According to the tradition, a sailor got this tattoo after 5000 nautical miles spent in the sea. Swallows flying in the sky were the first sign that the ship is approaching land. These birds are able to take long flights over the vast expanses of water and often choose the masts of ships as a place to rest.
In Ancient Greece and Rome swallow was associated with goddess of love Aphrodite (Venus), and could act as her envoy. In Greece it also helped mother who had lost their children and carried the souls of the dead to the Underworld, so it was very unlucky to kill the bird by accident.
Ancient Egyptian as well as Cretan and Sumerian mythology swallow personalized Ancient Mothers. In China it symbolizes daring, fidelity and changes for the better. The Japanese associate this bird with motherly love and devotion to a family hearth as the bird mates for life. The Christians view it as a symbol as resurrection and new life.
Swallow tattoo designs can be various in order to convey even subtlest shades of meaning, for instance a swallow with a flower in its beak stands for spring while a swallow above its nest symbolizes love for the family. A flying swallow tattoo means swiftness of life, clean intentions as well as grants its wearer skills to catch good lucks. Swallow tattoo designs can also include pictures of clover, horse shoe and other talismans. As a nautical tattoo, it can be used to commemorate a friend lost in the sea - this time it should be depicted with a dagger in its heart.
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