As is known in marine culture, tattoos have a different meaning. For sailors, tattooing has an important place. For this reason, it has become a tradition that has lasted for generations. There are even extremely popular symbols known as sailors' tattoos. 

Tattoos are preferred figures for the sailors from past to present, such as talisman for protection from many negativity and evil spirits. The tattoo culture, which was popular among sailors in the late 18th century, has remained popular until today. The reason for the late emergence of tattoo culture among the seafarers was that of the past. In the past, tattoos, which were mostly made by barbarians, were also made to slaves who were tried to be identified by their owners. Therefore, it was not a tradition to be respected. Also, religious inconvenience caused many people not to look hot for a tattoo. 

The reason for the widespread tattooing among sailors is; many seafarers believe that some symbols are protected. Although this may seem like a superstitious belief, it was a powerful charm for sailors who did not know what would come up in the middle of the sea. This was the only protective charm they could carry with them for sailors. In general, the seafarers would still believe in tattoos, although the seafarers were not harmed. Instead of tattooing, they could carry different items in the middle of the sea. So it was a far more accurate way for them to carry the talisman that would protect them in their bodies.

It is estimated that the tradition of tattooing among sailors was first initiated by pirates. This was caused by the presence of various symbols in their bodies as they were excluded at that time and were generally convicted. In the 16th and 17th centuries in France, letters with various meanings were engraved on their bodies. The same applies to people who commit adultery at that time. In addition to the stamps made by others, the pirates also had some of the symbols they built on ships. At that time, the preferred method of tattooing was usually cut and etched. Tattoos made in this way would often cause death. 

The tattoo art, which was banned in the Middle Ages, has become popular again with Captain James Cook. As a result of the captain's three expeditions to the South Pacific, tattoo art became popular again. On his expeditions to New Zealand and Tahiti, the captain said that there were things made and painted by drawing various symbols on the bodies of the indigenous people. This application, which is known as Tataw, has passed into English as a tattoo. Although tattoos are primarily used for ornamental purposes among people, they have become more traditions among seafarers. Generally, those tattoos who worked on the ship tried to do everything with the pigment they found. This included gunpowder and urine.

At the time when sailors met tattooing, there was an incredible pressure against social tattooing. In spite of these pressures, however, the Seafarers continued to get tattooed on their bodies. The most important reason for this was their superstitious superstition. Animal figures that they believed to be protective and auspicious were among the prominent tattoos they made.

Not only do they believe that their tattoos have a protective effect, but they also adopt it as a way of expressing themselves, which has spread this tradition among seafarers. Thanks to these tattoos, they were recognized and prominent in society and social life. For this reason, the tattoos they had made were figures expressing important events and victories. For example, by looking at a sailor's tattoo, it was possible to understand how he had experience in marine life and what his status was.

Another important effect of tattoos was to identify the corpses of seafarers who disappeared at sea, especially between the 18th and 19th centuries. The figures, which were very personal at first, later became a detail that could be used even in official documents when expressing them to the sailors. As the sailors were identified, the tattoos found on their bodies began to be used in conjunction with other physical features. The tattoo had become so widespread among seafarers that ninety percent of US sailors in the 19th century should have tattooed.

The first restriction on tattoos came from the US government. According to the collection, sailors were prohibited from making tattoos with obscene meanings. Especially naked female figures were strictly forbidden. XX. By the 2000s, tattooing, which was regarded as a very radical practice until a significant period of the 19th century, had become popular for people of all ages and groups. So much so that tattoo artists increased in different designs and colors of new tattoo figures had emerged. Today tattoo has become an art that maintains its popularity and develops itself day by day with different designs. The sailor tattoos are not only figures made by sailors, but also become popular with people interested in the sea. Their meaning has a big impact on making sailor tattoos so popular. XX. We want to continue by explaining the sailor tattoo figures used in a very popular way and their meanings until the middle of the 19th century.

Swallow: The constant migration of the swallow led to the emergence of a belief that the sailors carried them to the dead sailor souls and took them to heaven. For this reason, it was a very popular tattoo among sailors. The seafarers who traveled 5000 miles at sea and were able to return home were given one swallow tattoo. When this distance was 10000 miles, another swallow was added. 

Starfish: this tattoo was believed to help find a way back home while cruising on the high seas. 

Compass rose: it was believed that this symbol helped find the way back home, like a starfish. 

Pig and Rooster: they believed that these animal figures, each made on one foot, protected from drowning. 

Propellers: the purpose of this figure was to generally believe that it would lead the sailor to the shore and to protect him from drowning. Port and Starboard Lighthouses: These tattoos on the left and right of the body were believed to affect the sailor on the right course. Double Star: the purpose of this tattoo was to make sure that the sailor always knew the right way. 

Shark: the person who made this tattoo was believed to be protected from sharks. 

Rope: this figure was used to identify deck crews. The crew was made around the wrist. 

Full Armored Ship: this tattoo is made to people who travel around Cape Horn and was used to indicate this situation. However, the sailors were also made a blue star behind the left ear. A star was added to the back of the right ear of sailors who made this extremely dangerous journey 5 times. 

Neptune / Poseidon: people with this tattoo are those who have crossed the equator. Forging is done to indicate this feature of persons. There are many more figures and designs known as sailors' tattoos. If you are interested in this subject, you can get yourself to make very meaningful tattoos. You can assign a variety of meanings to these tattoos like sailors.