Meanings of globally common tattoos

The Swallow

Historically, of British origin, the swallow tattoo was used by sailors to communicate the number of miles they had experienced at sea. These tattoos were usually located on the chest, neck, or hands and the more swallows a sailor had, the more experienced they were and also the more admired for their endurance during what was a very difficult and dangerous journey. Legend had it that if a sailor had drowned, it would carry their soul to heaven. The swallow also symbolises the love, care and affection a sailor had towards their loved ones, and how their loyalty relied on them returning to them, safe and sound.

The Rose

The rose has held the same meaning throughout history – love. Originally, the ancient Greeks had believed that a rose was white, and only did it turn red when the goddess of love, Aphrodite, pricked herself on the thorns and bled all over the petals.

Like the swallow tattoo, the rose tattoo was a popular marking on sailors, especially during the 1940s, as a way of remembering their wife or girlfriend that they had left behind. The most common meaning behind a rose is its representation of beauty and love.

The rose tattoo can also be connected to different emotions and therefore when it is shown in different colours it can symbolise various meanings, for example, red is for love, pink is for grace and elegance, yellow for jealousy, white for purity and black for death and darkness.

Tribal Tattoos 

Initially tribal tattoos were used to distinguish different tribes from one another and to communicate the status of particular members within the tribe. Many of these tribes also believed that these markings would ward off evil spirits with its magical properties. As time went on, the meanings of tribal tattoos changed and today they are simply used for their beautiful aesthetic appearance.

Dragon

As a mythical creature, the dragon is portrayed as a magical creature that possesses great power. On a woman, a dragon tattoo is said to symbolise the “woman as the creator”. On a man, it typically symbolises “raw power”- the guardians of all things sacred. The dragon can communicate a form of power of its wearer but it can also act as a warning to protect against any threat. In Eastern cultures, the dragon was seen and a noble and honourable creature, whereas in Western cultures they were seen more as evil and dark creatures.

Celtic Cross

Originating in Ireland, the Celtic cross takes many different forms and holds various decorative Celtic arts. Essentially, it came before religion but today, this cross is associated with Christianity.