The story of the Hold Fast Tattoo is deeply entwined with the long and storied history of tattooing itself. Tattooing, as an art form and a means of self-expression, boasts roots stretching back millennia. From the early days of sailing ships, mariners venturing across vast oceans encountered indigenous cultures adorned with tattoos, a practice many adopted themselves to commemorate their voyages and experiences. Even today, sailors are often seen as a group with unique superstitions and a strong appreciation for symbolism. Tattoos became a powerful way for them to permanently link meaningful imagery to their very being.
Many classic tattoo designs we recognize today have origins in maritime history and sailor traditions. The “hold fast” tattoo, sometimes seen with the words “STAY TRUE,” is a prime example of this tradition. While now embraced by various tattoo subcultures, its original purpose was profoundly practical for sailors: to enhance grip on ropes and rigging, crucial when working high up in treacherous weather. To those within maritime culture, the meaning of “hold fast” is intuitively understood. However, for those unfamiliar with nautical language, its significance may be less obvious.
In nautical terms, a line (or rope, for those on land) is “fast” when it’s securely anchored and unmoving. Traditional sailing language extended beyond just equipment, applying to actions and even people. To “belay” a line means to secure it using turns around a cleat, pin, or similar fitting, preventing any further movement. The command “Belay that!” could just as easily be directed at a person halting an undesirable action or stopping the execution of a previous command.
Superstition also played a significant role in the imagery of traditional mariner tattoos. A popular example is the pairing of a pig and a rooster tattooed on each foot. The belief was that these animals, both unable to swim and terrified of water, would somehow prevent a sailor from drowning, guiding them back to the surface and safety more quickly. The iconic nautical star serves as a representation of both the North Star and the compass rose, both vital tools for navigation, helping sailors find and maintain their course.
Other mariner tattoos acted as milestones, celebrating significant achievements and journeys. A fouled anchor on the forearm traditionally signified a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. Small blue stars on the hands indicated voyages around the perilous Cape Horn. Turtle tattoos were, and sometimes still are, associated with crossing the Equator. Similarly, swallow tattoos on the shoulders are often recognized as markers for having crossed the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Frequently, one encounters individuals sporting these traditional tattoos who are unaware of their rich cultural and historical significance. It becomes a point of pride to share this knowledge, explaining the heritage embedded within these designs. Maritime traditions hold value for many, and wearing these tattoos, especially as someone connected to the sea, can feel like embodying a piece of that history. As one tattoo artist remarked when inking a “hold fast” tattoo, it was a privilege to apply a “genuine mariner tattoo on a genuine mariner.” The history of the hold fast tattoo, and indeed any tattoo, is important because each one, in its own way, tells a story, connecting us to traditions and meanings that resonate through time.
