Lovers of the open ocean, of the wind in their sails, of salt spray on their faces have always been a superstitious lot. Some of the beliefs are well founded while others border on ridiculous. Here are some of the more interesting superstitions surrounding sailing.
A Woman on Board is Bad Luck
Having a woman on board was purported to anger the seas and be the forecast of bad luck for all aboard. Women were thought to be weak of body and mind and would serve only to distract the men on board. Sailors could not afford to have their attention diverted from their duties as it could lead to the demise of the ship.
Having the image of a woman however resulted in the opposite effect. Many a ship had a bare breasted woman carved into her bow to shame rough seas into calm. They also believed as long as the figurehead remained intact, the ship would not sink.
Sailing on Friday
Sailors avoid setting sail on Fridays. The theories behind this are two; Norse legends stated this was the gathering day for witches while others believe it was the day the Christ was crucified. This day was feared to be unlucky for any business venture but especially for those sailing the seas.
Other bad days to set sail also had roots in the Bible. The first Monday in April, was the day Cain slew Able. The second Monday in August was the day God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. December 31st was the day Judas Iscariot hanged himself. All to be avoided when heading out to sea.
Bananas on a Boat are Bad Luck
This one is not so far fetched. Historically the crates bananas were packed in also held a variety of creatures snakes, spiders, rodents and other flying insects. These creatures would reproduce while on board and infiltrate all the nooks and crannies they could squeeze themselves into. Sailors often fell victim to deadly bites heralding the bad luck of carrying bananas on board.
Another problem with bananas is they would ripen while on board emitting the gas, ethylene. This gas would displace the air in the cargo hold often suffocating sailors venturing below deck.
The Color Black
While a black cat on board is said to be lucky (probably to kill the vermin brought on board by the bananas), black travel bags are bad luck. Sailors look at the black bags as representing the color of death and the depths of the sea. Both are places a sailor chooses to avoid.
Priests too are unlucky on board a ship. Since they usher the dead into the next world, their presence (along with the black attire and white collar) alludes to death or dying. Flowers too are unwelcome on-board a ship. They could potentially be used to create a funeral wreath and symbolize death to anyone whole is on the expedition.
While on the subject of color, redheaded people are said to bring bad luck. To avoid the exposure to bad luck, if you encounter a redhead, speak first before he speaks to you.
Oddities
Never step foot onto a boat with your left foot first. This will give rise to disaster! Throwing rocks into the ocean is a sign of disrespect and would guarantee the ocean getting revenge in the form of stormy seas. If the stone happens to be thrown while the ship is putting out to sea, she and her crew will never return. Never whistle while on a boat as you will stir up the wind!
Good Luck
Animals tend to have a more positive reputation in the superstition realm. Dolphins swimming around the boat and are a good omen. Swallows indicate land is near and that your outlook on your journey is clear. Never kill an albatross or a gull as they host the souls of dead sailors.
Pouring wine on the deck will appease the gods and provides good luck. Affixing a stolen piece of wood to the keel will make the ship swifter and a successful journey is guaranteed by placing a silver coin under the masthead.
Whether or not you choose to believe any of these superstitions, make sure you always ask the Captain for permission before stepping aboard (with your right foot first). That is no superstition, but a sign of respect!