Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Brainstorm ideas for your next inking inspiration? You should consider getting a pig and rooster tattoo to celebrate this journey called life.
Traditionally, sailors tattooed pigs and roosters on their feet.
When it comes to the source of the tattoo, there are two popular explanations. Since the rooster and pig are such an odd couple, you must be wondering what a rooster and pig tattoo means?
Origin and meaning are linked. One theory holds that, being farm animals, roosters and pigs did not love water very much and were said to get to land faster than anyone else. Therefore, a sailor hoping not to drown in the seas would tattoo these animals on his feet. In the other explanation, it is said that the rooster and pig tattoo became a kind of good luck charm during the Second World War. During the war, the Navy shipped pigs and roosters in crates made of light wooden frames. Even in the case of shipwrecks, the crates served as personal buoyancy aids for the cattle. Therefore, sailors slowly began to associate this tattoo couple with luck.
Moana theme pig and rooster tattoo
If you’re a Disney fan, these two animals need no introduction. The rooster is Heihei from the movie Moana and the piglet is Pua from the same movie. Heihei, as Moana said, is special and that facial expression is perfectly captured in this tattoo. On the other hand, Pua is himself and smiles brightly. This is a fun little twist on the typical pig and rooster sailor tattoo.
Pua is the main caretaker of the protagonist in the film, and despite being a piglet, she sometimes seems to understand her better than the people around her. Heihei, on the other hand, is clueless but always has the best of intentions. So the person with these tattooed pictures might be a bit slow but they always want the best for the people around them.
Maritime classic pig and rooster tattoo
This is the most common version of a pig rooster tattoo that you can find and it is also inked in a classic style. In this tattoo, the rooster and pig appear to be panicking as they try to run away from something. While it may not be very realistic, the pop of color in this piece certainly makes it a feast for the eyes. The tattooed rooster features light shades of pink, yellow, and green, while the pig is speckled with black spots on a brown body.
The color red, often associated with danger, can be seen in the background of both tattoos, indicating that the animals are in trouble and are therefore trying to save their lives. In keeping with the classic style, each tattoo on each foot is inked like sailors would to stay safe.
Tribal pig and rooster tattoo
Now here is an interesting improvisation on the traditional pig and rooster tattoo. The tattoo is complete in black ink only as is the case with Polynesian tattoos. The different patterns are all inspired by Polynesian designs. At a glance, the shark teeth, sea waves and spearhead symbols spread across the rooster and pig.
Each form is assigned a symbolism. For example, shark teeth resemble an individual’s ability to adapt to an unfavorable environment. Likewise, the spearhead is a motive for a person’s martial will and determination. The waves signify the constant movement and change in life, just like the waves in the sea. Hence, these different styles and patterns found in tribal tattoos are a great way of self-expression.
Adventure trapped in a bottle tattoo
Instead of the right foot, this tattoo is inked on the right thigh. Deviating from the predictable designs, this piece wins when it comes to creative flair. Inside the bottle it looks like the night has been captured with a full moon. Clouds float around while stars twinkle in the night. A pig and a rooster can be seen at the bottle of the bottle, both swimming in wooden boxes in the sea. They seem to have escaped a shipwreck that has a surprising survival rate. Some flowers can be seen around the bottle closed with a cork.
This superb piece of body art is the result of the work of a skilled artist. So make sure you get the best design for your sailor tattoo. The witty use of shades of gray helps add extra depth to the tattoo.
Ready to face the Sea Tattoo
In this pig and rooster tattoo, instead of the wooden boxes, the rooster and pig have become wiser on how to cross the sea. A rooster is tattooed on one foot, wearing inflatable armbands on both wings. The pig on the other side wears a typical swimming tube. Both look like they’re headed to the beach to enjoy a nice, sunny day. Another fun detail in this piece is the shape of an anchor tattoo that the pig is flaunting!
Since the pair of tattoos are meant to bring good luck, it only makes sense as a visual game to have them wear floating gear. Besides, it can also symbolize how the one being inked is ready for any challenge that life throws at them with their swimming equipment. It’s a certain path that goes perfectly with the silly anchor on the Pig, as anchors are symbols of the stability one seeks in life.
Realistic pig and rooster tattoo
This tattoo takes us back to the illustrations found in old picture books. Both tattoos are done on the hands instead of the feet. On the other hand, the pig and rooster tattoos have a realistic touch. The white rooster with a red crest against the pink pig is tattooed on the skin. Both are holding a rope that looks like a noose.
The spectacular details of this body art can only be handled by experienced tattoo artists, so make sure you get the best and prepare for more than one long session.
Minimalist pig and rooster tattoo
For those who like to focus on meaningful tattoos, this pair might be worth considering. Neither the pig nor the rooster are ascribed any clear characteristics apart from the outline. A black silhouette in its form is the only subtle hint available. Just like the sombre style of the tattoo, the artist paints both creatures in such a way that they are standing still in contrast to the other tattoos.
The compact size allows the pair to be colored in many different places. Also, this set is great if you want a lucky symbol without being too obvious.
Anthropomorphic pig and rooster tattoo
We love this quirky pig rooster tattoo. Both figures are sketched to look like humans. The chubby pig stands on its two legs and wears shoes and an undershirt. He smiles with his freckled face while his arm shows many tattoos like an apple and a knife. The rooster, on the other hand, has comically small legs, while his undershirt says “Early Bird”. Both look like pot-bellied, middle-aged men.
The couple in itself is associated with good luck at sea. In addition, the knife is a sacrificial motif. So this could be a seaman who is willing to make all the sacrifices that life at sea entails.
Keep Floating Pig and Rooster Tattoo
There is a lot more to this tattoo than meets the eye. Both creatures’ faces can be seen on each foot. Instead of a pig, however, we have a wild boar here. Both look much wilder than in the other depictions. The idea is rounded off by the quote “Tread Water”.
The idea behind this tattoo is deeply symbolic. Here we have a fighter trying to stay afloat in this turbulent sea of life, as the quote suggests. The fierce look in the tattoo signifies the determination to fight tenaciously without giving up to the end. This simple piece is one of the favorites among the many pig and rooster tattoos.
Vivid arm pig and rooster tattoo
Among the many roosters and pigs, we find this pair adorable. A happy celebration of color, the rooster has every hue of the rainbow on his body. On the other hand, the pig is a cute little white and black pig. They both appear to be walking toward each other, with a word on each hand that reads “stick together.” A machete appears to be dangling from the pig.
On the ship, “hold on” can simply mean securing every part for a safe voyage. However, this metaphor can be applied to life itself. Holding on is a saying that advocates believing in one’s beliefs which is the idea conveyed through this tattoo.
However, this is not the only sailor tattoo with a story or symbolism. Depending on a sailor’s time at sea, he can get tattooed. For example, the shellback tattoo is part of many sailor’s tattoos that give a seasoned sailor the right to have a shellback turtle inked as a symbol of having crossed the equator. So the more tattoos a sailor has, the more experience they can gain.
It feels a little early to say goodbye to the pig and the rooster. Hence, we have to share a few more tattoo designs that you simply cannot miss.
- Porky Pig and Foghorn Leghorn Tattoo.
- Carpet and Torchic Pokemon Tattoo.
- Sailor pig and rooster tattoo.
- Angry Birds Navy Rooster and Pig Tattoo.
- Skeleton pig and rooster tattooing through wooden cages.
Featured image from Pinterest