Nautical Superstitions Unveiled: 13 of the Weirdest Maritime Beliefs
Nautical superstitions have woven themselves into maritime culture for centuries, creating a tapestry of beliefs that still influence sailors today.
In this post, we’ll navigate through the ocean of maritime superstitions, exploring their origins, and determining whether these beliefs hold water or should be cast adrift.
- Stepping Aboard With the Right Foot First Is Lucky
Be sure to get started on the “right” foot to guarantee that your voyage is a calm and safe one.
This sailor’s superstition stems from a medieval misperception that anything on the left side was unlucky. Sailors always made sure they boarded with their right foot first.
That being said, either foot can be unlucky if the captain catches you boarding with your shoes on.
- Whistling is Forbidden Onboard
Sailors believed that whistling on deck would summon a fierce wind that could sink the boat.
There was one exception to the rule, however. The ship’s cook was allowed – even encouraged – to whistle, because as long as he was whistling, he wasn’t eating his shipmates’ rations.
- Cats Bring Boats Good Luck
Ships of old commonly sailed with cats because the furry felines helped to control the rodent population on board.
Sailors believed that if you took care of the ship’s cat, good luck would follow.
Conversely, if the cat fell overboard, that could summon a deadly storm.
In addition, many sailors believed a ship’s cat had magical power over the weather. This probably can be chalked up to an animal’s natural sensitivity to changes in the atmosphere, which sometimes allows it to sense an approaching storm before the human crew.
- Tattoos Protect Sailors from Drowning
Popeye had the right idea with an anchor stamped on his bicep.
The anchor was said to prevent a sailor from floating away from the ship should he fall overboard, while a nautical star was believed to help sailors to find their way home.
- Saying the Word “pig” On Board is Bad Luck
Not having enough bacon for the crew is even worse luck.
- It’s Unlucky to Start a Cruise on a Friday
This is one of the more universal nautical superstitions, believed to be rooted in Christ being crucified on a Friday.
Also, you should never start a voyage on the first Monday in April, more Biblical mythology, as this was the day that Cain slew Able.
- Throwing Coins into the Sea as the Boat Leaves Port
Coins thrown into the sea as a boat leaves port is a small toll to Neptune, the sea god, for a safe voyage.
However, a stone thrown from a vessel putting out to sea ensures she will never return.
- Flowers are Unlucky On Board
Photo credit Alexander Mass on Pexels
According to superstition, flowers on board were considered unlucky as it meant they could later be used to make a wreath for the dead.
Today, not having flowers on board is considered unlucky for my husband, it means he isn’t doing his job! JK, no hate comments please!
- Cutting Your Hair or Nails at Sea is Bad Luck
If you buy this one, we’d hate to see you and your crew at the end of the season.
- Wearing Green Is Unlucky
Green clothing was said to bring bad luck at sea, from painting a boat the colour of grass to having anything of that hue on board, even little specks on ropes, the colour green is not a sailor’s friend.
The association is likely to be with land, in fact seamen thought painting a vessel green would ensure it’d run aground.
- Bananas Should be Banned from Boats
Never take bananas on boats, they bring bad luck!
This common superstitions is thought to originate from many sources. The most common is that a slippery peel left on deck would cause the crew to slip and fall.
It’s believed that in the 1700s many cargo ships carrying the tropical fruit, would often disappear at sea, hence the origin of its bad luck.
The fact that it spoils easily, emitting toxic gases and that it attracts insects are all reasons why it’s likely that the common banana is forbidden on board.
Some captains have been known to go as far as to check people coming aboard for Banana Republic clothing and Banana Boat sunscreen!
- It’s Bad Luck to Rename a Boat
Never take bananas on boats, they bring bad luck!
This widespread notion dates back to ancient Greek mythology. Legend had it that Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, possessed a scroll called the Ledger of the Deep into which the names of all the ships afloat were entered. If you changed the name of a boat in the ledger, sailors believed it would bring Poseidon’s wrath down upon the vessel.
Today, if you purchase a pre-owned boat and want to give it a new name, some believe there is a way to avoid the curse.
First, you must rid the vessel of any trace of its old name – not only on the transom, but also in any maintenance manuals, logbooks, etc. This will purge the old name from Ledger of the Deep. Then, gather your family and friends and hold a boat re-christening ceremony on board. Pay homage to Poseidon; say the vessel’s new name out loud and ask him to grant it safe passage.
For details on the steps, read “Ceremony for Renaming Your Boat.”
- Redheads Are Bad Luck
Photo credit Venkeysjack on Pixabay
Now this one I have an issue with…you see, I am a redhead and the captain of our boat. We may be testing fate, but all has been well so far.
This superstition may have been based on the belief that Redheads were considered fiery personalities. My husband says this is definitely true. Hmmm….
In any event, you can avoid the bad luck by speaking to the redhead first, this removes the curse of bad luck that she may bring to your boat.
