The Superstitions Of Good Luck On Boats

Sailors and fishermen have always been superstitious, and it's not hard to see why. When you're out on the open ocean, you're at the mercy of the elements, and the dangers are very real. So it's no surprise that, over the centuries, seafarers have developed a rich tapestry of beliefs and rituals to help them feel more in control of their fate. Some of these superstitions are well-known, like not walking under a ladder, while others are more niche, such as the belief that bananas are bad luck on boats. But whether you believe in them or not, these superstitions offer a fascinating insight into the world of maritime culture and history.

Whistling, singing, or clapping onboard can bring bad weather

Sailors are a superstitious bunch, and it's not hard to see why. In the past, sailing was a treacherous business, and early mariners faced great dangers and uncertainties. To cope with the unpredictability of the sea, sailors put their faith in superstitions, omens, and luck to protect them and guide them home safely. Whistling, singing, or clapping onboard was believed to bring bad weather, and sailors took this superstition very seriously.

The belief that whistling onboard challenges the wind and causes it to increase, potentially bringing in a storm, is a widespread one among sailors. Similarly, singing was often forbidden for the same reason. However, if sailors found themselves stuck on windless waters, they might whistle to coax a breeze to blow them onward. This belief in "whistling up a storm" is just one of many sailors' superstitions surrounding weather.

Some seafarers also believed that clapping onboard would bring thunder. This idea may have stemmed from the notion that thunder was the sound of the gods clapping their hands. To avoid invoking thunderstorms, sailors refrained from clapping. Another superstition held that throwing stones into the ocean would anger the sea gods, leading them to lash out with storms and large ocean swells.

Superstitions like these were taken seriously by sailors, who felt that they provided a sense of control in the face of the unpredictable sea. Even today, with boating much safer, some seafarers continue to hold on to these nautical superstitions. While they may seem absurd or outdated, they are often based on real dangers faced by sailors in the past.

So, if you're thinking of setting sail, you might want to leave your whistle at home and be cautious about singing or clapping onboard. You never know what the sea might have in store!

Bananas are bad luck

Bananas are considered bad luck on a boat due to a nautical superstition that dates back to the 1700s. During this time, many trading ships from the Caribbean to Spain disappeared, and only the curved yellow bananas were found floating in the wreckage. Seafarers believed that the bananas were responsible for the ship's sinking. This belief was further reinforced by stories of venomous spiders and snakes hiding in boxes of bananas, posing a deadly threat to the crew. Bananas were also associated with bad luck for fishermen, as the high-speed travel necessary to prevent banana spoilage left them with little to no catch. Additionally, bananas release ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits to ripen and spoil prematurely, impacting ships carrying fresh fruits.

The banana superstition has persisted through the ages, and even today, many fishermen believe that bananas bring bad luck in the form of mechanical issues and a lack of fish. Some also attribute bad weather to the presence of bananas on board. The sticky and sweet nature of bananas is thought to act as a natural fish repellent, keeping the catch away. Furthermore, the potential for accidents caused by banana peels left onboard is another concern for boaters.

While some may dismiss the banana superstition as silly, it continues to hold sway over many boaters and fishermen, who would rather not take the risk of inviting misfortune upon their voyages. The fear of venomous stowaways and the belief in bananas as omens of danger have kept bananas off the menu for many seafarers.

The banana superstition is just one of the many beliefs that have surrounded sailors and fishermen for centuries. Other well-known superstitions include the prohibition of whistling aboard a boat, the presence of women on board being considered unlucky, and the avoidance of redheads or flat-footed people before a voyage. While some of these beliefs may seem absurd, they often stem from practical concerns or serve as a way to cope with the uncertainties and dangers faced by early mariners.

Women onboard can anger the sea gods

Women on boats are considered bad luck for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it was believed that the presence of women would distract male sailors from their duties, arousing their passions or causing jealousy among crew members. This distraction was thought to anger the sea gods, leading to treacherous conditions and revenge from the sea. Additionally, women were believed to make the seas angry, resulting in dangerous voyages and storms.

Interestingly, there are also instances where women were considered good luck on boats. For example, having a naked woman on board was thought to calm the sea, which is why many ship figureheads depict women with bare breasts. The watchful eyes of these female figureheads were also believed to guide the ship safely through the waters. Furthermore, if a woman gave birth on board, it was considered exceptionally good luck, signifying a smooth journey for the rest of the trip.

The superstition surrounding women on boats may have stemmed from the dangers and uncertainties faced by ancient mariners. Sailors put their faith in superstitions, omens, and luck to protect them and ensure a safe return home. While these beliefs may seem outdated today, they showcase the strong influence that superstitions once held over sailors' lives.

Although boating is much safer in modern times, some seafarers still hold on to these nautical superstitions to some extent. However, the idea that women onboard anger the sea gods and bring bad luck has been dispelled, and women now serve proudly in the Navy and on fishing vessels without any concerns about bringing misfortune.

Don't say good luck or goodbye

Sailors are a superstitious bunch. Since ancient times, they've faced great dangers and uncertainties, so it's no surprise they've put their faith in superstitions, omens, and luck to protect them and guide them home safely.

One of these superstitions is that saying "good luck" or "goodbye" is forbidden. It is believed that these words would summon bad luck, dooming the voyage and keeping the ship from returning to shore. This superstition is still taken seriously by captains and fishermen today, who consider it akin to saying "break a leg" to an actor.

The superstition around the word "goodbye" is part of a broader belief that things associated with land bring bad luck if mentioned while at sea. Other words that sailors avoid include "drown", "pigs", "foxes", "church", and "rabbits".

The superstition around "good luck" is not limited to sailors; anglers and performers also consider it bad luck to say "good luck" before a trip or performance. For anglers, this can result in bad weather, equipment failure, or not catching any fish.

So, if you want to wish someone luck before they set sail, it might be best to stick with "break a leg"!

Cats are good omens

Cats were also believed to bring good luck because of their connection to weather prediction. Sailors thought that cats had magical powers stored in their tails that could control the weather. A ship's cat sneezing meant rain was on the way, while a frisky cat meant a windy day was ahead. If a cat licked its fur against the grain, a hailstorm was approaching. These beliefs may have stemmed from the cat's sensitive inner ear, which can detect changes in weather more acutely than other animals.

Superstitions surrounding ship's cats also included the idea that cats could protect ships from storms and summon storms if they fell or were thrown overboard. If the ship survived the storm, it was then cursed with bad luck for nine years.

Today, while some of these superstitions may seem absurd, many sailors still regard them as carrying weight. It is not uncommon for sailors to go out of their way to ensure they do not anger the ocean or invite bad luck onto their voyage.

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