Rooster & Pig Tattooes: What Do They Mean?

A lot of the meaning behind traditional sailor flash is derived from superstition. To be sure, having a pig or rooster tattooed seems rather strange and random. But there is a method to maddness.

When a sailor was headed off to face the challenges of the sea, he would often get a tattoo to serve as a protective talisman. The pig and the rooster are just one of many examples of such precautionary marks. A pig on the top of one foot and a rooster on the other is intended to keep a sailor from drowning. The theory behind this has to do with the cages roosters and pigs were kept in on a boat; during a shipwreck their lightweight wooden frames became flotation devices giving the animals a safe ride to shore. Because pigs and roosters cannot swim, when sailors discovered that Fate had miraculously given the animals safety at sea, the sailors thought having the image of the rooster and pig would ensure their safety as well. Traditionally, the rooster is tattooed on top of the right foot and a pig on top of the left.

What do Swallow Tattoos Mean?

For sailors swallows hold a lot of symbolic significance; in addition to symbolizing the completion of 5000 miles sailed, swallows are associated with balanced return. The “return” symbolism is two fold. First, the birds are famous for their migration patterns, always returning home to San Juan Capistrano every year. So, like a nautical star, a swallow is supposed to guide you safely back home. Second, it is believed that if a sailor dies at sea then the birds will carry his soul home to heaven. This interpretation represents a more spiritual type return but is nonetheless comforting for a sailor facing battle. It also echos the cyclic nature of life.

Skulls

Skull Tattoos can symbolize death and mortality. But did you know that they also serve as protectors from death and darkness? Skulls taht serve as protectors often have bulging eyes. The stare wards off evil.

Although, at first glance skull may seem to shout "I am evil!" , they are actually quite positive.

Skulls can also be a "memento mori"--a reminder of one's mortality. Because skulls are so popular there are many designs from which to choose.

When choosing a skull design, think of what you want to communicate.

Star Power

The 5-Pointed Star
Inarguably the most popular variation of the star design, the 5-pointed star takes on significantly different meanings to different people. Therefore, it nearly becomes necessary to further divide the 5-pointed star into three groups: the “filled in” 5-pointed star (like on the American flag, and celestial art), the 5-pointed star that is simple an outline (like you learned to draw in school) called a pentacle, and the upside down pentacle, which often takes on a darker symbolism.

The Filled In Star Design
This design is most commonly used to simply symbolize a star. It is used often in art and illustrations and takes on the most literal meaning. You can find this particular star design in the more common celestial style tattoo designs, and often combined with additional features such as butterflies or fairies. The Lone Star of Texas would be another example of this individual design. Widely popular, there’s hardly any area of the body that can’t be decorated with this star design.

The Pentacle
Most popular as a design that symbolizes witchcraft, this particular emblem has experienced a real revival over the last two decades. To witches, warlocks, and other pagans across the globe, the five-pointed star represents the quest after Divine Knowledge, feminine energy, and the secrets of life. The number 5 itself is important here, for with this particular icon there is a special meaning for each of the angles. The angles represent each of the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and spirit. It is interesting to note that the 5-pointed design is almost only found in organic life forms such as flowers, starfish, etc.

The Reversed Pentacle
While commonly referred to as the satanic pentacle or pentagram, it is hardly the only meaning behind the reversed pentacle. It has also been known to represent the pagan horned god, and just as often is simply an upside down pentacle.

However, due to popular modern thought, this symbol is nearly always (whether correctly or incorrectly) associated with satanic or dark meaning or ritualism. When actually used in a satanic association, it often symbolizes the sabbatic goat, or the Goat of Mendes.

If you do not wish to be considered a Satanist, it may well be wise to stick with the traditional pentacle star tattoo design to avoid any unnecessary confusion or possible stigmatism.

If you do, it is often common to further illustrate the meaning of your star by including the shape of the goats head in the tattoo design.