Getting “inked” is a tradition which spans back to the age of sail before the U.
S. established its own navy. Many of the same tattoos from centuries ago are still found on sailors today. Sailors wear tattoos that depict their naval service. 1. Swallow Legend has it tattoos began when seven sailors from the ship “The Swallow” tattooed a swallow on their chests to designate their mutiny [1]. However, it is generally used degree how far a sailor travels. Originally a swallow was earned every 5000 nautical miles. Due to the enhanced capabilities of todays ships a sailor earns a... Read the rest of this entry »
Source: navalhistory.org