.

Hereof, why did sailors get swallow tattoos?

The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to show off 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. It is also said that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry his soul to heaven.

Beside above, what tattoos do sailors get? The Meanings Behind 19 Classic Sailor Tattoos

• Fully-Rigged Ships. A tattoo of a fully-rigged ship from the age of sail means the sailor had been around Cape Horn, the rough, stormy waters around the southern tip of South America.
• Nautical Star.
• Crossed Cannons.
• Swallows.
• Anchor.
• Rope on the Wrist.
• Hula Girl.
• Crossed Anchors.

Beside this, what do sailor tattoos mean?

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Once upon a time sailors marked their bodies with tattoos as badges of honor that marked personal and professional milestones. The life of a sailor was full of mystery and adventure. The lure of the sea brought with it risk, danger, and superstition.

What tattoo do sailors get when they cross the equator?

Shellback Turtle: This is sometimes used interchangeably with King Neptune. The tattoo commemorates a sailor who has crossed the equator and been initiated into King Neptune's Court, a line-crossing ceremony for Navy members who cross the equator for the first time.