Swallow designs for tattoos have  a long history. The swallow’s tail is deeply forked, it has  long, pointed wings, and it is noted for the swiftness and gracefulness of their flight – thus it’s a popular bird.

The swallow symbol has many meanings, but for tattoos, it was most popular with sailors and used to denote sailor aptitude. They used them to show the distance they sailed says wikipedia.

“According to one legend, a sailor with one swallow had travelled over 5,000 nautical miles (9,000 km); a sailor with two swallows had travelled 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km).Travelling these great distances was extremely difficult and dangerous in the early days of sailing, so one or more swallow tattoos denoted a very experienced and valuable sailor. It is also legend that if the sailor drowns, the swallows will carry their soul to heaven, representing freedom and hope.”

Other symbolic meanings for swallows are:

• strong Christian symbolism – represents the Incarnation of Jesus and the Resurrection, or an eternal or enduring life.
• for many, the swallow is a symbol of honor, faith.
• love, loyalty and fidelity. These birds choose a mate for life.
• luck and hope. When sailors see a swallow, they know land is near.
• swallows are  a reminder of family, friendship, and mean you will always find your way home.
• swallows can mean you have an appreciation for music.
• in England and Australia, swallows on the backs of hands mean “these fists fly”.
• freedom – these wings can fly.

Less positive associations with the swallow are:

• that you’ve gone to prison – it’s the jail-bird. Or been initiated in male on male sex rituals (uk).
• In some areas, the bluebirds, swallows or sparrows can stand for white supremacy or white power. Double yuk.

The origins surrounding symbols date back to early times when the majority of people were not able to read or write. Symbols were used to convey meaning and were very important. Many people are unaware of symbolic meanings today, but if you are getting a tattoo – they are forever, so do your research!

photo credit: La Chose