Trendy Swallow Tattoos: What’s Making Them So Popular? Swallow tattoos seem to be everywhere; their popularity has soared over the past few years and looks set to continue to do so. With these tattoos becoming so fashionable you may be wondering about their origins and whether or not a swallow is a right tattoo for you. Well, you’re in luck because today we’re going in depth with this design and learning more about what’s making it so trendy. The swallow is not a new design; in fact, it has its origins with English sailors. Back in the day sailing was a dangerous and difficult endeavor, remember they had none of the advanced equipment that we have today. So when a sailor spotted a swallow he knew that land was close and that he was almost …show more content…
Their swallow tattoos were also seen as a symbol of their hardiness and courage. Today these tattoos are used in a similar way to represent someone who has overcome obstacles or hardships in their lives and lived to tell about it. Freedom: Birds, like the swallow, have always been used as a representation of freedom, as their wings enable them to go where they please. Someone who chooses a tattoo like this may do so as a celebration or reminder of their own personal freedom. Swallow Combinations Swallow tattoos fall under the theme of nautical tattoos, in particular, a style of tattooing made famous by Norman Collins, an American tattoo artist, well known for tattooing sailors. His style, sometimes known as Sailor Jerry tattoos, had a massive influence on the nautical designs and old school style that we know today. Often included alongside swallow tattoos are other nautical subjects such as stars, compasses, arrows, and old-school type banners with words or sayings inside. Different Swallow Designs The swallow is a fairly simple design but it can be personalized in many different ways. Here are a few of the most common swallow designs for