bluebird tattoos

I was wondering if anyone knows the significance of the bluebird tattoos or if there is one besides asthetics. Thanks...toodles

the bluebird is the bluebird of happiness

I saw one on a man recently and was wondering the same thing. Does it have anything to do with white power?

the bluebirds are related to sailors. a sailor got the first when he racked up 5,000 nautical miles and the second when he hit 10,000 miles. ive also heard a sailor would get the first when he crossed the equator one way and the second when he crossed going the opposite direction. not sure which is more acurate.

Hi, I found the thread on bluebird tatoos when trying to find the meaning. I am from Glasgow, Scotland. When I was a kid some of the older men had a bluebird tatoo on the back of the hand, between thumb and forefinger. I suspect that it is a "hard man" thing, ie. it shows you are prepared to fight anyone who looks at you the wrong way. Do you have any information on this aspect. Ronald.

Wo Hoo!+ I am a tough guy cause of my hand web tattoo! I guess it cancels out my cute little birdie tattoo. so that means I am... a... normal person with some tough tattoos and some fruity ones. Ack, just when I think I get ahead. Seriously, the common lore is that birds on sailors would help them get back to shore. Birds are the first thing you see when returning from the high seas. We will be selling the Sailor Jerry manuscript soon, he goes over a lot of the common sailor tattoos history.

In the movie "Dogfight," River Phoenix's character has a bluebird tattoo on his right hand. He calls it the bluebird of happiness and he flaps the birds wings by moving his thumb - says it makes his troubles fly away. Pretty cool.

I believe Gabe is right here. Birds were(are?) good luck to sailors because when you saw one you knew you were close to land.I believe over time that they also became a general symbol of luck. I have heard of a bluebird on the webbing of the thumb and forefinger...but am not quite sure if it holds the same symbolism. Maybe theyr'e just covering up that homemade ,handpoked cross or teardrop.

The real meaning of the bluebird tattoo, from an actual sailor... One blue birds represents 5,000 nautical miles at sea. Two bluebirds represents 10,000 nautical miles at sea. A turtle would mean this sailor has croosed the eqautor and completed the "shellback" ritual

I'm getting them. the classic on each forearm. for me it represents the extensive travelling and is a souvenir of that time away. I like the idea that they also a symbol of 'finding one's way' and flapping away troubles and bluebirds of happiness they'll also look pretty damn good. My first tattoos in relatively plain view

The actual placement of these Tattoos is: one Bluebird on the upper right pec(5,000 miles), one on the left pec(10,000 nautical miles), traveled as a Sailor. I have 40,000 miles, and I have 4 Bluebirds... one large and one small on each upper pectoral area of my chest.

The bluebird is the badge of Cardiff city football club.

The bluebird tattoo originates with Sailors. A bluebird on the chest of a Sailor signifies 5,000 miles at sea. A Sailor gets a second bluebird on his chest once he completes 10,000 miles at sea.

Someone asked if it's a white-power tattoo. Answer is "maybe" or "sometimes" :) I'm guessing there were other tattoos or details about the guy you saw, that made you wonder about it. It's one of those symbols that serious whites often like but isn't specific to them, like the iron cross or the crucified skin. Part of the reason is that the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang was originally the "Bluebirds", and used these tattoos. I'm sure the use by sailors predated that, but it's another one of those many symbols that might have more, or different, meaning to the next guy.

As mentioned, bluebirds are somewhat known as tattoos by white supremicists. However, I dislike this idea and believe that most people get them for the other 2 representations. The first is loyalty in regards to love. Bluebirds have life long partners and are therefore one of the few animals that have relationships. The most traditional form, like in the popular American Traditional (see sailor jerry) style, sailors would get a bluebird tattoo for sailing 10,000 nautical miles, and a second one at 20,000 nautical miles.

the blue bird carries the sky on his back

the blue bird carries the sky on his back

like the bloke from Glasgow said, older men here in northern ireland tend to have blue bird tattoos on the hand between the thumb and and fore finger to symbolise they spent time in prision so where infact (hard men). same with the love hate finger tattoos.. usually means u done time!

They're swallows, not bluebirds. A bluebird is blue and black only and it's look is unique. Most people have swallows tattooed on them, not bluebirds. The lore is correct though: One bird at 5,000 miles and another at 10,000 miles.

WOW.. a blue bird is blue? and i am talking about BLUE BIRDS not swallows.. which i persume judging by the title of this topic everyone is doing the same....

The miles at sea lore is about swallows, not bluebirds. That's what I meant, dick. Learn to read.

lol... this is pretty awesome. it makes me want to get a bluebird tatoo. the thing that was mentioned about the loyal lovers whatsit makes sense to me because i know of a couple who have matching bluebird tats. he has them on his arms and when he puts them to gether they "kiss", and she on her feet. it's incredible. the guy is also from scotland.

Ok everyone here is on the right track with the nautical miles traveled and crossing the equator. the nuatical miles traveled isn't 5000 though you can rack up 5000 nautical miles in a week underway now in day yes back in the old wood ship sailing day that was the case but now its 50,000 nuatical mile and for that you can get a sparrow or a swallow tattoo. after crossing the equator a sailor is then able to get the bluebirds of happiness on their chest.

sailor thanks for your imput.. i wasnt sure about the meaning of the bluebirds and its actually really cool! thanks again...

Actually the swallow only means 5000 miles to 10000 to some American, some British, and some Aussie sailors. But not all. Different go ashore oppo's going to different tattooist's, gaining differing meanings from both the tattoist's and other sailors and so on. There are quite a few tattoo designs that come at the 5000 to ten thousand mark as well and are not restricted to swallow's. The swallow really means nothing, it is just a nice little tattoo.

I believe the bluebird symbolizes happiness and fulfillment. It also has some meaning in nautical history. For sailors who were long at sea, the sight of a bluebird would signal land was nearby. hope this helps. Israel. Tattoo Designs Guide

does anybody know if i will encounter any problems if i try to get a white power tatoo ? ( when i say problems i mean with the tatoo artist )

You will encounter problems if I do your tattoo. I'll kick your head in just for being a dickhead.

I knew I loved the Aussies! I've been thinking about getting a bluebird or sparrow tattoo, but was a little concerned that it would be misinterpreted by some, I'm glad to see most of the responses here are reflecting what I think it stands for... safe return from travels at sea. I won't get it on my chest though, not a good place for a lady in my mind, does placement infer anything about the meaning if it isn't on my chest?

I knew I loved the Aussies! I've been thinking about getting a bluebird or sparrow tattoo, but was a little concerned that it would be misinterpreted by some, I'm glad to see most of the responses here are reflecting what I think it stands for... safe return from travels at sea. I won't get it on my chest though, not a good place for a lady in my mind, does placement infer anything about the meaning if it isn't on my chest?

I knew I loved the Aussies! I've been thinking about getting a bluebird or sparrow tattoo, but was a little concerned that it would be misinterpreted by some, I'm glad to see most of the responses here are reflecting what I think it stands for... safe return from travels at sea. I won't get it on my chest though, not a good place for a lady in my mind, does placement infer anything about the meaning if it isn't on my chest?

I knew I loved the Aussies! I've been thinking about getting a bluebird or sparrow tattoo, but was a little concerned that it would be misinterpreted by some, I'm glad to see most of the responses here are reflecting what I think it stands for... safe return from travels at sea. I won't get it on my chest though, not a good place for a lady in my mind, does placement infer anything about the meaning if it isn't on my chest?

I wanna get a bluebird on my shoulder, because it reminds me of one of my favorite childhood songs.. Zippity do dah... I think this blue bird will represent my childhood.. that is cool about the sailors and everything though i never knew that.. My husband and I love to be on the water

To those of you worried about the meaning. And to those who say it means one thing or another. It all depends on where u spend your time. If you run around with sailors, then, hell it is nautical. If you hang out at clan rallies or Neo Nazi picnics then it is racist. Actually you see it more on Punks than you do on skins, so throw social outcasts in there too. Just remember the meanings of symbols can change over time. Remember at one time the swastika was a symbol of good welfare until the #*&@&^ Nazis took it as their own. (Yes, it was here before the Nazis and was not associated with what it is now. go read a book). The down and dirty is make sure it means something to you because it is going to be with you for a VERY long time. And remember it isn't a daisy on your ass, it is a symbol that has multiple meanings today.

what it means to me and the reason why i have one. is all the time that i spent out to sea, and that i have returned home safe everytime.

I did some research. It does not have to do with white power. A bluebird has to do with a well traveled road. Meaning you have come a long way, or have done something great. They originated with sailors.

Im gonna get one on my foot, and for the wanker goin on about trouble gettin a tattoo artist to do his white suppremasit tatt, my fella is half malysian and I'll be standing right next to the other guy who wants to kick your ass!!!! Steelcaps on and ready mate!

Just for the record, bluebirds are NOT always blue and black. The Eastern bluebird is blue, white and rust.

Actually the bluebirds as a pair mean good luck. Usually found on a persons neck. Sailors thought it was good luck and if they found themselves in the ocean, it would keep there heads above water. MATT

I've been told by numerous people, that Raven and Bluebird tattoos are basically a boast... It's a sign to say don't mess with me. I know several men... Big, bikey men, that no one would dare mess with, who have bluebird and raven tattoos. One friend has a bluebird on his neck, and another has ravens swarming up each arm. They truly are amazing pieces of art, but i certainly wouldn't want to get on the bad side of one of these guys. They've each told me that thats what they mean.

sparrows/swallows are an old sailor thing. bluebirds are an AB tattoo. go ahead and get em if you don't plan on going to county or federal... but then again, everyone and their mother has spiderwebs on their elbows, so whatever...

Thanks guys. My Grandfather had two bluebirds on his back. One on each shoulder. I never knew why. He was in the Navy, WW2.

i have a bluebird tattoo on my shoulder and it is a cardiff city football club tattoo.

I always thought that the bluebird tattoo between the thumb and index finger were symbols for long distance coach drivers from back in the days of the 70's & 80's -They're very present in old-guy pubs all across Scotland so now I'll have to ask. Does anyone know if the sailor BB tattoo is ever place on the hand or are these usually always on pecs and chest?

If you're a Bukowski fan, then the bluebird is a reference to "There's a bluebird in my heart, but I'm too tough for him..."

Yes! The Bluebird of happiness used to be a big tat for sailors to get. It symbolized getting home safely. Also, if a sailor had the tat it showed his experience level. Some said that if the sailor didn't make it home the bluebirds would carry the sailor's soul up from the depths of the deep and fly him to heaven. It can also mean victory in adversity and triumph in love and life. You should do some reasearch...it's a great tat. I have one myself. =)

it mite mean a lot of things.. but be careful....it mite mean something you dont like... i got two on my neck one on each side flying in the sky with a baner saying cracker on it ....iv done 15 years florida state prison.and it is what it is ....the blue birds symbol is a bluebird...so dont git it rong.......

just to let you all no .........????? YOU FOUND THIS SITE ON WHITE POWER WEB SITE......I MEAN COME ...IT ANT THAT HARD..................DUM ASSES.........

while blue birds are good luck for sailors because they signify a safe return home just as swallows, they do not represent the nautical miles that everyone is talking about. swallows are what sailors get tattooed on their chest. swallows are blue and red, blue birds are blue black and white. blue birds are mean birds who come in to a territory of another bird like cardinals and pick at their food until the cardinals of other birds have no choice but to move out. the blue birds take over the nest as their own, reaping the benefits of the previous birds. they are extremely self centered birds who are known for their constant mocking. they have the ability to mock the calls of hawks in order to warn off other birds of dangers. blue birds do have good long relationships because they have one partner through out their lives. they have no relationships with others and they are happy. blue birds have also been known to be seen when one needs a boost of confidence in order to satisfy their curiousity they have both negative and positive meanings, but we need to get the meanings of blue birds and swallows seperated! they are not the same bird!

a blue bird between thumb and forefinger on each hand in australia means you are a hard bloke who is fast with his hands and is tattooed on many thugs from there such as chopper read and a ton of the older bikers(bikies as aussies would say)

Only ink I have is one bluebird, though I have travelled enough ocean miles to earn many. The first one hurt so bad, that was enough for me. I like the idea the bluebird carries the sky on it's back Actually, the albatross should be the symbol of long ocean voyage

more about sailors they will tat a rooster on one foot and a pig on the other this protects them from drowning