What does the swallow tattoo mean?

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I heard that the swallow/sparrow tattoo's are to commemorate a fallen friend or family member. I would assume any persona that the bird has ie., devil horns, angel halo or even knife through it would depict the dead person's personality or trait.

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It just means that they were a "Hard Man" back in their day. Everyone that I have ever met with a swallow tattoo has been at least a bit psychotic.

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A swallow tattoo used to be worn by sailors back in the day. When you were out/lost at sea and you saw a swallow you knew you were close to land because these birds are never far from shore. They would follow the birds to safety or to home. I think the idea is that when you had the swallow marked on your body it would always help you find your way home.

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They indicate that you've gone to prison and done your 'bird'

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it means freedom

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On a woman's chest I always thought it was to let the sailor's know who the hookers were when they came to port.

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Traditionally a swallow tattoo is a seafaring tattoo. One is "earned" for every 5000 nautical miles (~5700 statute miles) travelled at sea. They are often tattooed on the chest or shoulders facing one another so they may lift the sailor and carry him home should he ever fall overboard.