Yesterday was my last day (for this month) in the Old School Tattoo Shop.I tattooed these two swallows on the feet of a charming girl. The design is hers, along with all other tattoos on her body. The feet are quite challenging to tattoo due to the thin skin and bones, but all experience is appreciated.

As you can see the skin is quite irritated , but I couldn't wait to show it. Promise to post a better picture when it heals.

If you check my previous post you will see that this is my second time tattooing a swallow for the last week. It seem it is about time to go deeper and find out the symbolism behind it.

Swallow Tattoo Symbolsim

HOPE The swallow tattoo originates from the times of the first sailours in the UK. Being a sailor was not a easy task and the sight of a swallow while at sea was a reason for hope, as it was a sign on approaching land.

RETURNING SAFE It is a known fact that most swallows return to the same nest after migrating back. Due to that it was believed that a swallow tattoo helps the sailor to come back safe home.

FAMILY AND LOYALTY These birds choose a mate for life and they tend to breed and nest close to the place they were born and raised. That gave them the symbolism loyalty and family.

TAKING CARE OF THE SOUL If the sailor's fails to return home and dies while at sea, the swallows from his tattoos would align to his soul and carry it away.

SHOWING OFF SKILLS In some circles a swallow tattoo was earned by:

• Sailing 5 000 (9 260 km.) miles and a second one would mark a total of 10 000 miles (18 520km.)
• Sailing all the seven seas
• One swallow tattoo when crossing the equator and a second one when comming back.
• "The fists are quick to fly". When tattooed on the fist, the swallow respresents speed and strenght in fighting.

OVERCOMED HARDSHIPA flying swallow (and any flying bird) typically symbolises an overcamed hardship like:

• Freedom from an affliction
• Overcomming adversity
• Getting cured by a heavy illness. The color of the bird can represent the illness itself.

There are probably more meanings to it, but these are the most common ones.

I am seriously considering getting a swallow tattoo now.