“The swallows alone take the unmixed, and, as one may say, the elementary part of this pleasing sentiment. They come at a happy time, when the year, rising or enlarging, is full of promise: the trees are budding, the hedges are in leaf, the meadows are growing long.” -Gilbert White
Looking for some inspiration for your next tattoo?
Good news if you’re considering a swallow design, as we’ll show you the 57 newest and most artistic swallow tattoo examples for this year in this guide.
And to be sure we offer a little something for all of you and your different tastes, we’ll divide these 57 tattoo examples among three different galleries by type:
- Color Swallow Tattoos
- Small Swallow Tattoos
- Black/Gray Swallow Tattoos
We’ll also detail the common meanings and motivations behind many people who decide to ink one of these awesome birds on their skin.
Let’s dive in.
Common Swallow Tattoo Meanings
Symbol of Hope and Renewal: Representing the arrival of spring and new beginnings, a swallow tattoo can be a personal symbol of hope, renewal, and a fresh start in life.
Love and Fidelity: Given the swallow’s reputation for mating for life and its loyalty to its nest, these tattoos can symbolize faithfulness, enduring love, or commitment in a relationship.
Memory or Tribute: Swallow tattoos can also be used to honor or remember a loved one, symbolizing an eternal bond or a connection that endures beyond separation.
Symbol of Change or Victory Over Hardship: People might get a swallow tattoo after overcoming a difficult period in their life, signifying victory, change, or personal growth.
Freedom and a Carefree Spirit: Swallows are agile in flight and migrate across great distances. A tattoo of this bird can symbolize a love for freedom, travel, or a carefree approach to life.
Journey and Homecoming: Swallows have an incredible homing instinct, which makes them symbols of journey and homecoming. Sailors, in particular, have historically seen swallows as good omens, symbolizing a safe return from a voyage.
Good Luck Charm: Swallows are sometimes seen as bringers of good luck and prosperity. A swallow tattoo might be chosen as a personal talisman for good fortune.
Protection and Safekeeping: In some folklore, swallows are believed to offer protection from harm and to ensure the safety of a home or family.
Swallow Tattoo Examples
Here are the 57 best swallow tattoos for this year, grouped into three different photo galleries by type:
- Swallow Tattoos In Color
- Small Swallow Tattoos
- Swallow Tattoos In Black/Gray
Swallow Tattoos In Color
Small Swallow Tattoos
Swallow Tattoos In Black/Gray
