Swallow tattoo

The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to denote 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.

Shoulder tattoos

According to one legend, a sailor tattooed with one swallow had travelled over 5,000 nautical miles (9,260 km); a sailor with two swallows had travelled 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km).[1][2] Travelling these great distances was extremely difficult and dangerous in the early days of sailing, so one or more swallow tattoos denoted a very experienced and valuable sailor.

Yet another more common legend originating from the British Royal Navy and Merchant Navy is that a swallow tattoo between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, denotes that the sailor has sailed around Cape Horn. This tattoo design is worn by the comedian Billy Connolly, who acknowledges the legend but admits he has never sailed around the Horn but just admires and likes the design.[3]

Today, the symbol of the swallow can mean many different things. It is considered a staple of the "American Traditional" and "Sailor Jerry Collins" style tattooing.

References
  1. "Hardtack and marlinspikes – life and work aboard ship" (PDF). Sailors’ tattoos post-visit activity, teachers’ handout. Maritime Museum of British Columbia. Retrieved 2007-12-01.
  2. Vanishing tattoos (on-line) Retrieved 17 November 2007
  3. "BBC Two - Billy Connolly: Made in Scotland". BBC. Retrieved 2021-06-10.
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