Swallow tattoos - what do they mean? Tattoos Designs & Symbols

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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - SWALLOWS

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Tattoo designs - S >> Swallows

Swallow - the swallow and bluebird tattoos are designs that show the enduring popularity of nautical themed tattoo art. Traditionally the swallow is a tattoo that a sailor gets after traveling 5000 nautical miles at sea.

Often a swallow is the "first sign that land is near". To a sailor the swallow means a "safe return home". Swallows are known to travel far distances out to sea during migration and would rest on boats close to shore which gave early mariners the first sign that land was close by. Swallows also return home every year, no matter where they are, a source of comfort for sailors far from home.

Swallow tattoos are also associated with loyalty and fidelity - swallows choose a mate for life, and will only nest with that bird and no other.

Bluebird/Swallow Tattoo Design Ideas