Their History and Meanings

Whilst writing about Sailing Superstitions last week, it became apparent that sailor’s tattoos were quite an important part of his/her life. I thought a blog about the history and meaning of these sailor tattoos would make an interesting and informative article.  It could also be a good reference point for those members tempted to have a “tat”!

Tattoos, in general, can be traced back to early human history.  Examples of simple tattoos have been found on the remains of a Neolithic human mummy. Otzi the Iceman, a natural mummy found on the border of the Austrian Italian Alps, was found to have simple carbon tattoos.  These consisted of lines, dots, a cruciform and other marks on various parts of his body.  The positions were thought to be related to some early form of acupressure and were located in areas where Otzi had degeneration of the bone.  Tribal tattoos were common amongst many cultures and all around the world, from Egypt, Persia, and Japan to the Pacific Island and New Zealand.  It became common with European sailors around the 1700s once they began to travel further afield and saw the new worlds and natives with their different skin patterns and markings.  Sailing was such a dangerous business, sailors gained comfort from having good luck charms and talismans.  What better way to keep a charm or amulet close to you than to have it tattooed permanently onto your skin?  Sailor tattoos also became a way to signify sailing experience, achievements, rank, travels and also membership of family groups that had been formed on long voyages.

A Star or Compass Rose

These sailor tattoos signified guidance and good fortune.  Using the stars and the compass was an important way to navigate.   Sailors used these tattoos to guarantee good navigation and a safe passage home without getting lost.

Anchor

An anchor became the symbol of a merchant seaman or a sailor that had made an Atlantic crossing.  Crossed anchors on the hand near the thumb and forefinger indicated the rank of Bosun’s mate.

Pig and Chicken

There are a couple of origins for the pig and chicken tattoo.  These sailor tattoos were to protect the sailor against drowning and one thought was that when pigs and chickens were taken on board the ship they were kept in wooden crates.  If the ship was wrecked these crates would float thus saving the pigs and chickens from drowning.  Another story tells that pigs and chickens hate water, so if God was looking down and saw the tattoo of the pig and chicken he would save the pig and chicken and thus the sailor.

Swallow

Swallow tattoos would ensure a safe return home.  Migratory swallows always return home to the same place, thus the sailor would be guaranteed his return home.  They also became an indication of the distance travelled.  One swallow tattoo for every 5,000 nautical miles travelled. Birds, in general, were considered lucky as it was believed they carried souls to heaven.

Neptune or Turtle

This tattoo was earned when a sailor crossed the equator.  Crossing the Lines (equator) was an initiation ceremony for the new sailing crew.  Once initiated they were nicknamed a shellback (turtle) or son of Neptune.

Dragon

A dragon tattoo would show that a sailor had sailed into China.  A golden dragon meant he had sailed across the International Date Line.

Full Rigged Ship

This tattoo was reserved for sailors that had made the perilous voyage around Cape Horn.  He could also have a small blue star tattooed on his ear for achieving such a feat.  If the sailor managed to survive 5 voyages around the Cape then he could have a small blue star tattooed on his right ear, 10 trips and he could have two red dots tattooed onto his forehead!

Rock of Ages, Sailor’s Cross or other Religious Images

These tattoos were often worn across the back of the sailor in the hope that if he was ever sentenced to flogging, the First Mate would be more lenient with his lashings!

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Image courtesy of Sailor Jerry

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