Vintage sailor tattoos are an iconic way to show your passion for the sea and body art. Not only can these vintage-themed tattoos serve as decorative body decorations, but they also serve as great conversation starters!
Sailor Ship tattoos
Ship tattoos are an increasingly popular marine-inspired design with numerous meanings. They may symbolize travel or adventure; alternatively, they may show our allegiance and devotion to the sea. An anchor symbolizes stability and ongoing hope, making it a favorite among sailors as a tattoo. As it is the most secure object on a ship, this motif often includes elements such as hearts, sweetheart names, or ship’s names to make for an eye-catching design. Sailors were traditionally superstitious and would ink their knuckles with the words “hold fast.” This practice was said to bring good luck when gripping ropes on ships and protect from potential dangers from sailing the seas.
Swallow tattoos
The swallow has long held special meaning for sailors. Once seen as a symbol of home and loyalty, its return home was seen as a guarantee of safety. Birds have come to symbolize love, freedom, joy, and luck in modern society and are a popular tattoo choice among those looking for transformational journeys. Swallow tattoos can be placed anywhere on the neck, chest, arms, and feet to add further meaning and character to a design. Flowers, hearts, or banners may also be added for a special touch.
Dragon Tattoos
Dragons have long been recognized by cultures all around the globe for their symbolic meaning: wisdom, power, and protection are just some of their many associations. Dragons have become an iconic symbol across cultures around the globe and come in all forms and designs. They can range from large plans that cover your entire body to tiny tattoos in specific places; the most popular spots for dragon tattoos include the back and limbs.
Turtle tattoos
Turtle tattoos are perfect for creating the classic vintage sailor look and pair well with nautical themes such as compass and anchor designs. Turtles have long been seen as symbols of longevity, fertility, and creation—as well as being used as an emblem of patience and perseverance. Many people admire turtles’ fantastic ability to adapt and survive in challenging environments. Additionally, turtles stand out as being unique animals due to being both slow on land and swift in water—an appealing contrast with other animals. Because of these qualities, turtles make an excellent choice for people seeking a body art design to symbolize stability, creation, strength, and immortality. Furthermore, turtles are a permanent reminder of patience and perseverance in our lives.
Crossed Cannons
During the Civil War, crossed cannons were worn by both officers and enlisted men on their kepis or forage caps; these symbols were made of brass with very long barrels. Sailors would often wear tattoos as a mark of identity and to indicate where they were on board ships or land. Crossed cannons were worn as symbols of comradeship and loyalty. Crossed cannons were authorized by Congress as a symbol for Coast Artillery beginning in 1836. Inspired by field artillery emblems, these crossed cannons included both regimental numbers above their intersection and battery letters below them – such a mark was known as an “army insignia.”
