Are You A Sailor with Tattoos? If so, your tattoos likely showcase your experiences, achievements, and those who have passed. tattoos can reveal many aspects of who we are: our personal identities, religious faith, and patriotism. This post looks at some of the more commonly associated navy tattoo meanings regarding marine life.
Anchor
Anchors are symbols of strength and stability, making them perfect body art designs to symbolize stability. Use it as part of a nautical-themed tattoo design, or honor your profession with this choice! An anchor tattoo can be either a single large design or multiple smaller designs comprising ropes or knots encasing its base for maximum effect. Whatever its meaning, this piece can make a strikingly beautiful tattoo to be proud to display on your skin. An anchor symbolizes hope and optimism; whenever a ship lifts its anchor out of the water, this symbolizes starting on a new journey. An anchor tattoo looks best on a wrist for its delicate and simple aesthetic. The anchor remains still against its movement while its lines pop against thin skin.
Ships
tattoos worn by sailors often represent milestones and events from their life, while others express patriotism or religious faith. A nautical star or compass rose is a symbol that signifies a sailor will always find their way back home, symbolizing hope and strength at sea. Anchor tattoos represent security in life and trust between loved ones and things important to you. The pig on one foot and rooster on the other is an animal print believed to protect sailors from drowning and is often used as a tattoo memorializing deceased comrades. tattoos featuring a dagger through a rose are another famous symbol for sailors who are loyal to those who are essential in their life and willing to fight against any odds. Hula Girl tattoos are another common choice for sailors and are an iconic representation of Hawaii and an ode to those they may miss while at sea.
Home
Tattoos serve as protective talismans, keepsakes of significant events, indicators of identity, and ways to express oneself. Tattoo designs in early maritime tattooing were generally limited to initials, names, and nautical symbols. By the 19th century, however, tattooing had taken on more severe significance and started becoming accepted. Sailors who had completed the journey around Cape Horn often displayed a full-rigged ship tattoo to show they were experienced in handling rough seas and as proof that their ship had survived Cape Horn’s treacherous waters. Sailors commonly wore tattoos of pig and rooster tattoos as protection from drowning, believing these two animals could prevent drowning when their ships capsized or sank. When these ships went down, these two animals often emerged as survivors from wooden cages on board as an indicator to others when one capsized or sunk. As with sailors, sailors with HOLD and FAST written on their fingers effectively kept the boat at an ideal location and quickly responded to adverse weather conditions.
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is an iconic symbol with deep historical meaning and connotations. Typically seen as providing guidance and hope to sailors, but also protecting and providing strength. Light tattoos can be stunning and meaningful additions to anyone’s body and lifestyle, but it’s essential that before getting one, you carefully consider their meaning. There are various styles of lighthouses to suit anyone and their unique personalities, such as realism, blackwork, and minimalistic designs.
