What Does The Sparrow Tattoo Mean?
The sparrow, while not the flashiest bird type, has become a popular choice for tattoos. Sparrow tattoos are usually associated with freedom, love, and commitment, but there are many other great meanings that can be attached to these designs. For decades, they have been used as a standard in animal tattoo imagery.
Traditional style “Sailor Jerry” tattoo images often include swooping sparrows with extended wings to indicate swift flight. The movement of the bird is a symbol of liberty and the freedom to travel where one pleases as well as quickness and cunning.
A sparrow with wings spread, clearly in flight, can also symbolize a swift mind, which is a unique meaning. While many may not see the sparrow as being a bird associated with love it has become a symbol of that over the years. When these birds mate, they mate for life and become a symbol of monogamy and fidelity in relationships. Tattoos bearing a pair of sparrows can represent not only love, but a strong commitment and loyalty. Sparrows are birds that are almost always traveling in a cluster with their clan.
This offers them protection and in terms of a tattoo design this can be used to convey inclusion and community. In this way, sparrows are an appropriate choice for marriage or couple’s tattoos and are placed on either member of a partnership.
Less romantically, sparrows may also be used in the case of friendship tattoos. In ancient Egypt, they believed that sparrows would catch the souls of those who were passing over. The sparrow would find the traveling soul and guide them to Heaven to help protect and preserve the departed.
Rather than depicting it in the traditional style, as an Egyptian symbol, the sparrow can be rendered like a hieroglyph with other Egyptian imagery included to create a larger piece. Due to this belief, many people in modern times use sparrow tattoos as a way to memorialize their departed loved ones.
Often, a banner may be included bearing the name or birth/death dates of the person they are honoring. A pair of sparrows can be designed carrying the banner to further the idea of a soul that is caught and protected. Like the Ancient Egyptians, Mariners also believed that if a sailor dies at sea, the sparrow will take their soul to heaven.
Along with nautical imagery, sparrows are a large part of traditional sailor tattoos and serve as a means of protection and preservation while on the open waters. Sparrows typically fly over land and not near the water and can serve as a representation of land and security for sailors.
In the traditional style, the bird is depicted from above in flight and often done in black and white or with blues or reds. Flowers can be included or images like anchors and compasses to create a fuller image. These birds are also a symbol of freedom to many and are often chosen by those who do not wish to be bound by societal rules.
- An example of this would be the sparrow tattoo sported in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean by Captain Jack Sparrow;
- The sparrow as a representation of counterculture is connected to the roots of tattoo design in the Western world and its origins on sailor’s bodies, people who lived outside of land and society for much of the time;
The sparrow is a cunning creature that is adept at camouflage and flight. They are always on the move searching for food or providing for their young. Clouds or other sky imagery is often added to depict a sparrow in flight. A sun and clouds can be included to indicate day and add brightness to the design while stars and a moon can be depicted with the bird to create a darker tone. The sparrow is also considered to be a symbol of joy to some people. As you might imagine, this is a meaning that a lot of people can get behind in their tattoos. The sparrow could represent a person’s want for joy in their life, or it could just mean that they are proud to bring joy into other people’s lives. Believe it or not, there really aren’t that many symbols of joy out there, so the sparrow is the bird tattoo to get if you want to use that meaning.
- These characteristics make them a great symbol of creativity and productivity as well as the idea of keeping one’s burdens light to avoid a heavy heart;
- People in creative fields will sometimes get their sparrow tattoos to show off their artistic sides;
These birds are known for coming up with some creative solutions to their problems, including finding shortcuts through the sky to their destinations. If you are an artist, a musician, or someone who simply loves being creative, you might want to look into getting a sparrow tattoo.
- Another extremely cool sparrow tattoo meaning is productivity;
- They seem to get the most out of their lives by constantly moving and working, and best of all it seems to bring them joy! If you are the type of person who is happiest when you are efficiently using your time, then you’ll probably like the sparrow;
If you do decide to use this meaning, you might want to show the sparrow working on something in the design. If you happen to be interested in bird tattoos and you were looking for a design that shows you love the simple things in life, then you should definitely look into getting a sparrow tattoo. There really aren’t too many tattoos out there that represent someone’s friendliness, so this is definitely a good one to get if that is a quality you are known for and/or are proud of. This can work as a personal tattoo just for you, or you can even get it as a matching tattoo with a friend. In many cases people who choose to use the “friendliness” meaning with their sparrow tattoos will get multiple sparrows in the designs to make the meaning that much clearer.
These are not the types of birds that go off on their own trying to find something to do. No, they are the birds that love to stick to the basics, though they definitely do those “basic” things in creative ways.
Similarly, you can get the sparrow tattoo to symbolize your close friendship with someone else. Again, this can work as a personal tat or a matching tat. Those who get the friendship version of the sparrow tattoo will often have two or more birds flying together, sometimes even with smiling faces.
- These can work with realistic sparrows or even as cartoony sparrows;
- Another great meaning that you can use with sparrow tattoos is inclusiveness;
- These birds can go off on their own, but they are always happiest when they have others with them, regardless of whether they know those other birds or not;
If you are someone who tries to find a way to get everyone involved, this might just be the bird tattoo that you want to go with. This is yet another case of the sparrow representing something that you just aren’t going to get from other animal tattoos.
- Sometimes people decide to get their sparrow tattoos because of one or more of the meanings mentioned above, but in some cases they simply like that it is a black bird since black is a great color in tats;
Keep in mind that most bird tattoos share many meanings, so you might want to consider getting a sparrow design if you know you like its color and you don’t necessarily want to get too specific with the meanings. Of course, you can always use any of the sparrow tattoo meanings mentioned above if they make sense for you later on in life! Sparrows can be designed realistically to focus on the beautiful coloring and structure of the small bird. They are often chosen because many different types of sparrows are found around the globe and serve as a uniting symbol. All types of sparrows are quite small but clever creatures and represent both good and bad luck in a variety of world cultures. In modern designs, the outline of the flying sparrow is used and filled with patterns or line work, often in a Bohemian or Indian mehndi or henna style.
This can be done specifically for aesthetic appeal but also to indicate personal style. The sparrow is a harbinger of an individual’s style or preference, a symbol of the freedom to express oneself however one chooses.
With this in mind, you can probably see why a lot of people like to go in new directions with their sparrow tattoo designs. You don’t have to be too creative with these tattoos, but a lot of folks like to end up with unique tattoos to ensure that they don’t one day see the same design on someone else.
Where you choose to place your sparrow tattoo won’t change the meanings you use, but it can enhance them. For example, some people who want to use the “friendliness” meaning will place one sparrow below each collarbone, which adds in a very nice effect and makes the meaning that much clearer.
You really can place these tattoos anywhere you want to, but you should think about how one area might work better for your design over the others. Regardless of whether you want to get a very simple sparrow tattoo design or a more complex one, you will definitely want to find an artist who you can trust to do the job right. A good idea is to look through some portfolios to see how well they have done on other people’s bird tattoos (or other animals). Once you do find the artist you want to hire, tell them the meanings you want to use and any other extra details you might want to include in the design.
Going through those steps will greatly improve your chances of ending up with a sparrow tattoo that you will always be proud of. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what the sparrow tattoo can represent and some of the ways that you can get these bird tats designed.
The fact is that the sparrow has more meanings than most other birds, making it an excellent choice for a lot of people. If you like the look of the bird and found that one or more of the sparrow tattoo meanings we’ve mentioned work perfectly for you, contact a local tattoo shop to have a design drawn up for you. Here are some of our favorite sparrow tattoo designs: 
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Contents
What does sparrow tattoo symbolize?
What is the difference between a sparrow and a swallow tattoo? – The sparrow is a more common tattoo design choice than the swallow, but they are both small birds. Sparrow tattoos are often used to depict independence, whereas swallow tattoo designs are usually done as an ode to love or life’s journey.
However, neither of these ideas can be pinned down precisely because there are no hard and fast rules for either tattoo type. Tattoo designs vary on what they mean. Usually, people choose specific meanings for swallow tattoos based on their personal feelings about a swallow bird.
Some see them as symbols of new beginnings or love that lasts forever, while others believe that swallows represent changes in one’s life or overcome difficulties. Likewise, some people associate sparrows with symbols of hope; others see them as a symbol of new life. sparrow bird tattoo meaning In terms of symbolism and the meaning of sparrow tattoos, the most common reason that people get them is their inspiration from birds. There are many types of bird tattoos that people get tattooed on their bodies, like the sparrows, swallows, eagles, etc. Sparrows represent change or new beginnings in one’s life, while swallows may symbolize love, changes in one’s life, or difficulties overcome.
Some cultures also consider them symbols of motherhood because they always care for their young ones. Sparrow tattoos usually depict independence. Therefore, it has no specific meaning. People often get these tattoos to represent what appeals to them about sparrows instead of choosing them for particular importance.
Different sparrow tattoos depict different things; some may show a more realistic house sparrow, while others may be more creative. Swallows, on the other hand, are considered a part of love and courage. This is because these little birds travel great distances every year to return to their home.
Especially for those who had lost someone very close to them, swallow tattoos became a way of commemorating one’s memory and expressing that they will always remain in our hearts and minds no matter where we go or what we do with our lives from here onwards.
If you have been looking for a swallow tattoo idea, this is very personal to consider. A sparrow tattoo design is ubiquitous because people think that sparrows are little symbols of independence. On the other hand, swallow tattoos are for those who believe that swallows represent love or new beginnings in one’s life.
Tattoo meanings are very subjective, so consider your tattoo art design carefully. Regarding alternatives for your body art, consider other animal tattoos like an eagle tattoo or owl, or consider other ideas with a similar meaning, such as sailor, nautical star, beach or the sea.
Take a look at these great examples of a sparrow tattoo. These images will really help take your tattoo design ideas to another level. Sparrow tattoo meaning.
What does a swallow bird tattoo mean?
Safety – Safety is another trait of the swallows. It is another trait that is associated with the sailors and travelers, so we freely can say that swallows are a species of bird that works like a lucky charm and protector of the travelers in particular.
Why do sailors get sparrow tattoos?
Image courtesty of Sailor Jerry In celebration of Norman Collins’ 103 rd birthday next Tuesday, Sailor Jerry will be hosting events around the country and giving out 103 free swallow tattoos! You might have a swallow tattoo already or you’re just mulling the idea around as a future tattoo, but you might find the origins of this traditional flash image quite fascinating! Tattoo by Samuele Briganti. Source: https://instagram. com/samuelebriganti Among the most popular recipients of this traditional bird would of course be sailors. Before the days of advanced navigation systems, sailors would only know they were near land once they spotted swallows in the skies.
This transpired into the tattoo meaning of a safe return to home. They would also mark certain sailing accomplishments with a swallow such as traveling over 5,000 nautical miles, sailing all seven seas, crossing the equator, and sailing around the Horns (the bottom of Africa and South America).
A bit more on the morbid, yet spiritual side, it was believed that the swallows would carry a drown sailor’s soul from the depths of the ocean up to heaven. To honor a fallen comrade, a swallow with a dagger through its breast would often be depicted. Print by Quyen Dinh. Source: Parlor Tattoo Prints For the lover: Swallows will choose only one mate and remain true to them for life so they’re often a representation of finding true love or loyalty. For the fighter: Men would often get swallows tattooed on the backs of their hands to show they were quick, strong , and ruthless fighters! In some cultures the swallow is a symbol of rebirth and positive change which is something nearly all human beings experience at some point in their life. Image courtesy of Sailor Jerry The beautiful thing about any tattoo is that it can mean absolutely nothing or absolutely everything. No matter the interpretation of the swallow, this piece will always remain a staple in tattoo culture. More:
- Top 30 Best Tattoo Ideas For Girls On Back In 2022
- 30 Best Half Sleeve Tattoo Ideas for Men in 2022
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What does Jack Sparrow’s tattoo mean?
Pirates of the Caribbean put a lot of work into background details, but one of Jack Sparrow’s tattoos makes no sense for his character. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise put a lot of work into subtle background details, but one vital element of Jack Sparrow’s tattoos makes no sense when looked at closely.
- Released in 2003, the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie The Curse of the Black Pearl was a huge hit with both audiences and critics alike thanks to its quick-witted script, spooky sea-set horror elements, and fast-paced swashbuckling action;
The subsequent Pirates of the Caribbean sequels failed to recapture the fleet-footed humor and action of the original, becoming bogged down in the minutiae of real-life nautical mythology and the complex lore of the franchise. One element the original was beloved for was its clever focus on small details — although some small parts of the series still don’t add up upon further inspection.
- Take, for example, Jack’s tattoos;
- Much like gang members, bikers, and many other subcultures, pirates had all manner of symbolic significance attached to specific tattoos, and many of Jack’s carry a traditional meaning — not all of which make sense on close inspection;
For example, in nautical ink terminology (and for pirates in particular) the swallow tattoo that Jack boasts means a long distance covered (5000 nautical miles for pirates), and also implies the promised safety of reaching home. But the problem with this symbol is that much to the chagrin of Cutler Beckett and company, Jack Sparrow ‘s home is the sea. In terms of distance covered in his pirating career, there’s no doubt that Jack can boast the achievement attached to the tattoo by the time viewers meet him in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. However, his character nonetheless doesn’t fit the “safe route home” sentiment of the tat at all. Jack hates dry land and considers most of the world’s countries to be larger versions of the desert island he ends up stranded on in The Curse of the Black Pearl , meaning he’d hardly care about returning safely to the shore when the sea is his home.
- He wouldn’t celebrate a return to dry land the way that many of his crew members would because he makes a point of having no home country, city, or town;
- Of course, this isn’t the only Jack Sparrow tattoo with meaning that’s been complicated;
The simple “Jack” tattoo painted on Johnny Depp’s arm was originally a fake piece of body art that was intended to be part of Jack Sparrow’s costume. However, Depp loved the tattoo so much that he later had it done for real (with the real deal also being in honor of his real-life son Jack, born a year before the first Pirates of the Caribbean arrived in theatres). More: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Secret Meaning Behind The Heroes’ Names Prey Movie Credits Tease Explained About The Author 
Cathal Gunning (1831 Articles Published) Cathal Gunning has been writing about movies and TV online since 2020. His obsessions include The Simpsons, Stephen King, the Scream series, and the horror genre in general. He has spent more time thinking about Stranger Things than the writers of Stranger Things, and he has never seen a Star War. More From Cathal Gunning.
What does a sparrow mean in the Bible?
If you ask someone about how much God loves man, many try and measure it by gold and silver. This is typical but Jesus spoke of this subject in a way that may seem strange to some. He used something insignificant to tell of God’s love. He used sparrows as an illustration of God’s love.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matt.
10:28-31). What an odd thing to use, but look at what sparrows were in the time of Jesus. When Jesus said these words, sparrows (the term sparrow was used generically of many small birds) were used in commerce. These small birds were a small morsel of food.
Several of them would be plucked and place on a skewer then roasted over a fire and eaten like kabobs. Notice the passage from Matthew again: two sparrows were sold for a penny. Luke records that five sparrows were sold for two pennies (Luke 12:6).
This meant the buyer received the fifth sparrow for free because one sparrow had no value. Imagine, even with all the things going on in the world at any given time, God knows when one sparrow – however worthless in man’s eye – falls to the ground.
Have you ever tried to count the number of birds you see in a day’s time? Yet God cares for each and every one of them. That in itself is unimaginable. If God cares that much for one of his creatures, how much more does he care for man.
In the eyes of some, it takes power, money or prestige to be important. God cares for every person on the face of the earth no matter how much they are worth or what station in life they hold. That means that the beggar that is passed on the highway is important to God.
- By reading God’s word this concept is readily seen;
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16);
God wants all men to be saved, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2: 3-6).
In these passages God’s love is explained for all to know. God made it possible for all men to be saved. He sent his Son to give himself as the ransom for man’s sins. He has given us his word so that we can know what is expected of us.
Some fail to read and study for themselves and only listen to what others tell them. Jesus himself implored those of his day to, “search the scriptures … and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). Knowing that the Bible comes from God (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) should make one curious enough to read it for ourselves.
God wants us to believe on Jesus as his Son (John 8:24), to repent of our sins (Luke 13:3), be willing to confess the name of Jesus before men (Matt. 10:32, 33), and then be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).
Study the Bible and come to know God’s love..
What does the swallow symbolize?
Final Thoughts – The swallow is an elegant bird known for its freedom of movement and representation of spring. Some of the oldest civilizations recognize the swallow as a positive symbol of luck, prosperity, and fidelity. When you learn the habits of the swallow it’s no wonder that these magnificent birds bring so much knowledge and representation to different cultures and religions across the world..
What does a bird tattoo symbolize?
Bird tattoos are popular because they are so versatile. They are found in lots of different cultures and suit lots of different tattoo styles. Birds symbolize independence and freedom, as well as peace, optimism and happiness.
What does small bird tattoos mean?
Which bird tattoo are you drawn to the most? – CARDINAL TATTOOS Cardinal tattoos derive from German culture. The bright red wings of the cardinal represent a passion for life, and the cardinal itself represents youth and happiness. DOVE TATTOOS Doves are seen to be more of a religious in Christianity as they are the typical bird that is released at weddings.
Dove tattoos represent peace and love, and they are also known to value innocence. RAVEN TATTOOS Ravens are probably the most mysterious of the birds, which is why these tattoos symbolize wisdom and intelligence.
A raven tattoo is one of the most interesting bird tattoos because there is also a more negative side to what they represent. And that is the mystery of darkness and death. All in all, a raven tattoo represents magic, secrets, mystery, and intelligence. Whether these meanings are positive or negative merely depends on the person who has it.
- OWL TATTOOS Like the raven, owls represent wisdom and knowledge, but their symbolism is a bit different as they also represent transition;
- The owl tattoo has been extremely popular in the Egyptian, Celtic, and Hindu cultures as they believed that the owl represented protection and was seen to be a guardian of death;
Because of this, the owl was referred to as the “Angel of Death. ” Native Americans believed that owls were the protector of sacred knowledge, and seeing an owl meant that a loved one is being guarded in the afterlife. Even though the raven tattoo and owl tattoo both generally represent wisdom and knowledge, they highly differ in what kind of mystery they represent.
BLACKBIRD TATTOOS Blackbird tattoos symbolize potential when it comes to a higher sense of ideals, thoughts and intelligence. They are very popular in alchemy as alchemists value their higher sense of knowledge when transitioning into the afterlife.
They are a symbol of transformation and higher energy. BLUEBIRD TATTOOS Bluebirds represent happiness and luck. They more so symbolize the reminder that with luck and good fortune, there will be prosperity and joy in the near future. This bird tattoo is one of the only birds that do not have a dark symbolism or meaning.
EAGLE TATTOOS The eagle tattoo represents power and strength. Eagle tattoos are most popular in the American culture as the bald eagle not only symbolizes this power and strength, but also symbolizes American patriotism and dedication to their country.
HAWK TATTOOS Hawk tattoos represent honour. Hawks are known for their instinctive ability to hunt their prey, therefore symbolizing bravery and protection in a state of war. PARROT TATTOOS Parrots are the colourful, chipper, and most talkative of the bird family.
Because they can learn and speak, a parrot tattoo represents communication and companionship. These tattoos can be done in any combination of colours to make it even more personalized to fit what you value most.
SWAN TATTOOS Swan tattoos symbolize beauty, elegance, loyalty, and love. In astrology, swans are governed by the planet Venus, and the astrological meaning of Venus is the planet of beauty. In mythology, a swan symbolizes a goddess of love. SWALLOW TATTOOS Swallow tattoos were mostly valued by sailors as a symbol of a safe journey and protection of the soul.
- Swallow tattoos represent peace, motherhood, and safety;
- SMALL BIRD TATTOOS A tattoo of a small bird represents the inspiration to accomplish what we may think is impossible every day; in other words, it reminds us to conquer our failures and doubts in order to continue living a free and unblocked life;
FLYING BIRD TATTOOS A flying bird symbolizes optimism, ease, and family value. Flying bird tattoos most commonly seen in a set of three birds which derived from the meaning of the number three in numerology, which means to give joy. The flying bird tattoo was also praised by the Aztecs and symbolized the “power of the gods.
Is a sparrow and swallow the same bird?
The 6 main differences between a Sparrow and a Swallow – The main difference between sparrows and swallows is that swallows are thin and streamlined, build nests of mud, and hunt insects in the air, while sparrows are shorter and stockier, build nests of vegetation, and eat mostly seeds.
Sparrows and swallows are both relatively common birds than can be found across the United States. In fact, both of these birds are found worldwide, with the distribution of the swallow even extending into parts of Antarctica during certain seasons.
Although these birds may seem similar, they have quite different physical traits, as well as divergent habits and behaviors. Sparrows are songbirds that love to eat seeds and inhabit the same places as humans. Swallows are aerial masters and have evolved to eat insects in the air that they catch through amazing acrobatics. Let’s get started! 
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Should I get a swallow tattoo?
A Single Swallow – A favorite of all travelers, this tattoo signifies freedom and a keen sense of adventure. The placement of the tattoo is also extremely important—most people choose to get it done on the neck or shoulder as it has a higher vantage point.
Why do prisoners have swallow tattoos?
Swallow – 
11 Swallows are a symbol of having served time in prison or ‘done bird’ Credit: Imgur The swallow tattoo was traditionally a symbol that a sailor had returned home safely after a successful voyage. But it can also be a symbol that someone has spent time in prison. 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”.
What does the swallow tattoo mean military?
Arrow-Left arrow-down arrow-down arrow-down Arrow-Left Arrow-02-Left Arrow-02-Right arrow-up Arrow-Right big-left-arrow big-right-arrow close Cloudy directions eye Facebook Hail-Stone Arrow-Left image-icon twitter-inline instagram-inline Linkedin Mail mark Mist Night Partly-Cloudy-Night-Time Partly-Cloudy Rain scroll-arrow search-01 Sleet Snow speech Sunny Thunder-Lightening TripAdvisor TripAdvisor twitter-inline twitter video-icon YouTube In the Georgian period, the expansion of the British Empire rested on the power of the Royal Navy.
Every sailor was proficient with a needle and some turned from mending sails and darning socks to marking each other, presumably using gunpowder and urine for ink. It was thought that gunpowder offered the mystical powers of protection and long life.
Improved record keeping by the Royal Navy began to note descriptions of distinguishing marks on sailors’ bodies, including tattoos. These records show designs that are very intimate; marks of love, loss and life events. Others demonstrate national identities, religious faith, and patriotic pride.
From milestones and magic to patriotism and talismans, we’ve looked into some popular nautical designs and the meanings behind them … A swallow – 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. Swallows are known for their migration patterns where they travel long distances from home and back again, a swallow tattoo would also mean that a sailor could always find their way home. 
An Anchor – A sailor would get an anchor tattoo to signify a successful Atlantic crossing. An anchor is also the most secure object on the ship so its image serves as an icon of stability. An anchor with a name in a banner shows that person gives them the reason to stay grounded. A pair of crossed anchors on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger signals that the person was a boatswain’s mate. Fully rigged ship – A fully rigged ship from the age of sail is one with three or more masts, sails fully deployed. This tattoo was originally worn by those who had circumnavigated the treacherous waters of Cape Horn, on the Southern tip of South America. King Neptune or Shellback Turtle – Either of these incarnations signals the wearer has crossed the Equator and considers themselves to be a member of ‘King Neptune’s Court. ‘ 
Hold fast – One of the oldest examples of nautical tattooing, dating back to the 16 th century. These words are a charm spelled out on the four front-facing fingers on each hand, normally worn by the boatswain’s mate as a visual reminder to keep going in tough times. The boatswain’s mate would have to hold onto the rope and rigging as if his life depended on it. 
Pig & Rooster With one on each ankle or on the feet, this design originated in the Second World War as protection against shipwreks or drowning. It derives from livestock transported in wooden crates that would float if a vessel went down, often leaving the animals as the only survivors. If a pig was tattooed on the left knee and a rooster on the right foot, then the tattoo represented an old saying: “Pig on the knee, safety at sea.
On the left hand means they had sailed all the oceans, on the right, means they sailed the Seven Seas. Ships today no longer have this type of rigging so often a boatswain’s mate will get this tattoo for tradition and as a reminder to hold on and persevere during tough times.
A cock on the right, never lose a fight. ” 
Twin propellers A representation of the dark humour often associated with seafaring. Each propeller was tattooed on a sailor’s butt cheek and was said to prevent drowning, as they could “propel” the wearer ashore. Nautical star Remains one of the most popular tattoos and it has several meanings. The tattoo is usually rendered as a five-pointed star with alternating colours to mimic the colours on the compass rose found on nautical charts. The star symbolises the North Star which helped sailors to navigate out at sea. It is a symbol of protection, guidance, and good luck. 
Rope Usually placed around the wrist and is associated with the role of the deckhand, who had the responsibility of maintaining the hull, decks, superstructure, mooring, and cargo handling on a ship. Dragon / Golden Dragon A sailor with a dragon tattoo has sailed to Asia and a golden dragon means they have crossed the international date line. 
Pin-Up Girls Life at sea meant leaving behind loved ones. The pin-up girl tattoo was a reminder of the ladies that waited for their safe return back home. 
Mermaid A good luck charm and reminder of the dangers of the sea. Mermaids were said to lure sailors to their doom with their beauty and enchanting songs. This was a reminder that no matter how much sailors loved the sea it could be fickle and dangerous. Hula Girl A souvenir tattoo for a sailor who had been to Hawaii. Compass A good luck charm to ensure that a sailor never loses his way and is always able to return home. 
Don’t forget to check out our Tattoo: British Tattoo Art Revealed online exhibition: Enter Private View.
What is the meaning of a sparrow?
Sparrow Symbolism and Meaning – What is a sparrow? A sparrow is a charming little bird that, in spite of its small size, has the ability to do wonders. So, what do sparrows symbolize? The sparrow symbolism means power, creativity, community, simplicity, and empowerment.
- Further, sparrow bird meaning and interpretations are also positive, such as friendly, caring, persistent, and productive, which show you the power of sparrow medicine;
- As a worker, sparrow teaches you to be hardworking and vigilant;
In the forest, these birds constantly work to gather food and ensure comfort in their lives. If you want to have a joyful, lovely, and happy life, the sparrow guides you to work hard and not sit idle. It emphasizes you to work for the things you want. By achieving things with your hard work, you can bring some sense of worth and self-esteem, like the sparrows, as these birds are the symbols of hard work. The sparrow symbol is also a symbol of a communal and protected environment because they have received their power in different ways.
- These birds are not independent, but you can’t say them needy or desperate;
- In fact, they are responsible and unite;
- The community of sparrows works together and teaches each other to share responsibilities and cooperate;
This is something that you can learn and use in your own life. Sparrows sing all day long and encourage you to sing your own soul song. Hence, the sparrow represents not only hard work but also inspires you to love yourself and teaches you about several caring and joyful qualities.
Does Johnny Depp have a Jack Sparrow tattoo?
Many fans have wondered if Johnny Depp has a Captain Jack Sparrow tattoo, and the answer is yes. The Pirates of the Caribbean star has a tattoo representing Jack Sparrow on his right arm. But the tattoo also represents his son, Jack Depp, who was born in 2002.
Does Johnny Depp have a bird tattoo?
Rook – Johnny has a rook (bird) playing Rook (the old-timey card game) on his left wrist. This was reportedly done in tribute to his grandfather, who played the game often.
What do bird tattoos mean?
People have always been drawn to birds, especially as a representation and sense of freedom. As a whole, birds represent our eagerness and desire to live a spiritually free and happy life. Some cultures even valued birds to be a representation of eternal life; as in the connection between heaven and earth.
Does Johnny Depp have a Jack Sparrow tattoo?
Many fans have wondered if Johnny Depp has a Captain Jack Sparrow tattoo, and the answer is yes. The Pirates of the Caribbean star has a tattoo representing Jack Sparrow on his right arm. But the tattoo also represents his son, Jack Depp, who was born in 2002.
Is a swallow and a sparrow the same bird?
i David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images No, the swallow and the sparrow are different birds. Swallows are in the family Hirundinidae, while sparrows are in the family Emberizidae. It can be difficult to identify these birds of similar size in flight, but you can differentiate them by observing coloring, body types, diet and, in the case of these two, their typical habitats.
Where can I get a swallow tattoo?
Where to get your Swallow Tattoo? – 
Getting down to practical matters, if you’re looking to get a trendy swallow tattoo, where do you have it done? And what else do you have included in your design along with it? A little swallow nesting on your left shoulder can signify travel and adventure , loyalty and patriotism. Since these images can be scaled down to really small sizes, you could get one or more swallows inked onto your wrist on the inside, too. Many people like having a flock of birds in flight as part of their tattoo design. But the same image on the hands or neck could also mean something more sinister – like having spent time in jail, having “done your bird” (‘bird’ comes from Cockney slang for “bird lime” which means “doing time”). The most common locations for a swallow tattoo, however, are the chest, hip, shoulders or lower back. A swallow can be all by itself, or combined with elements like an arrow, cherry, banner, stars, or some text. Some swallow tattoos are in black only, while others are in bright, beautiful colors. 
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