Sailors Tattoos
Sailors have long been known for their tattoos. But a lot of them have a specific meaning. And one doesn't get all of them easily. They tell the story of a sailor, the ranks they hold or held. The experience they gained and challenges they faced. It says something about the people they left at home, or the ones that fell.
Earned
The tattoos can be split up in different groups, there are the ones that are earned through actions or experience.
Single anchor
The sailor has crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
Pair of crossed anchors
The sailor has reached or had held the rank of Boatswain.
Shellback turtle
The sailor has crossed the equator and has been presented to King Neptune's Court and passed the rites.
Dragon
The sailor has sailed to the Orient/Far East/Asia
Golden dragon
The sailor has crossed the International Date Line.
Golden shellback turtle
The sailor has crossed the equator and the international date line, at the same time.
Swallow
Traditionally tattooed on the chest/shoulder facing inward, earned during the first trip, it also symbols the sailor has done 5.000 nm. It also signifies the promise of returning home, as swallows are a migrating bird species.
Two swallows
On both shoulders, facing inward. The sailor has done 10.000 nm or more.
Narwhal
The sailor has sailed the Northwest passage or the Northeast through the Arctic Ocean.
A to the left (of the sailor) facing Narwhal for the west passage, and a to the right facing one for the east passage. Two for both passages, sometimes they cross tusks.
Pair of crossed cannons
The sailor is or was serving in a military navy.
Harpoon
The sailor is or was a fisherman.
Five pointed star
A five pointed star with the points split and coloured red and green alternating. Signals that the sailor has won a bar fight in a foreign port.
Fully rigged ship
One of the most prestige tattoos, the sailor has rounded Cape Horn.
Hula girl
The sailor has visited Hawaii.
Rope around wrist
The sailor is or was a deckhand.
Sextant
The sailor can navigate by the stars only.
Globe
The sailor has circumnavigated the earth on the same ship in a continuous term.
Orka
The sailor has been below the antarctic circle into the Southern Ocean or to antarctica itself.
Dagger
A dagger piercing a piece of skin, a hart or a rose. Signals they sailor has lost a friend, colleague, shipmate or someone at home. That is worth being honoured.
Talisman
The following tattoos are used for good luck or to ward off ill fortune.
Religious symbols
To support the sailor in their faith.
Compass rose
A sign to help the sailor so he can always find his way home.
See also: Vegvísir
Additionally: The sailor is a competent navigator.
See also: Sextant
Pig and Rooster
A pig on the left foot and a rooster on the right, well help the sailor in preventing drowning.
Shark
As a protection against being eaten incase one fell overboard.
H O L D F A S T
The letters tattooed on the knuckles/fingers, to help the sailor grip the lines and railings.
Vegvísir
Viking tattoo, also known as a runic compass. Is a stave rune that is to aid the wearer in find their way in bad weather.
Panther
Or other big cat head, always with the mouth open. Signifies bravery and the readiness and willingness to fight whatever gets in the sailor's way.
Promises
Last ship/Homeward Bound
The text Last Ship or Homeward Bound generally in a banner form under a ship, signals the sailor is on his last trip (or has made such a promise) or is retired.
Pin up girl
To remember the loved one that is waiting at home.
Patriotism
More commonly seen in military navy sailors.
Eagle
Popular among sailors from the USA.
Military
Fore example, rank insignias, or group designations.
Dolphin
Based on the badge submarines wear.
Flags
National or unit flag, often together with mottos.
Miscellaneous
Other symbols used which do not necessarily have a meaning.
Those are all very fascinating! Do you know by chance if the symbols are an old tradition or if those some of those meanings are more recent?
Firstly this is written on World Anvil, as a form of creative writing. I did not take care of sources and 100% accuracy. I did even invent one or two because they add to the story I write. So to have that disclaimer out of the way.
Yes they trace back to at least the 18th century. Or that is how far written sources go that I found. I believe the meaning and tradition grew over time, and where not decided from the start. even because it is unclear when was the start. The pre-cristian europeans did have tattoos, then in the middle ages that was 'savage' and sailors brought it back during the age of exploring /colonising. (I should've added this to the article lol) Also tattoos served as ID markers, they where recorded in early forms of passports, that way USA sailors could prove that they where who the paper said, and they could not be pressganged into the British Royal Navy.