Follow the Flock

There were and are still plenty of old school tattoos circulating among skins. We’re going to look at nautical tattoos specifically and the symbolism behind it. According to my own research, aside from the obvious waves and ships, sailors back in the day would get at least one of 7 common nautical tattoos. The 7 are as follows:

Anchors- These represent stability. Often the tattoo would include the name of the person that keeps the sailor most grounded.

The Golden Dragon- This was mostly tattooed when Asia was still new and unexplored by foreign sailors. So, sailors who were either stationed in Asia or were fortuitous enough to explore it got the dragon.

Hearts- Were clearly for love/loved ones. Ideally with a name in the middle, above or below.

Star- The nautical star is said to represent the North Star, commonly used as a navigation device for sailors.

Pig and Rooster- Roosters and pigs were allegedly kept in wooden cages aboard the ship (likely for food). If a ship wrecked, the wooden pieces would float and the sailors could use them in hopes of survival. They would get a rooster tattooed on the right foot and a pig on the left as a sort of tribute and lucky charm.

Shellback (Turtle)- This was only gotten by the sailors who crossed the equator.

Swallow- Each one shows how far the sailor has traveled equaling 5000 miles a bird. It also symbolizes return.

Hope you liked today’s topic. If you’re curious as to where I got my source from you should take a gander at http://sailorjerry.com/Tattoos/Meaning-Behind-the-Flash/.

Alright, so it’s coming to that point in time where you have decided to get a tattoo. Have you gone over the proper self-evaluation before making the appointment? If so, then you are on point. If not, then let me help you out a bit.

 1) Make sure you have a very clear understanding that the tattoo of your choiceWILL BE ON YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Here are some examples on how to choose/when to choose:

Generally, people like to think about what they want to get, months and years prior to going into the shop.

Think of something to symbolize something significantin your life.

Make it fun and ask your tattoo artist to just go for it and come up with something original and rad. (I strongly advise this one after you’ve gotten a number of tattoos but its your choice.)

 2) Once you pick what you want, pick where you want it. You should probably base that decision off your career choices: can they/it show or not? (If they can then have at it. Get a sleeve because your job is just that rad!)

 3) Now that you’ve got what you want and where you want in order, please find a professional artist with a good reputation for cleaning his equipment consistently and providing solid artwork attuned to your taste.

4) Lastly, make sure you aren’t douche to the artist, they’re in control of how the piece is put on your body. Don’t get anything under the influence and try not to move. Keep in mind that you have to absolutely WEAR YOUR WIGGLE.

I hope this was helpful!

I often am asked the following questions about my tattoos from people who lack them and/or have a difficult time understanding and appreciating the pieces.

Why would you get all these permanent markings all over?

Why bother?

How could you do that to yourself?

Did it hurt?

You know you’re going to Hell right?

Not once has a plain skin asked me what they all mean. Even asking what one means would suffice. Well, the answers to your questions are as follows: I have been through a lot. I have them because there is a great meaning behind each individual artwork. I bothered because I feel the need to have something forever on me as a reminder of what has gone on in my life and that I am stronger for dealing with the circumstances the best I can.

Now, the fact is that I cannot physically give myself a tattoo… the tattoo artist did it for me so asking that question makes you look silly. OF COURSE IT HURTS. It is a group of tiny needles poking into your dermal layer a whole bunch of times. For some people it doesn’t hurt. For myself, and many others, it all just depends on where you’re getting it. Sometimes it even tickles!

I swear, every time some random person asks me if I am aware that I “am going to Hell” I laugh at how ignorant and rude people can be. You have no idea who I am and you’re really going to judge me on God’s behalf? People are certainly something else. Whether you agree with me or not, that’s fine. If you are reading this please take something from me. Take some respect. If you don’t have tattoos and plan to never get them then that is fine. All I ask is to not judge us so harshly or approach us in a negative way. If you are someone with tattoos, then tell me why you got them. I would love to hear.