Sailors have a long history of superstitions, which have been ingrained in maritime culture for centuries. These superstitions arose from a combination of practical concerns, religious beliefs, and folklore. While some may seem bizarre or irrational to us today, they played a significant role in shaping the behaviors and decisions of sailors in the past. Here are some common sailor superstitions and their possible origins:
1. Friday the 13th: Just like the superstition on land, sailors considered Friday the 13th to be an extremely unlucky day. This belief likely stems from the combination of two powerful symbols of bad luck: Friday, traditionally associated with misfortune, and the number 13, known as an unlucky number in many cultures.
2. No Whistling: Whistling on board was thought to summon strong winds or stir up a storm, which could endanger the ship and its crew. The origin of this superstition may have practical roots, as whistling could interfere with important commands and communication during crucial maneuvers.
3. Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight; Red Sky in the Morning, Sailor’s Warning: This saying reflects a practical observation about weather patterns. A red sky at night typically indicates good weather ahead, as the setting sun’s light scatters through a clear atmosphere, suggesting calm weather. Conversely, a red sky in the morning suggests that the sun’s light is passing through a lot of moisture in the atmosphere, indicating potential stormy weather later in the day.
4. Unlucky Things: Sailors avoided bringing certain objects on board, such as bananas, black cats, women, and birds (especially albatrosses). Bananas were considered bad luck because they could attract spiders and other pests, which could infest the cargo hold. Black cats were seen as the familiars of witches, and their presence was thought to bring misfortune. The superstitions about women and birds were likely based on the belief that they could distract sailors from their duties and tempt them to deviate from their responsibilities.
5. Dolphins and Albatrosses: While many marine animals were seen as good omens, dolphins were thought to be the souls of sailors lost at sea and were believed to guide ships to safety. Albatrosses, on the other hand, were considered to be the souls of deceased sailors, and harming them was thought to bring terrible luck.
6. Neptune’s Wrath: Crossing the equator or the International Date Line was often accompanied by elaborate initiation ceremonies to appease the god Neptune and ensure safe passage. These ceremonies involved “shellback” sailors (those who had crossed before) initiating “pollywogs” (first-time crossers) with various tests and rituals.
7. Sea Serpents and Mermaids: Sailors often reported seeing sea serpents and mermaids, which added to the lore of the sea. These mythical creatures were believed to bring good luck or act as omens, foretelling upcoming events at sea.
Sailors’ superstitions were deeply ingrained in their culture, and adhering to these beliefs was seen as a way to protect themselves from the inherent dangers of life at sea. While modern maritime practices have rendered many of these superstitions obsolete, they remain an intriguing aspect of maritime history and folklore.