The Banana Boat Conundrum: Why Keep Bananas Off-Board?

Bananas are considered to be bad luck on boats, with some believing they are omens of danger and misfortune. This superstition dates back to the 1700s when many lost or ill-fated ships were noted to have been carrying bananas. There are several theories as to why this superstition came to be. One is that bananas were believed to be bad luck for fishermen as they are naturally sweet and sticky, and they release ethylene gas which may act as a natural fish repellent. Another theory is that bananas attracted venomous spiders and snakes, which would then infest the ship. Bananas were also believed to cause mechanical issues and were thought to spoil quickly and cause other fruits to spoil faster, which could have been a concern for ships looking to profit from fresh fruit.

Bananas are an omen of danger and misfortune for ships

Fishermen also consider bananas to be bad luck, blaming them for a lack of fish, mechanical issues, and bad weather. Bananas are naturally sweet and sticky, and they release ethylene gas, which is believed to act as a natural fish repellent. Bananas have also been said to cause mechanical issues on well-maintained vessels. Many fishermen have reported issues with their boats after bringing bananas on board, such as bait wells quitting and engines not starting.

In addition, bananas were associated with venomous spiders and snakes that would hide in boxes of bananas and infest the ship, posing a serious threat to the crew in the absence of effective treatments for their bites. Bananas were also believed to cause other fruits to spoil more quickly due to the ethylene gas they emit, which could lead to food shortages on long voyages.

The belief in bananas as a source of bad luck is so strong that even banana-flavoured items like muffins, daiquiris, and sunscreen are considered unlucky. While some may dismiss it as a silly superstition, many boaters, both historical and modern, adhere to the rule of keeping bananas off their boats.

Bananas cause other fruits to spoil more quickly

Bananas are widely considered to be bad luck on boats, with this superstition dating back to the 1700s. One theory as to why this superstition came about is that bananas cause other fruits to spoil more quickly. Bananas emit a gas called ethylene or ethene, which causes other fruits to ripen faster by breaking down their cell walls and converting starches into sugars, which removes their natural acids. This process of cell wall breakdown and starch conversion also speeds up the fermenting process.

Sailors and merchants in the 1700s would store large quantities of bananas in the cargo holds of their ships, along with other fruits and vegetables. Unaware of the effects of ethylene gas, they would be puzzled to find that their fruit and vegetable stores had spoiled and started to ferment, producing alcohol that could combust and cause fires that would engulf their wooden ships.

In addition to the risk of fire, the presence of ethylene gas could also pose a threat to the crew's safety. The gas is heavier than air and can displace oxygen in the ship's hold, potentially causing people to suffocate in their sleep.

Today, while some people still adhere to the banana superstition, others dismiss it as silly or unfounded. However, the belief that bananas cause other fruits to spoil more quickly due to the release of ethylene gas is supported by scientific evidence.

Bananas attract unwanted stowaways like venomous spiders and snakes

Bananas have long been associated with bad luck on boats, with the superstition dating back to the 1700s. One of the main reasons for this belief is the fear of unwanted venomous stowaways, such as spiders and snakes, that may be lurking in banana crates. While it may not be a widespread issue, the idea of being bitten by these dangerous creatures is enough to deter many boaters from bringing bananas on board.

Spiders, in particular, have been a significant concern for sailors and merchants throughout history. The red-faced banana spider, native to Central and South America, is commonly found in banana shipments. These spiders, with their vivid red hairs on their mouthparts, are often mistaken for the highly venomous Brazilian wandering spiders. While most spider stowaways are harmless, the fear of encountering a venomous spider is understandable, especially without access to medical care at sea.

In addition to spiders, snakes have also been known to hide in banana shipments, posing a potential threat to the crew. With the crates providing an ideal hiding place, it is no wonder that boaters are hesitant to bring bananas on board, fearing a venomous bite that could have serious consequences.

The fear of venomous stowaways is further exacerbated by the belief that bananas attract these unwanted creatures. Bananas are naturally sweet and sticky, which may attract spiders and snakes looking for a quick meal. This belief is not unfounded, as bananas have been known to cause issues with catching fish due to their scent and stickiness.

Furthermore, bananas release ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits to ripen and spoil prematurely. This could have been a concern for sailors in the 1700s, as spoiled fruit would leave them with limited food options during their long journeys. Spoiled fruit could also lead to the production of alcohol, which could combust and cause fires on wooden ships, further endangering the crew and contributing to the belief that bananas attract venomous stowaways.

While the association between bananas and venomous stowaways may be based on superstition and limited incidents, it is easy to understand why boaters would prefer to err on the side of caution and leave the bananas behind before embarking on their journey.

Bananas cause anglers to not catch fish

Bananas have long been considered a source of bad luck for anglers, with some believing that their presence can lead to a lack of fish catches. This superstition is said to have originated in the 1700s, when many lost or ill-fated ships were found to be carrying bananas. According to legend, ships sailing from the Caribbean and Spain began to disappear, leaving only curved yellow fruits floating among the wreckage. This led seafarers to believe that bananas caused the ships to sink.

One theory suggests that the sticky and sweet nature of bananas, as well as the ethylene gas they release, may act as a natural fish repellent. Anglers also believe that banana oil on their hands can scare away fish. In addition, boats carrying bananas tend to travel at high speeds to reach their destination before the fruit spoils, which may not allow enough time for fishermen to make their desired catches.

The presence of bananas on boats is also associated with mechanical issues, bad weather, and other misfortunes. Some fishermen report experiencing boat trouble, such as issues with the bait well or the boat motor, after having bananas on board. Others have shared stories of being chased back to shore by unexpected storms and lightning, further reinforcing the belief that bananas bring bad luck.

While some may dismiss these claims as mere superstition, the association between bananas and bad luck on boats has persisted for centuries. Recreational anglers, in particular, consider bananas to be unlucky and avoid bringing them on fishing trips.

Bananas cause mechanical issues on boats

Bananas have been considered a source of bad luck on boats for centuries. While this belief may seem far-fetched, there are several reasons why bananas have been associated with mechanical issues on boats.

One of the main concerns is the ethylene or ethene gas released by bananas. This gas can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil prematurely, which was a significant issue in the days before effective food storage methods were available. Spoiled produce not only reduced the crew's food supply but also emitted foul odours and produced alcohol that could combust and cause fires. Bananas themselves also spoil quickly and release gases, which could lead to food waste and potentially dangerous situations on board.

Additionally, the sticky and sweet nature of bananas has been cited as a reason for their bad reputation on boats. Fishermen believe that the stickiness and sweet scent of bananas can repel fish, leading to unsuccessful fishing trips. This belief is so strong that even banana-flavoured items like muffins, daiquiris, or sunscreen are considered bad luck.

The presence of venomous spiders and snakes hiding in boxes of bananas has also contributed to the superstition. In the past, limited treatments were available for spider and snake bites, and the unexpected presence of these creatures could pose a serious threat to the crew's health and safety.

While some people may dismiss these beliefs as mere superstition, the association between bananas and mechanical issues on boats has persisted for centuries. It is interesting to note that even today, some fishing boats and yachts continue to uphold the tradition of banning bananas on board.

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