2. Sometimes, when a sailor had retired, he would tattoo laundry hanging between the two swallows.
3. If a sailor's friend was killed at sea, one of his swallows would have a dagger tattooed through it.
4. Swallows always return home -- so the swallow tattooed on a sailor was meant to symbolize that he would return.
5. And if the sailor didn't return, the swallows would help carry him to heaven.
6. In England, the swallow tattoo indicates a willingness to fight -- "these fists fly."
7. To a sailor at sea, the sight of sparrows meant land, and a return home.
8. Luke 12:6 says..."Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God."
