

It symbolizes the changing seasons of life and the cyclical nature of the universe. Historically and across cultures, serpents represent fertility and creative life force. Since they shed their skins, they are apt symbols of transformation, rebirth, healing, and immortality.

What does a teardrop under eye 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 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 do tattoo dots on knuckles mean?

Mostly seen in the UK but used elsewhere too, four dots tattooed across the knuckles stand for ACAB (All Cops Are Bastards). Or a dot on each hand in between the thumb and forefinger—one meaning going into prison, and one meaning they have completed their sentence.

How far can a swallow tattoo go?

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.

Are you allowed tattoos in the Royal Navy?

Most tattoos and piercings won't prevent you from joining the Royal Navy, providing: Tattoos are not visible on a front-view passport (e.g. not on your face, throat area or in front of your ears) Tattoos are not offensive or obscene (see our policy for full details) Any piercings can be removed.

What is a Navy Shellback?

The shellback is simple enough: A sailor on official duty “crosses the line” of the equator. A golden shellback is more impressive; it means they've crossed the International Date Line. Even rarer, crossing at the Prime Meridian grants you access into the Order of the Emerald Shellback.

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 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.

What does a ship tattoo symbolize?

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.