![]() ![]() ![]() Similarly, only a sailor who had circumnavigated Cape Horn could wear an earring and always on the ear that had faced the mainland.Įven the humble turtle illustrated sailing experience and a turtle shell was proudly displayed by sailors who had crossed the equator. This tattoo could only be earned by those who'd sailed around Cape Horn - the bravest and the best, who had fearlessly set out on the high seas completely at its mercy. Fully-rigged ship (three-masted sailing boat) Because of this, the tattoo was also used for good luck and protection.Īnd if you saw a sailor with a tattoo of a swallow pierced with a dagger, they'd most likely had it tattooed in memory of a fellow sailor who'd died. And why the swallow in particular? Strongly associated as a symbol of return, the swallow is able to cover great distances and still get back home. Only a sailor who had sailed 5,000 nautical miles was allowed to get a tattoo of a swallow. What is the meaning of a swallow tattooed on a sailor? Or even two? One thing is for sure, you'd definitely have a highly experienced sailor in front of you. Certain motifs were also used to show their courage and skill. Most commonly, tattoos served as a kind of logbook - a history confirming a sailor's experience at sea and a reminder of the places they'd visited and achievements accomplished. Originally, gunpowder and urine were used instead of ink. ![]() With sailors, we mean people who are sailing with sailboats and not motor yachts. They were brought to Europe by sailors as a souvenir from the Pacific islands, where the natives decorated their bodies with them. The roots of traditional tattoos go back to the 16th century (from the Samoan word tatau, meaning "to strike"). ![]()
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