95+ Best Pirate Ship Tattoo Designs & Meanings – Masters of the Seas (2019)
Any lover of tattoos understands their flexibility in terms of design and style. This varies from one category to another. The pirate ship tattoos are ones of the most unique and they are preferred by many people. These tattoos have been applied over the years and they do hold a symbolic meaning.
Back in the days, these tattoos were only applied by the sailors. Nonetheless, this has gradually changed and they now come with a new dimension and meaning.
Contents:
Meaning
The symbolism of this tattoo is closely linked to the life of the bearer. Also, it could be applied with reference to another person. The main idea and symbolism of the tattoo comes from the sailors and their ways of life.
These ships were controlled by pirates, who were considered to be rough and somewhat dangerous. The sailors of these ships used to cruise through the rough sea and they struggled through it all.
The fact that the pirates made it at the end of their journey, irrespective of the turmoil is what inspires people to apply this tattoo.
For that, a person could apply the tattoo to show that they can withstand any tough situation and get through it without being defeated. This can touch on any area of the tattoo bearer’s life. It might be a message to other people, warning them that the bearer is capable of accomplishing anything.
The tattoo can also be used as a way of encouraging the bearer.
Since the pirates were considered to be tough by nature, the tattoo can also be used to show the unshakable attitude of the person wearing it. This can have a negative and a crook meaning. The details of the tattoo will determine more about the attitude of that person.
It could also symbolize courage and determination. Usually, when the flag of the ship is kept up, it means that the sailors and the pirate are not ready to surrender. So when the flag is up high, the bearer could be sending a message to someone that they are not afraid of anything.
The bearer might also be indicating that they are not giving up on a particular issue related to their personal life.
Some can use it to show their adventurous passion. It could mean that the person wearing that tattoo is adventurous and that they naturally love or desire to have an adventure with the pirate ship. The tattoo might also be used to symbolize a free spirit of the person.
Even though it was originally associated with criminals, this tattoo is currently worn by anyone and it has more positive meanings.
All in all, the common symbolisms of this tattoo include honor, survival, courage, journey, free spirit, liberty, memorial, among others.
back to menu ↑
Placement
The placement of these tattoos is very flexible and you can basically place them anywhere. Since they entail much detail and styling, they will need a bigger surface area. Mostly, they will be applied on the back, the side, the chest, the upper arm and even the calf.
Since men have bigger biceps, the tattoo will look better on the upper arm. Women will mostly apply it on their sides and even on the thighs.
back to menu ↑
Types of pirate ship tattoo
The design, style and details of these tattoos will range from one to another. Some will be applied with only the pirate ship, while others will appear with a number of other symbols. These symbols and features will be used to complement the details and give a further meaning.
Here is a look at the common types of the tattoos of a pirate ship:
- Ship with pirate on board
This one can be used to symbolize the extra high courage of the bearer. There can be waves around and the pirate can be drawn when handling the wheel or pointing out his sword. This will mean that the person is more than ready for anything that comes their way.
- Old-school pirate ship tattoos
This is the first design of the tattoo of the pirate ship. It was commonly used by fishermen, sailors and anyone that was linked to the ship. It will basically entail the pirate ship and can have an anchor or the compass included. It will have a general meaning and mostly, it symbolizes adventure or life journey.
- Traditional pirate ship tattoos
This one is basically a simple ship of the pirate and it will not have much detail. In most cases, it will include a ship with the flag flying high and it can appear on silent waves or heavy waves. This one will not entail any color details. The design and the meaning will be basic in general.
- Pirate ship in a bottle
You can have the ship designed to appear trapped in the bottle. This can be used to indicate that the person’s desires or abilities are trapped or in captive of something. The captivity can be the lack of resources or any other challenge.
- Pirate tattoo with words
The ship can also be applied with a set of words. The words can be used as encouragement or love. For instance, a lady can have the tattoo applied with words of love on it. This can be relevant if the boyfriend is a sailor. This tattoo will also go well if the person applying it is in love with the pirate ships.
- Memorial tattoos
The pirate ships can also be drawn with an intention of commemorating someone who died in the sea. If a ship was capsized and the sailors lost their lives, this tattoo can be used for a memorial. The details will vary from one to another.
- Shipwrecked tattoo
You can also have the pirate ship trapped by an octopus. It might not be positive as such, though it can appear elegant. It may mean that the person is ready to fight against all the authorities of any organization.
- Pirate ship with symbols
You can have the pirate ship applied along some symbols like the nautical compass, the anchor or the wheel. The meaning will be used to symbolize different matters. The bearer understands the clear meaning of that tattoo.
- Pirate ship in stormy waves
This is another type of tattoo that will be used to show that the person is ready to go through all the trials that come against them.
