5 Sailor Tattoos and What They Meant
Quick answer
Classic sailor tattoos marked things a sailor had done. A swallow traditionally stood for 5,000 nautical miles at sea. An anchor originally marked an Atlantic crossing. A shellback turtle marks crossing the equator, and a golden dragon marks crossing the International Date Line. HOLD FAST, tattooed across the knuckles, was meant to give a sailor a firm grip on the rigging. Many of these designs are still tattooed today.
Long before they were flash on a shop wall, sailor tattoos were a record. Each one said something about where a sailor had been and what they'd done, and you could read a career off someone's arms.
Here are five classic sailor tattoos and what they originally meant, from the U.S. Navy's own history office1 and the U.S. Naval Institute2.
1. The swallow: 5,000 nautical miles
Traditionally, each swallow marked 5,000 nautical miles at sea1. Swallows were also a homecoming sign, since they're often the first birds sailors see near land, and a swallow was thought to carry a drowned sailor's soul home2.
2. The anchor: an Atlantic crossing
A single anchor originally marked a sailor who had crossed the Atlantic1. It was often a young sailor's first nautical tattoo, marking the start of their service, and usually went on the forearm or shoulder12.
3. The shellback turtle: crossing the equator
A turtle marks a sailor who has crossed the equator1. First-timers, called "pollywogs," become "shellbacks" in a line-crossing ceremony that goes back at least 400 years. The tattoo traditionally went on the back of the hand or the calf, often with the date2.
4. The golden dragon: across the date line
A golden dragon marks crossing the International Date Line into the "realm of the golden dragon"1. Unlike the equator, there's no initiation ceremony for this one. Crossers get a certificate2.
5. HOLD FAST: a grip on the rigging
HOLD FAST went across the knuckles, one letter per finger, so it reads correctly to the person facing you. It was originally thought to give a sailor a firm grip on the ship's rigging1.
Sailor tattoo meanings at a glance
| Tattoo | What it meant | Traditional placement |
|---|---|---|
| Swallow | 5,000 nautical miles at sea, and a safe return home | Chest or collarbone |
| Anchor | Crossed the Atlantic | Forearm or shoulder |
| Shellback turtle | Crossed the equator | Back of the hand or calf, with the date |
| Golden dragon | Crossed the International Date Line | Varies |
| HOLD FAST | A firm grip on the rigging | Across the knuckles |
A few more from the old flash sheets
- Pig and rooster: a pig on the left foot and a rooster on the right were thought to prevent drowning1.
- Nautical star or compass rose: worn so a sailor would always find their way back to port1.
- Crossed anchors: between the thumb and forefinger, the mark of a boatswain's mate12.
Every one of these was earned
Miles, crossings and a grip on the line. These designs are still tattooed today, by sailors and by people who just love traditional flash. However you earned yours, heal it right. Hand and knuckle tattoos are some of the hardest to heal, so read The 5 Hardest Places to Heal a Tattoo, Ranked before you get one.
To everyone who has served: thank you.
FAQ
What does a swallow tattoo mean for sailors?
Traditionally, each swallow marked 5,000 nautical miles at sea. Swallows also stood for a safe return home, since they're often the first birds sailors see near land.
What does an anchor tattoo mean?
In sailor tradition, a single anchor originally marked someone who had crossed the Atlantic. It was often a young sailor's first nautical tattoo.
What is a shellback tattoo?
A turtle tattoo marking a sailor who has crossed the equator. First-timers, called pollywogs, become shellbacks in a line-crossing ceremony.
What does a golden dragon tattoo mean in the Navy?
It marks crossing the International Date Line into the realm of the golden dragon. There's no initiation ceremony, but crossers receive a certificate.
Why do sailors tattoo HOLD FAST on their knuckles?
It was thought to give a sailor a firm grip on the ship's rigging. It's tattooed one letter per finger so it reads correctly to the person facing you.
What does a pig and rooster tattoo mean?
A pig on the left foot and a rooster on the right were thought to protect a sailor from drowning.