Swallow Tattoos
19 March 2008, 05:35 PM
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Swallow Tattoos
What does the old swallow (or at least some kind of bird) tattoo mean when it's on an individuals hand between thumb and forefinger?
Is it a special sign to say they're claiming benefits or something? I've only ever seen it on ropey looking blokes who you wouldn't want to employ!
Can anyone enlighten me?
Is it a special sign to say they're claiming benefits or something? I've only ever seen it on ropey looking blokes who you wouldn't want to employ!
Can anyone enlighten me?
19 March 2008, 05:45 PM
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tends to be something sailors had i believe. Swallows are often only seen over land so to see a swallow meant the sailors knew they were near land. The had them as tattoos in case they were lost to the sea it's believed the swallows would carry their souls back to the surface. Think that's why they tend to be seen in pairs as well.
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19 March 2008, 05:50 PM
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A couple of older guys i work with have these.
They are east londoners and definitily not sailors LOL
I will ask them when i get the chance I think you could be right about
the prison thing
They are east londoners and definitily not sailors LOL
I will ask them when i get the chance I think you could be right about
the prison thing
19 March 2008, 05:54 PM
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tends to be something sailors had i believe. Swallows are often only seen over land so to see a swallow meant the sailors knew they were near land. The had them as tattoos in case they were lost to the sea it's believed the swallows would carry their souls back to the surface. Think that's why they tend to be seen in pairs as well.
19 March 2008, 05:56 PM
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Hmmmm - OK - my other half has a swallow on his hand - and so do a couple of his friends. Neither of them are sailors - infact, LOL, my other half has never the left the country - the closest he gets to sea is fishing from the beach 
Nor has he been inside for a stretch and he's also got a job
- and he's not a chav either (not a hint of burberry in sight) 
He is however from London and grew up in Highbury - I think, he once said his dad had that tattoo and his dad was quite quite known in certain areas.
Then again - my other half is pushing 40 and he got that done over 20 years ago - and some years back, tattoos were more of a "stamp" than art...... (yes I know not everyone likes them lalala).
Why the question anyway?
Nor has he been inside for a stretch and he's also got a job
- and he's not a chav either (not a hint of burberry in sight) He is however from London and grew up in Highbury - I think, he once said his dad had that tattoo and his dad was quite quite known in certain areas.
Then again - my other half is pushing 40 and he got that done over 20 years ago - and some years back, tattoos were more of a "stamp" than art...... (yes I know not everyone likes them lalala).
Why the question anyway?
19 March 2008, 05:56 PM
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19 March 2008, 06:06 PM
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Its a sign, much like todays tribal tattooes, that the bearer has no imagination and just went with the same one their mates had when they went to the tatooist.
The welsh valleys version is MAM and DAD formed into a cross, or MADE IN WALES on their neck.
The welsh valleys version is MAM and DAD formed into a cross, or MADE IN WALES on their neck.
19 March 2008, 06:06 PM
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tends to be something sailors had i believe. Swallows are often only seen over land so to see a swallow meant the sailors knew they were near land. The had them as tattoos in case they were lost to the sea it's believed the swallows would carry their souls back to the surface. Think that's why they tend to be seen in pairs as well.
just a fashion item for thuggery i guess now!!
19 March 2008, 06:14 PM
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19 March 2008, 09:18 PM
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It means you've 'done bird' i.e time. It is a tattoo worn proudly by ex cons to show their affiliation to criminality.
Can be seen on the neck also. It is not a sailor sign in the modern times I expect.
Can be seen on the neck also. It is not a sailor sign in the modern times I expect.
20 March 2008, 12:02 AM
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i had wondered the same thing. lots of skinheads i know have them, and lots of people who have been involed in the scooter/skinhead/ska scene over the years
...i've never asked though
...i've never asked though
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