Navy sailor tattoo

1,388 points • 71 comments

Tattoos are part of Navy culture. Here's what some of them mean.

Tattoo traditions are still alive in U.S. Navy Sailors to this day. Certain traditions and customs can only be found within the Navy’s ranks. From individual rating insignia to common phrases and images that commemorate significant events, tattoos are synonymous with Sailors.

Getting a traditional sailor tattoo is much more than a representation of maritime accomplishments, a talisman against omens, or a memorial for loved ones. This ThoughtfulTattoos post breaks out of these cliché ideas and gives you 21 wonderful designs along with their meanings.

One of the most common Navy tattoos is the anchor; a stalwart indication of character and integrity. No other branch of the United States Armed Forces can compete with the sheer diversity of Navy tattoos, stretching back even beyond Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins in the 1940s. #nextluxury #navyanchortattoo #navytattoos #anchortattoodesigns #navyanchortattooideas

Loren's tattoo (Amsterdam, 2015)

Old naval tattoo code.

Tall ship sailor-turned-cartoonist Lucy Bellwood's gorgeous "The Art of the Sailor" is an informative guide to the meaning of sailor tattoos. It first appeared in Vancouver Maritime Museum's traveling exhibit,…

Fanpop is a network of fan clubs for fans of television, movies, music and more to discuss and share photos, videos, news and opinions with fellow fans.