Some Strange superstitions of seafaring

While every profession and trade follows certain traditions and practices, they do often have superstitions too. The latter originate from some logic or a strong belief that not following the said superstitions will result in bad luck or even more dire consequences.

Seafaring, a centuries old profession, has been riddled with superstitions. While some make sense, others are just plain amusing!

The following are some superstitions that seafarers have followed through the ages and though many of them are not followed today, the origins of these make an interesting read:

1. Watching your words – Some words were taboo on board. Using them meant bad luck. Words such as “drowned” and “goodbye” were not to be uttered. If someone says “good luck” to you, it is sure to bring about bad luck. These rules were followed to ensure the safe voyage and return of the ship’s crew.
2. No women on board – Women were thought to bring bad luck if they were on board as it could lead to jealousy, distraction and fighting among the crew!
3. Son of a Gun – Children born on board were usually delivered on the gun deck as it was the most suitable location for child birth. Additionally, if women were on board, relationships were usually consummated in the same area.
4. No bananas on board – Having bananas on vessels brought bad luck. It was observed that most of the ships carrying cargo of bananas disappeared at the sea and never made it to their destinations. Another explanation is that bananas carried on board ships fermented quickly and released toxic gases, which would kill sailors on board. Yet another theory says that a peculiar species of poisonous spider used to hide in the bunches of bananas and many crewmen died from their bites, reinforcing the superstition that bananas on board ships were a bad omen.
5. No sailing on Fridays – As Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday, sailing on that day ensured an unsuccessful voyage. It was considered very inauspicious.
6. Re-naming ships – Renaming a ship was thought to be very unlucky. If a ship was to be renamed, a proper renaming ceremony had to be held and the ship required to be Christened again.
7. Whistling – Whistling or singing into the wind was considered bad luck and it would entail whistling up a storm!
8. Sharks and Dolphins – Sharks following a ship symbolised death, while Dolphins brought good luck.
9. The Albatross – This magnificent seabird was thought to carry the souls of dead seamen. Spotting one brought good luck.
10. Debts brought bad luck – Seafarers who had debts were thought to bring storms and bad luck. Those who had not paid their dues were not welcome.