While every tattoo has some sort of symbolism behind it, the swallow tattoo has become a staple in the ink culture, and swallow tattoo meanings have been adapted as the world changes so that generation after generation can keep appreciating this simple sailor tattoo. It has a long history and has appealed to a lot of different personality types and lifestyles, making it very versatile.

History of Swallow Tattoo

Swallow tattoos have been around since the days when shipping was accomplished with actual ships and every journey was a direct risk to every sailor’s life. The tattoo is believed to have stemmed from the swallows’ behavior and patterns, which sailors used as a guide, much like the North Star. Sailors had noticed that swallows tended to congregate around shores and civilization, so if they began to see them in the sky while they were out at sea they knew that land wasn’t far. Sailors began to view the swallow as a sort of “welcome home” and good luck charm.

The swallow tattoo is said to have definitely started as a sailor tattoo, and it stayed that way for quite some time before others began to emulate seamen. The story of the first swallow tattoos says that the sailors who received them happened to crew on a ship called The Swallow. There were seven sailors total, and the reason that they got the swallow tattoos was because they had staged a mutiny and they wanted to be able to recognize each other during the fray easier.

Other sailors began to get swallow tattoos over time, mostly so they could function as decoys for the first seven, but the popularity of the sea tattoo took off on its own accord, and soon the meaning behind the tattoo began to change entirely. The main use that sailors found for swallow tattoos was a way to mark experience. This was when swallow tattoo meanings began to truly develop.

Traditional Swallow Tattoo Meanings

The symbolism of the swallow tattoo solidified with time to represent a measurement of how long a man had been sailing. A sailor would be able to get a swallow tattoo on his chest when he had traveled 5,000 nautical miles, and if he made it through another 5,000 nautical miles he could get another tattoo on the opposite side of his chest. Sailors could also get a swallow tattoo for completing specific difficult tasks, like sailing through dangerous seas. Sailing was such a hard lifestyle in those days that it was rare for a sailor to be able to get more than one or two tattoos. The swallow also symbolized luck and a safe journey home for the sailors, but that was a secondary consideration.

Other Swallow Tattoo Meanings

The meanings behind what was once only a sailor tattoo has been expanded and molded into something that a much wider social group can connect with, and because of that swallow tattoos have become fairly popular. Here are some of the alternative meanings that have arisen thus far:

• The swallow can sometimes represent that someone is a “jail bird” and had once been in prison.
• Swallow tattoos still represent a sense of returning  home, only now it’s stronger. Swallow always migrate to a specific location every year, so the swallow is a great symbol for returning safely home or having pride in your roots.
• A swallow tattoo on the top of someones’ hands can mean trouble if you anger them because men used to get the tattoo there as a way of saying they’re a fast fighter.
• Swallow tattoos are great for couples and close family members because it represents loyalty and steadfastness. Swallows find one mate and stay with them for life, so a tattoo of two swallows together or matching tattoos on two people means that they hold affection for someone close to them.
• Sailors in the British Royal Navy have been known to get swallow tattoos on both of their wrists as a sign that they have completed their duties successfully.
• In Greek mythology the swallow would guide the souls of the recently departed to the Underworld, ensuring their safe passage.
• In Christianity the swallow can signify the resurrection or new life.
• Many people get a swallow tattoo to represent a fresh start or closing a chapter in their lives. They usually wish to convey that they are moving on with their lives.

Swallow Tattoo Design and Placement

While there are a few places where you should avoid getting a swallow tattoo, you can place one of these old sailor tattoos almost anywhere. The traditional sea tattoo version of a swallow tattoo was usually all black or a solid, muted color, but there’s nothing stopping you from designing your tattoo differently. Many people have beautiful, vibrant swallow tattoos now, so design options are virtually endless.

If you are looking for other cool bird tattoo ideas, you can head over to our past articles here.

Tribal art tends to be more dramatically defined with bold, sweeping outlines and the dragonfly lends itself particularly well to this style of art.  Because dragonflies have a universal appeal, the bold, tribal look of this delicate, fairy-like creature, can look quite masculine, while at the same time, its ethereal, insubstantial body and gossamer wings cannot fail to appeal to women.  Personally, I hate these creatures in real life, but in tattoo art, I find them quite mesmerising!

So what is it about these delicate dragonfly creatures that holds so much fascination (and revulsion) for us?  Perhaps a look into the myths and symbols surrounding them might awaken some hidden consciousness within us.  The very name it bears is sinister and worrying, but dragonfly is not the only name it has.  It is also known as ‘Devil’s Darner’ (because of its needle-thin body and darting movements); ‘Water Witch’ (because they start their lives in water) and ‘Snake Doctor’.

Now I come to think of it, I prefer dragonfly myself!  In European and early-American myths, little children were told that if they were naughty, a dragonfly would sew up their eyes and ears while they slept.  Other myths claimed they were servants of snakes and could pick out human eyes.  Yet other cultures believed they were servants of the devil, used to weigh people’s souls.  When one buzzed around your head, it presaged serious injury.  Not beautiful connotations any of them, and unsurprising that so many people feel an almost primal revulsion towards the creatures.

But there are some more positive associations with dragonflies.  In some cultures they are associated with air and water and are, therefore, symbols of purity.  They can signify happiness, strength, courage and rebirth.  Some mythologies claim they transcended from dragons into these incorporeal, agile and seemingly invincible creatures of the night.  Because of these stories of transformation, they are frequently associated with rites of passage, when youngsters begin the process of turning into adults.  In Chinese and Japanese legend, dragonflies are perceived as heroic and even holy, and in some parts of the world they are even eaten as a delicacy!

It is little wonder, then, that dragonflies tattoo designs feature so much in fantasy and have become objects of fascination for tattoo-lovers: ugly and beautiful, fairy-like and monstrous, these creatures are oxymorons personified.  If you have decided on one as the subject of your tattoo, you probably have a powerful imagination as well as a taste for the whimsical, so apart from doing your research beforehand, try producing your own sketches of how you want your dragonfly to look and then your tribal dragonfly tattoo will truly be a unique piece of body art.

Tribes in Africa use scorpion venom for medicinal purposes, so the scorpion is seen as a healing sign.  In Egypt and Tibet, the creature is sometimes made into an amulet to ward away evil.  The Samarians associated scorpions with the sun and depicted them as guardians of sacred gateways, whilst in Greek mythology they symbolised death.  Wherever there are stories and beliefs about scorpions, so scorpion tribal tattoos will be found.  But why do people choose them?

Perhaps they are chosen because the wearer wants to convey the message that he is strong and hard – not someone to tangle with.  As tattoos they are usually worn where they are most visible and it seems that size matters little – the reaction they receive is generally the same.  They make great conversation pieces once the admirer has got over his or her initial reserve and plucked up the courage to talk to the wearer.

There may be deeper meanings behind the choice, such as interest in the healing qualities endowed on scorpions, or the more mystical associations with death, the afterlife or spiritual enlightenment.  It could be that the wearer identifies with the opposing qualities of the scorpion and is representing the fact that conflicting forces are inherent in humans, just as they are in nature; good and evil, in differing degrees, can be found in all things.  Or it may just be representative of the wearer’s birth sign.  Whatever the reason, there will be something to say and some knowledge to impart.  If you are thinking of one for yourself, bear all this in mind when you choose your design.

Scorpion tattoos lend themselves particularly well to the more abstract tribal art style with its bold, dramatic lines.  Black is a popular colour of choice for scorpion tribal tattoos and these can be very aggressive or seemingly passive and unresponsive: ready to attack with its lethal sting, or aloof and unconcerned.  Consider the completely different messages these contrasting designs convey.  One immediately says ‘Beware’, whilst the other says ‘Look at me, I’m actually quite beautiful’!  Perhaps this latter scorpion is your protector.  Careful use of colour could also add a touch of exoticism and uniqueness to your tattoo.

Whatever your reasons for choosing this unusual tattoo and whatever style or size you choose for it, you can always be sure that your scorpion tribal tattoo will intrigue even the most incurious soul and will be something for you to talk about for the rest of your life.

From these ashes would then arise a newly- reborn young phoenix, ready to begin its long life cycle once again.  Their cry has been described as a beautiful song, so enchanting that even the gods paused to listen; and in some stories, the birds are said to be able to transform themselves into humans.  Phoenix bird tattoos are particularly beautiful because of the bird’s highly-coloured plumage and scarlet and gold tail feathers resembling flames.

Phoenix bird tattoos are generally chosen to symbolise the inner fire, which is the life-force within us all; indeed the Russians called the phoenix the firebird.  It is also sometimes referred to as the bird of paradise, as some cultures believed it was the only living creature to remain in paradise when all other creatures were expelled.

The phoenix or firebird has therefore come to symbolise enchantment as well as renewal, or new beginnings and is the subject of some of the most brightly colourful tattoos around.  They can also symbolise longevity or immortality.  The ancient Egyptians, who longed for immortality, deified the bird, believing it represented the soul of Ra, the powerful sun god who was the guardian of the pharaohs and commander of the skies.   In Chinese mythology the phoenix is the symbol of grace and virtue, bringing yin and yang together in perfect harmony.  It is a very positive symbol, often used in weddings or for royal decoration, sharing the same status in Chinese culture as the dragon.

The phoenix bird tattoo design has enjoyed enduring popularity and in more modern literature and culture it is no stranger to a vast array of popular fiction from the pens of D. H. Lawrence up to J. K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter, and also in the highly successful Final Fantasy, Digimon and Pokémon games.  It is hardly surprising therefore that its popularity in tattoo art has enjoyed the longevity associated with the fabled bird.

The phoenix design is equally sought-after by both genders, perhaps because it brings the highest masculine and feminine qualities together in perfect union.  Men prefer to have their arms tattooed with this design whilst women seem to favour their lower back area or belly for their tattoo.   Ideally it should be large enough to display the striking array of colours in all their glory.  Because there are so many design and so many colours available nowadays, it is well worth visiting a tattoo shop or spending some time browsing designs on-line to ensure you find the perfect representation for you.  Because of the richness of the myths and legends surrounding this wonderful creature, you will want to ensure that, when you make your choice from all the phoenix bird tattoos available, you will select the one that is absolutely right for you.

Because long horn bulls exist all over the globe, the world is full of stories about them and symbolism surrounding them.  To the Celts, bulls symbolised great physical strength because of their powerful build.  They were also associated with virility and procreation.  The Druids connected them with solar energy and used them sacrificially to acquire wisdom and spiritual powers.  Later on they became symbols of abundance and wealth.  In Greek mythology the god Zeus transformed himself into a bull to win the love of Europa.  Their son, Minos, became king of Crete and introduced the infamous Minotaur, a raging bull-headed creature, to the labyrinth at Knossos.  These stories endowed the bull with many symbolic qualities, including passion, transformation, determination and fulfilment.

The constellation of Taurus the bull is linked to spring and rebirth, conjuring symbolism of rejuvenation and renewal as well as fruitfulness and abundance.  In western astrology, those born under the sign of the bull are powerful both physically and spiritually.  They invariably get their own way because once their mind is made up, they are immovable!  In the Chinese zodiac, the bull symbolises perseverance and people born in the year of the ox or bull are hard-working folk, determined to succeed.  In other ancient cultures, the bull signifies guardianship, protection and harmony.

The Texas longhorn bulls, originating from Spain, became the founders of the American cattle industry and the symbol of the state of Texas.  The legendary cowboys of the Wild West made their reputations in the herding and controlling of these powerful creatures.  Today’s cattle barons still proudly sport the emblem of the longhorn bull on their vehicles and may very well prize their longhorn bull tattoos in the same way the early cowboys did.

Being such large and powerful animals, these tattoos display best across the shoulder blades or upper back where they can be seen to their very best effect.  Whether or not you are affiliated with the state of Texas, born under the sign of Taurus, or in the year of the bull, longhorn bull tattoos could well be the right choice of design for you, making a statement about your unique personality or personal or physical qualities.

The beautiful Chinese and Japanese koi bear little resemblance to their lowly European ancestors, but both species were known for their tenacity and ability to survive and adapt to different climatic and water conditions.  They swim upstream against the tide, which requires stamina and determination to triumph against adverse conditions, which might explain why they have been imbued with symbols of vigour, strength of character and independence of spirit, and could also explain why koi fish tattoos are so popular with men who feel they can affiliate themselves with such qualities.

To develop a little more understanding of the ideas and symbolism surrounding koi fish, we need to delve a little further into their background and the origins of these beliefs.  These fish were introduced into the eastern hemisphere somewhere between 400 and 600 years ago.  Prior to that they were rather dull and unexciting creatures though still appreciated for their tenacity, energy and adaptability.  With careful breeding, more exotic colour patterns were created and simple carp became the koi, or king of fish.

In Japanese culture, the koi fish tattoo design is associated with masculinity and flags depicting koi fish are flown to celebrate the birth of male children and are meant to endow them with desirable masculine qualities such as strength, determination and courage.  In Chinese culture, it was believed that if any of these tenacious creatures could navigate far enough up the Yellow River to reach the point known as the Dragon Gate, the fish would be transformed into a dragon.  This has therefore imbued the koi with the attributes of great ambition and the pursuit of dreams.  And then, of course, in western culture, there is the astrological sign of the zodiac, Pisces, often depicted as one or two colourful fish and symbolising compassion, imagination and intuitiveness.

Pisceans are gentle, patient people who enjoy great popularity because they accept people around them without criticism,  but they are also introspective thinkers, in tune with the mysteries of nature and the more mystical side of their character.  Hopefully this should go some way to explaining why the koi fish has earned its place in the tattoo artists’ hall of fame, but what does it tell you about the appearance of this lovely creature in koi fish tattoos?

To capture the sheer, abundant energy of this remarkable fish, koi fish tattoos usually depict curving bodies and flamboyantly swirling tails, all in clean, vibrant colours, to suggest vitality and movement.  Traditionally they are etched in black and white, but as more exotic-coloured species are introduced into the world, so more lively colours are being used to capture the essential beauty of these majestic fish.  The tattoos must also depict the intrinsic qualities of the species and these must reflect the beliefs and emotions of the wearer in order for him or her to truly appreciate the symbolism and artistry behind koi fish tattoos.

Honey bee tattoos are very versatile and the bees themselves hold a surprising amount of symbolism and value in many ancient and current religions. The fun part of including honey bees in a tattoo is that you can just add just a few small bees for accent or you can completely center all of the artwork on them. Honey bee tattoos aren’t as common as tattoos of other animals, like tigers or butterflies, but they look to be catching on, and those who have included bees have ended up with some beautiful and unique pieces.

Honey Bee Tattoos: Meanings and Symbols

Humans have harnessed the power of honey bees for thousands of years and if it weren’t for those little warriors there would be no such thing as good fruit harvests or honey. While many people don’t care for bees because some can bite, sting, or even kill someone, there are still enthusiasts that recognize the strength and incredible abilities of the honey bee.

Egyptians were among some of the first to appreciate the honey bee. Honey was placed in tombs as a way to please the gods and ensure that the soul of the person who passed on was properly guided to the afterlife. In the days when Egypt was divided into two kingdoms they used the bee as an insignia for the king of Lower Egypt, and the tradition was adjusted and used even after Egypt was united into a single kingdom. In Egyptian mythology the belief is that bees are created by one of their most powerful gods, Ra, and that the bees grow out of his tears when they land in the desert.

Greeks also hold a lot of respect for the honey bee, and the name Melissa directly means “bee” in their culture. There is also a tale of how the nymph named Melissa first discovered bees and the benefits of their honey, which she taught to her people in turn. Melissa later became one of the nurses to Zeus, and rather than feed him milk, like usual, she directed bees to feed Zeus honey by carrying it to him and depositing it right into his mouth. The term “nectar of the gods” was coined because of this legend.

Bees generally symbolize fertility and sexuality, and one of the biggest associations with the honey bee is productivity. They are strong little creatures that prove that anything can be accomplished if you work hard, making them a great example of integrity. The bee’s body should be much too large for their wings to support, but they persevere over their limitations by beating their wings faster to make up for the imbalance. Duty, honor and unity are also associated with the bee because all the members of the hive always follow their orders and they work as one to accomplish what’s best for the entire hive. Many authors and theorists have used bees as an example of the perfect human society, including Tolstoy, Aristotle, Virgil, and many more prominent historic figures.

Honey Bee Tattoos Designs

Honey bees can be added into any tattoo that involves nature like flowers, butterflies, birds, plant life, and landscapes. They can also be the central focus of a tattoo, big or small. Small honey bee tattoos work well on the ankle or arm as a nice accent and shouldn’t take very long to complete, but larger tattoos will afford you more versatility. There are many themes and scenes you can use with a bee tattoo, and the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

A good way to figure out the design you want to go with if you decide that a honey bee tattoo is for you is to simply go outside and watch some bees in their normal habitat. If it happens to be winter then you can search for videos on Google or Youtube. Bees can be found just about anywhere, and there’s many different varieties and types to choose from. With so much positive symbolism and meaning behind honey bees you can’t go wrong with them in your tattoos. They also make a great conversation starter because bee tattoos aren’t very common and a rich, unique design will add to that factor.

In many cultures, the fish was the symbol of water, the life force, and this has therefore given rise to its association with fertility, reproduction, and reincarnation.  In India, it was a marriage symbol and when a bride entered her husband’s house for the first time, she carried a fish in her hand.  The fish was eaten to reincarnate the soul in a newborn child.  The associations with fertility, sexuality and birth continued in paganism throughout Europe and the fish was subsequently taken up as a Christian symbol.

Two fish swimming in opposite directions is also the symbol of the twelfth zodiac sign Pisces and this is often given as the reason for choosing fish tattoos.  But there are as many other reasons as there are types of fish to choose from.  Japanese koi fish are becoming popular pets for ornamental ponds and, as the most revered fish in Japan, they also make popular tattoo designs.  Not only are these beautiful and highly colourful creatures, they symbolise courage and determination (because, like salmon they swim upstream against the tide), they suggest a strong, independent personality and also bring good luck, fortune and blessing.

Dolphins are surrounded in symbolism and are becoming very popular tattoo choices.  All over the world they are regarded as man’s friend and are associated with wisdom, gentleness and harmony.  They also have spiritual connotations as many cultures consider them to be sacred creatures.

Sharks strike fear into the hearts of many people because of their reputation as ferocious predators, but they make impressive designs and often symbolise bravery and fearlessness.  Sailors frequently wore shark tattoos as emblems of protection at sea.  Piranha fish also make striking designs and are popular choices for those who want to display their masculine fighting spirit to the world.

Beta fish (or Siamese fighting fish) are also become popular choices because of their incredible, almost sensuous beauty, coupled with their reputation for aggression.  Because they are so fierce, they are often kept alone and therefore could symbolise the wearer as something of a loner too.

Fish mainly tend to be the tattoos of choice for men rather than women, although the Christian symbol for suffering and redemption may be favoured by women as well, as an outward sign of their faith and commitment to Christ.

As with all tattoos, you should research your choices carefully before deciding on your design.  This is especially important with fish designs because fish tattoo symbolism is too vast a subject to do justice to in a single article.

Originally their usage was common to tribes or clans, to help people identify other members, and they can still today signify fraternity around specific symbols, interests or cults, but they are also chosen for the dramatic statements they make.  Eagle tribal tattoos are strongly associated with American patriotism (the bald eagle being the national emblem of the USA) and are a great favourite amongst military servicemen.

Tribal tattoos, by their very nature, are meant to be permanent decorations and therefore great thought needs to be given before embarking on a design.  The internet nowadays abounds with tattoo galleries, all extolling the virtues of their wonderful designs, but when you look more closely, many of these designs are repeated over and over on different sites and what you see is not always what you get.

What may look impressive on your monitor, may not look so impressive on your skin.  The other disadvantage is that in opting for a design found online, you are foregoing the quest for uniqueness which may well be the reason for wanting a tattoo in the first place.  If you do not belong to a street gang or cult, walking out and seeing someone else with the same, or very similar design, might not give you the reaction you intended.

Browsing for your designs online, whether your quest is for eagle tribal tattoos or any other designs, is highly recommended.  It will help you to focus your ideas and make up your mind about what you like and dislike; what might work for you and what might not, but you should think of it as window-shopping only.  When you are shopping for an important purchase, you will rarely grab the first thing you see in the first shop window you look at; and you should therefore adopt the same approach when shopping for your tattoo design.  You can only find the best available, by eliminating the worst.  It is important as well not to merely look at designs.  The symbolism behind your chosen subject is fascinating and varied and could well influence the pose or other features of your design, making it more personal and reflective of the characteristics you want to portray, or the aspect of your own personality you want to present to others.

Nothing can beat sitting down with a reputable tattoo artist and discussing the merits of your chosen design and its suitability for your skin colouring.  He is, after all, the expert and will want to give the very best he can to his art work to satisfy his own sense of pride as well as his customer’s.  Take designs of several eagle tribal tattoos along with you and point out the best qualities from each and, if you are prepared to listen to his advice, you should be very pleased with your finished artwork.

They are not like wasps, which are outdoor (and indoor) menaces, incapable of allowing you to sit in your own garden, minding your own business, without invading your space, your drink, your food and your body.  There is definitely nothing cute about wasps!

Back in ancient Egypt, bees were believed to represent the soul and sacred offerings of honey were included in tombs of the dead to ease the transition into the after-world.  In Greek mythology, the word ‘honey-bee’ translates into the girl’s name ‘Melissa’ (‘meli’, being Greek for honey).  Melissa was a nymph and nursemaid to Zeus and, instead of feeding him milk as an infant, gave him honey instead.  It certainly did not seem to do Zeus any harm as he became the ruler of the heavens and honey became known as the nectar of the gods.  Because the bee is a hibernating insect, it became, in common with several other creatures, a symbol of rebirth or regeneration.  Whilst the humble bumble bee is not a honey bee, it is still imbued with these connotations.

Bumble bees tattoo designs chiefly symbolise honour and duty as they spend their lives serving their queen.  They are like busy little servants in the garden, working tirelessly to pollinate and gather nectar and because of this they have been attributed with many positive symbols.  Emperor Napoleon had bees sewn into his coronation robes in gold thread in recognition of their loyal and industrious natures.  They therefore became imbued with the positive attributes of patient industry, which reaped its just rewards.

The bee is extremely decorative and has been the subject of some of the finest jewellery artefacts in the world so it is hardly surprising that it is growing quickly in popularity as a tattoo design.  Cute bumble bee tattoos have a great appeal for women because of the multitude of design options they can offer.  They can be incorporated effortlessly into other pretty designs, such as flowers or foliage, or personified with human faces and bodies.  They can be intermingled with fairy designs, forming the fairy body or encasing fairy wings.  This is all very whimsical, but its appeal is immediately apparent.

Another pretty design which is extremely popular is to depict the trail of the bumble bee in voluptuous loops as it buzzes lazily from flower to flower – but you need to have a very clear idea of this in your mind to present to a sympathetic tattooist in order to avoid the possible effect of a drunken-looking bee!

Cute bumble bee tattoos can be black, two-toned or multi-coloured and, wherever you display these pretty little creatures, they will be sure to attract attention like bees to the honey pot!