Sailors tattooed some talismans on themselves for protection and guidance. These tattoos symbolized good luck and safety on their journey homeward.
Nautical Stars
Nautical Stars were often used as ink marks. People believed that these stars could help guide them back to port.
Pinup Girls
Pinup girls have long been seen as a classic style of body art. Many people enjoy seeing them. They are a way of self-expression and have timeless appeal.
Pinup girls are an effective way of symbolically conveying feelings. They can express patriotism, femininity, and other emotions. They can celebrate American beauty ideals or pay homage to traditional tattooing roots. Pinup girls make for great tattoo designs.
Sailors and soldiers in the 19th century would choose pinup girl images as tattoos. They did this to lift their morale during times of war. These sexy, voluptuous women would often be painted onto their arms. They would remain visible during months spent at sea.
Skunk
tattoos that honor marine life have seen an upsurge. Many maritime-inspired tattoos feature iconic imagery. Some examples are pirates, lighthouses, sharks, and other aquatic symbols. There are also subtler options that pay homage to maritime culture.
A ship anchor tattoo is one of these options. It is essential when sailing into the big blue ocean. It is used alongside a compass to guide navigation and keep you on course.
Pinup girls were also crucial in maritime culture. They represented femininity in a male-dominated seafaring environment. They provided respite and morale boosters during difficult days at sea. You can have one tattooed at home!
Lighthouse
A lighthouse tattoo could be perfect if you love marine and maritime themes. These iconic structures represent guidance, safety, and hope. These are three important symbols for sailors and travelers.
Lighthouses help prevent ships from running aground and colliding with objects. They are an emblem of public welfare.
Various tattoo styles can be used for a lighthouse tattoo design. Some examples are realistic, illustrative, and neo-traditional styles.
Anchor
Anchors are iconic symbols in the maritime industry. They symbolize safety, unwavering faith, and reliability.
Navy sailors receive an anchor tattoo as a mark of gratitude. They do this after successfully crossing and returning from the Atlantic Ocean. The anchor serves as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and trust during difficult times.
An old nautical sailor may wear an anchor in various forms on their body. They may have it on their forearm, upper back, or foot. This shows their intense love of sailing and their passion for it. They may also have twin anchors on either side of their neck to emphasize this message.
An anchor can also serve as a symbol of family and home for sailors. They could write “Mom” across their anchor to remind themselves of her. She is their primary reason for remaining rooted in the sea.
A sailor may also sport an anchor with a skull or tentacles for a different style. This could create an eerie or gothic look or add some pirate flair.
