Swallows are a staple of American traditional tattooing, and were first tattooed on sailors. They are as popular as ever to those who love travel and the sea, and are now done in other styles such as black and grey, realism, linework, dotwork, surrealism, and watercolor.

The meaning of a swallow tattoo was firstly to indicate that a sailor had sailed 5000 miles. They also mean a return home, as swallows would migrate, returning to their homes. A metaphorical return also meant that if a sailor died at sea, the swallow would carry their souls to heaven.

Traditional swallow and rose by Josh Stutterby in Melbourne, Australia.

Black and grey matching hand swallows by Ryan Jessiman at Old Habits tattoo in London.

Surrealist starry sky swallow by Adrian Bascur in Viña del Mar.

Linework swallow by Diana Katsko in Russia.

Watercolor matching foot swallows by Simona Blanar at Black Bull tattoo in Prague.

Simple traditional swallow by Harry Harvey at Vagabond tattoo in London, England.

Traditional swallow by Hugh Sheldon at Cloak and Dagger in London, England.

Dotwork and linework hand Swallow by Dr. Woo at shamrock Social Club in Los Angeles.

Which one is your favourite?