Sailors got one tattooed before they left and one when they returned. If they perished at sea, the first swallow was supposed to bring their souls to heaven. If they lived, the swallow tattooed on their return - in symmetry with the first - symbolized surpassing oneself, surviving difficult trials, such as the bird that travels long distances during its migrations.
The swallow is the most represented animal on the body of sailors. Symbol of luck, hope, travel, freedom and good news, it has several meanings. Starting with hope (and good news) since sailors who saw a swallow could be sure that the land was not far away. Like the lighthouse, it evokes the reunion with loved ones and the assurance of a safe return.
The swallows are also evocative of a new beginning, of a cycle. Indeed, these migratory birds return each year to the same place to nest again in the spring. Just like sailors, whose crossings and seasons punctuate life.
This bird is also a symbol of fidelity. He remains in a relationship with the same partner all his life. It also symbolizes the sailor's attachment to his family, who have remained ashore awaiting his return, but also protection.
Sailors got one tattooed before they left and one when they returned. If they perished at sea, the first swallow was supposed to bring their souls to heaven. If they lived, the swallow tattooed on their return - in symmetry with the first - symbolized surpassing oneself, surviving difficult trials, such as the bird that travels long distances during its migrations.
Other uses explain that navigators got a tattoo of a swallow after travelling 5?000 miles. A second swallow was drawn once it reached 10?000 miles.
The starfish was a kind of gri-gri that was supposed to help you find your way home.
The starfish was a kind of gri-gri that was supposed to help you find your way home.
The turtle symbolized the passage of the Equator
The turtle symbolized the passage of the Equator
The pig and the rooster
Little associated with the sea, these two farm animals were often tattooed on sailors' feet as a lucky charm against drowning, or having survived a shipwreck. The rooster on the right side and the pig on the left side.
There are several reasons to explain these drawings. The first is that these animals were transported in wooden crates, which could float after a shipwreck. There is also an old saying: "pig on his knee, safety at sea, rooster on the right, never lose a fight."
