Pirate tattoos are some of the most popular designs of all time. Pirate designs and symbols tend to invoke all the feelings associated with their exciting history. They can also represent a bit of rebellion. From the earliest days at sea, sailors in the western worn have made this type of art popular. For millennia, sailors sailing the high seas have been getting tattoos. Although the heyday of the pirate has come to an end, there are still many people today who want to keep the legends and myths going with body art.
The word pirate derives from the Latin word pirata, which means marine adventurer. Other names associated with piracy include buccaneer, skimmer and freebooter. Nautical themed tattoos such as skull and crossbones, anchors and pirate flags still stand strong with tattoo enthusiasts all around the world. Pirate tattoos are becoming more and more popular too, as the art is now mainly accepted by the mainstream.
A pirate tattoo can stand for many things, including rebellion, freedom, danger and adventure. Sure, they broke the law all the time, but everyone loves the idea of the stereotypical, legendary pirate with a cutlass, standing next to a skull and cross bones flag. Pirates these days just do not have the flair or class of the pirates of old.
Pirate tattoos are often colorful and bold. Some people prefer to get tattoos of actual pirates, such as Blackbeard, Captain Hook and the always lovable Captain Jack Sparrow. Other people prefer to get tattoos of symbols associated with piracy rather than of pirates themselves. These can include an X-marked map, skull and crossbones, a parrot, pirate ship, treasure chest and anchor.
One popular pirate tattoo design is that of a skull pirate. This image is of an angry, grimacing (or laughing) skull adorning a bandanna and pirate hat. Sometimes a cutlass or pistol is shown inside the skull’s jaws. Some people like to add other elements along with it, such as flames, ship wheel, anchor, compasses or treasure chests.
Obviously, there is a lot to choose from where pirate tattoos are concerned. They are especially popular with men, although some symbols are somewhat popular with women too. Some people like to go all out and get a pirate ship tattooed on their body! These designs are often very bright and beautiful, and can feature amazing background scenery. Some pirate tattoos can be of a ship sailing on the sea with a bright sun shining in the background.