A popular tattoo for both men and women is the image of a swallow. Some like the stylized version which is more symbolic. Here is a design that I like.
I began to wonder why Swallow was such a popular choice for tattoos, and why so many people say “Swallow” when you ask them to name a bird.
Some of the reasons that Swallow has such a following are:
- Our Norse ancestors tell the story that the Swallow flew around Jesus’ head, and sang songs to distract him from his suffering.
- British and German ancestors say that if Swallow nests on your house, all within will have good luck. Additionally, the house is protected from disasters such as fires, heavy wind, and hail and snow.
- North American First Nations legends tell how Swallow tricked the Sun, and was able to steal fire from the Sun, and bring fire to The People so the people would be warm in winter.
- Farmers believe that the time that Swallow arrives back from migration will indicate the type of year that farmers will have. Late arrival means a short and cooler summer. Early arrival means a long, warm summer which means a good growing season.
- Farmers also believe that a high flying Swallow meant good weather, and Swallow flying low, close to the ground, indicated cooler, rainy weather. (Note that because Swallow is an insect eater, it probably tells more about the behaviour of the insects and weather.)
Most gardeners love Swallow and build or buy big Swallow Houses for the Swallows to live in while they are in the north. The benefit is that Swallow eats so many insects, including mosquitoes.
Swallow has played a role in our belief systems because of the various legends told about it. If Swallow is hanging out around you, it is a good thing, and she will bring you blessings.
The July Angels Magazine “Summer Freedom” is at www.angelsandancestors.com
See our websites: legionsofmichael.blogspot.com www.thestoryoflight.com; www.datacloudconsulting.com; www.datacloudconsultingblog.com
This is awesome, thank you! I also read somewhere that in the past, sailors would get swallow tattoos representing how many miles they have traveled across sea... 10,000 miles meant one tattoo, 50,000 miles meant another (or something around those numbers) Swallows, to sailors meant that they were close to land and they also represented freedom. This is why I (someday) want to get a swallow tattoo, a representation of all of the "miles" I have traveled, everything I have dealt with, a symbol of freedom, to keep moving on and moving forward.
ReplyDeleteThank you again, love reading your blog.
Thanks for sharing this information, Allie. I am happy that you love the blog! Love and light, Judy
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