Sailor tattoo motifs had already solidified by the early 19th century, with anchors, ships, and other nautical symbols being the most common images tattooed on American seafarers, followed by patriotic symbols such as flags, eagles, and stars; symbols of love; and religious symbols.

Legend has it that tattoos began when seven sailors from a ship called the Swallow each tattooed a swallow on his chest to mark their mutiny. Tradition, though, generally holds that a swallow tattoo is used measure how far a sailor travels. Originally, a swallow was earned every 5,000 nautical miles.

PIG & ROOSTER Tattooed on the feet or ankles, these emblems symbolize survival at sea. Pigs and roosters were often kept in wooden crates, making them likely to float to shore in the event of a shipwreck. A pig on the left knee and a rooster on the right foot references an old ditty: Pig on the knee, safety at sea.

Dragon / Golden Dragon A sailor with a dragon tattoo has sailed to Asia and a golden dragon means they have crossed the international date line.