Swallow tatoos

Hi, i've been keen on getting a tatoo of some sort of bird for some time now, I recently saw a smallish design of a blue swallow that I really liked, but i only saw it in passing and havent been able to find it since. So i would like to pose two questions. Firstly, does any one have copies of such a design. Secondly, what does this tatoo mean? A friend said he thought you were only supposed to get a swallow if you had spent time in prison? I don't know, but I like it any way. Thanks

Hmmm...I have heard something about a bluebird on the webbing between your thumb and forefinger on inmates...maybe, but I think it was a symbol of luck or protection ( since I have not been to prison I can't tell you for sure). But as far as I know, the swallow comes from sailors who got them as a symbols of good luck,protection, or prosperity. If your interested I have a bluebird in my flash gallery @ tattooartists.org/kuleighpaulsmith

Swallows often symbolize homecoming. Many sailors used to get a swallow tattooed on them when they returned to port after WWII.

There is a new twist on swallow tats. I am not bigotted, I don't condone nor put down people who do this, but "people" are getting swallows to indicate that they do swallow...!!!

I was recently told that the story behind the swallow tattoos was that sailors got them when they went overseas. one for when they left, one for when they returned. the banners said cleveland to paris or whatever. do a search...I'm sure you could find more info.

the reason sailors got swallows and why swallows symbolize homecoming is because swallows cannot live far out at sea so they only travel within a close distance to shore, so when sailors started seeing swallows on their journey home, they knew they were close to shore and thus close to home.

Swallows not only symbolize homecoming, but the reason for a pair of swallows is because swallows mate for life. Sailors typically get one swallow on their upper chest after traveling 10,000 nautical miles and the second after 20,000 miles. After retirement a string was added between the two birds off of which you would hang panties and the like.

RUSS!

hey Mamacat...hows my little mia cat? Give her a smooch from Uncle Taz!

Swallow tattoos originate both from pirates and sailors.Swallows never stray more than about 12 yards from San Juan.Seeing one meant that land was near for pirates at sea.Sailors would often get one swallow on one side of their chest after traveling 5,000 miles,usually over the equator.Getting another on the other side of their chest when returning the other 5,000 miles was a symbol of safety,freedom and security.