| There is a ton of debate raging on the internet | | | | Anchor Tattoos |
| and in tattoo shops everywhere about the | | | | In the farthest back history that one can go the |
| symbolism and meaning of these popular | | | | Anchor as a symbol was used by Christians. |
| tattoos. There are tons of articles on this site | | | | The Christians used the anchor as a hidden secret |
| explaining it and on many other sites on the | | | | cross. While they were under the presecution by |
| internet you can find people debating and arguing | | | | the Romans they lived in hiding and used the |
| about the exact symbolism behind things like the | | | | anchor to as a symbol for the cross for a signal |
| nautical star tattoo or the anchor tattoo. You | | | | to other Christians. The anchor much later |
| see these are three of the most popular and | | | | showed up in tattoo designs worn by sailors. At |
| famous of the old school tattoo designs. They | | | | that time it was a symbol for being grounded or |
| are also pieces that can easily be combined to | | | | even tied down to a significant other be it a |
| make a much larger design such as a chest | | | | girlfriend or a wife but in a relationship either |
| tattoo that features two swallows flying between | | | | way. This is the most common meaning of an |
| an anchor. | | | | anchor tattoo in the modern world of tattooing. |
| Well to make it really simple and so as to not | | | | Nautical Star Tattoos |
| mislead you there are no clear cut meanings nor | | | | Nautical stars are a symbol of the North Star. |
| symbolism for these tattoos. The problem is | | | | Sailors would use the North Star to find their way |
| tattoos grow in popularity organically in multiple | | | | home and the nautical star became a popular |
| places at a time. The reason behind one person | | | | tattoo among sailors and was worn as a good |
| getting a tattoo is different then another person | | | | luck symbol and one that would promise a safe |
| getting that same tattoo. The symbolism behind | | | | return home from a long voyage at sea. There |
| a certain tattoo might be agreed upon by a group | | | | is also some debate the nautical stars of certain |
| of people for example sailors on the East Coast. | | | | colors would be earned for making certain |
| That does not mean Sailors in England would | | | | voyages or sailing a certain amount of miles. For |
| agree. Couple that confusion fact with history | | | | example a blue nautical star on the left forearm |
| and time and in the end you have multiple | | | | might symbolize someone who has sailed across |
| versions of what the tattoo might have | | | | the Pacific Ocean for example. The exact |
| symbolized in the past and no clear cut answer | | | | meanings and colors have been lost in history for |
| which is the right one. So stop the debate once | | | | the most part. |
| and for all, enjoy your tattoo and feel confident | | | | Swallow Tattoos |
| that you won and it means whatever you want it | | | | Swallows are small birds that have small wings |
| to me for you. | | | | and therefore typically do not fly very far away |
| With that said the bulk of evidence and | | | | from land. For the early sailors spotting a |
| conglomeration of facts, lies and fiction one can | | | | swallow would mean a group was close to land |
| make out a shady idea of what the symbols | | | | and therefore it became a good luck symbol. |
| probably meant back in time and are a good | | | | Some sailors would also put swallows on their |
| indicator of what they can symbolism today. | | | | fists and it was believed to make them faster in |
| That way you are not ascribing a meaning to a | | | | a fight. |
| certain design that is way different then it was | | | | The exact meaning and symbolism behind these |
| meant to be. | | | | great tattoos such as the nautical star, anchor |
| All three of these tattoo designs are old school | | | | tattoo and swallow tattoo has been lost and |
| tattoo designs that were worn by sailors | | | | obscured by history. It is probably accurate that |
| originally. Just look at Sailor Jerry’s tattoos | | | | the symbolism was also somewhat different |
| or a little more contemporary Ed Hardy and you | | | | between different groups of sailors. However, |
| will see anchors, nautical stars and swallow | | | | the fact remains that today these are very |
| throughout their designs. In the past few years | | | | popular old school sailor tattoos that can make |
| their has been a real rebirth and celebration of the | | | | incredible tattoo designs. It is probably best to |
| art of tattooing and many of the designs from | | | | keep with the general meaning and symbolism |
| these greats have come back into fashion be it | | | | behind these designs but of course it is always up |
| Ed Hardy Clothing or the website and possible | | | | to the person wearing the tattoo their |
| movie dedicated to Sailor Jerry. | | | | interpretation of the symbol. |