Why do sailors have swallow tatoos on their hands?

Question

I've been trying to find the answer for years, and no one will tell me...

Answer 1

The swallow tattoo was a symbol used historically by sailors to show off their sailing experience. It was the image of a bluebird, or "swallow," usually tattooed on the chest. According to one legend, a sailor with one swallow had traveled over 5,000 nautical miles; a sailor with two swallows had traveled 10,000 miles. Traveling 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. It is also legend that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry their soul to heaven, representing freedom and hope.

As swallows always return home to San Juan Capistrano every year, the tattoos were used to say that the sailor would always return home. As Swallows also choose a mate for life and will only nest with that bird they are a sign loyalty, pride to both regions and people.

In terms of jail house tattoos, the bluebirds, swallows, can also represent white supremacy or white power and also "Live long and f**k hard". In Scotland it usually signifies a spell in the infamous Bar-L or Barlinnie prison in Glasgow. The swallow tattoo in England means "these fists fly" when referring to fights and 'hard men'.

Answer 2

Swallows are a maritime tattoo associated with coming home safely to port when returning from a sea voyage; the first sign of land can be these small birds circling the ship. As another sea faring tattoo, it would sometimes mean the wearer completed an oceanic journey of five thousand miles.

Answer 3

I thought swallow tattoos are a sign of being in prison, which makes me think it could be for someone who has been removed from family or friends.

Answer 4

because they are gay,, and they swallow...