The majestic ANCHOR is perhaps the most famous of nautical tattoos. British Naval officers wear the palm tree to show that they fought in the Mediterranean during World War II. Navy sailors wear this tattoo to show that they served in Hawaii. Closer to home, "Lady Catherine," a lobster boat tied up on Custom House Wharf, Portland, displays a Harpoon onboard. The mighty HARPOON signifies that a sailor was or is part of the world's elite whaling or fishing fleet. Another sailor may wear the ROPE KNOT on his wrist to show he was a deckhand responsible for the taking care of the decks, moorings, and handling of cargo. They can fly 200 miles a day and up to 35 miles per hour.ĬROSSED CANNONS, some more intricate than others, are worn by sailors to show they have experienced military service at sea. European swallows, for example, spend their winters in South Africa and then journey north to Great Britain. Swallows are known for their extraordinary seasonal migratory flights. A sailor has the right to wear a swallow for every 5,000 miles he travels on the open seas. This tattoo is popular among Navy Seals and Coast Guardsmen. The STAR proves a sailor's sea service in the United States Armed Forces. Before navigational equipment, the stars in the constellations were the guiding lights. A STAR tattoo safely guides a sailor back home. Different designs show the compass bearings North, South, East, and West. The alternating light and shaded star is said to resemble the compass rose-also known as the Rose of the Winds. The classic five-pointed STAR tattoo is a famous nautical symbol. This tattoo often covers a sailor's back. For example, a sailor has the right to wear the SHELLBACK TURTLE after the ship he is on crosses the equator and enters the mythical, Roman god of the sea King Neptune's Court and the "mysteries of the sea." Some sailors wear an elaborate tattoo of King Neptune holding a trident, a spearing tool used by fishermen and sailors on the Mediterranean.Īnother illustrious tattoo of a FULLY-RIGGED, multi-mast schooner under sail means the sailor has survived sailing through most harrowing and tumultuous waters in the world-Cape Horn off the southern coast of Africa. Certain designs speak to superstitions, while others rightfully boast of great accomplishments. To this day, tattoos are an integral part of the sailing culture. In the 1400's sailors aboard large schooners sailing weeks on end to unknown places would often give each other tattoos using gunpowder. For centuries nautical tattoos have told important stories and we're excited to celebrate this history in the design of our Nautical Motifs Tote.Ī bit of history. TATTOOS-famous and historic tattoos that, to this day, tie seafaring men and women to their adventures on the open seas.
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