![]() : xvii While tattoo, from the Polynesian root "tatau," only entered English and other European languages in the late 18th century, European sailors have practiced tattooing since at least the 16th century. To what extent tattooing among European sailors traces back to an indigenous European tattooing tradition, and to what extent it is a product of cultural exchange during the Age of Discovery, is unknown. See also: History of tattooing Origin "Figures printed on the arms of our Tarentine sailors" from Voyage en Italie, en Sicile et à Malte, 1778 by Louis Ducros Many sea service members continue to participate in the tradition. There are records of significant numbers of tattoos on US Navy sailors in the American Revolution, Civil War, and World War II. "Sailor tattoos" can refer to this style of tattoo, which was popularized for a broader audience starting in the 1950s. In the United States, these sailors turned tattooists trained a generation of professional tattoo artists, who went on to develop the American traditional ("old school") tattoo style by combining sailor traditions with styles and techniques learned from Japanese tattoo artists. This trend increased after the development of the electric tattoo machine in the 1890s. Starting in the 1870s, a few former sailors began opening professional tattoo parlors in port cities in the United States and England. These tattoo artists informally developed a graphical vocabulary including nautical images such as mermaids and ships. Sailor tattoos have served as protective talismans in sailors' superstitions, records of important experiences, markers of identity, and means of self-expression.įor centuries, tattooing among sailors mostly happened during downtime at sea, applied by hand with needles and tattoo ink made with simple pigments such as soot and gunpowder. People participating in these traditions have included military service members in national navies, seafarers in whaling and fishing fleets, and civilian mariners on merchant ships and research vessels. These practices date back to at least the 16th century among European sailors, and since colonial times among American sailors. Sailors used the North star to help them navigate their ships and find their way home.Sailor tattoos are traditions of tattooing among sailors, including images with symbolic meanings. Having a tattoo of the North star means that you desire more direction in life. Let’s take a look at some of these great looking tattoos: North Star Tattoo There are many nautical tattoo designs that demonstrate not only a love for the sea but also strong meanings that are personal and close to the heart. Now, let’s look at some nautical tattoo designs and see what their meaning are: Nautical Tattoo Designs Last, it is known that nautical tattoos can actually ward off bad luck and be excellent good luck charms. You may even want to get a lettering tattoo of the name of the ship you frequented with your nautical tattoo.Īlong the same lines, nautical tattoos can symbolize patriotism for your country and how you are proud of their naval capacity. ![]() They can represent your time on the sea and be a remembrance of your experiences on a ship. ![]() Of course, if you are a sailor, nautical tattoos can be very important to you. Many nautical tattoos refer to your own journey through life as a ship you are guiding through rough seas and calm seas as different things happen in life– a beautiful metaphor. Tattoos such as compasses or a North star can symbolize the direction you are heading in life and your great journey through your sea of experiences. When the sea in your head and heart is a raging storm, you must keep in mind that eventually the storm will pass and therefore you must keep your calm.Ĭalm seas represent the tranquility you have in your mind and soul and how you are generally a level-headed person. ![]() Nautical tattoos have many meanings, including keeping your calm. Let’s take a look at what nautical tattoos, in general, mean: What Do Nautical Tattoos Mean? Nautical tattoos come in many shapes and sizes and involve literally anything relating to the sea and ships. Nautical tattoos are popular because they remind everyone of the sea which creates images of tranquility and of overcoming obstacles. You don’t have to be a sailor to have a nautical tattoo! Nautical Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings
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