Superstitions and Customs of Sailors

The nautical world is steeped in stories, legends, and traditions that have endured through the centuries. Since the days when wooden ships sailed the seas powered solely by the wind, sailors developed a unique set of superstitions and customs. These beliefs were not only a way to cope with the dangers of the sea but also a means of bonding the crew under a shared code. Today, though technology has advanced, many of these traditions are still respected and form part of maritime folklore. Below, we explore some of the most curious superstitions and customs of sailors.

1. Fridays: A Bad Day to Set Sail

One of the most well-known superstitions among sailors is that setting sail on a Friday brings bad luck. This belief traces back to religious traditions, as Friday is the day Jesus Christ was crucified according to Christian teachings. Many captains avoided beginning a voyage on this day for fear that ill omens would follow the journey. Some even refuse to carry out major repairs on their vessels on Fridays.

2. No Whistling Onboard

Another classic superstition is the prohibition of whistling on a ship. Sailors believe that whistling could “summon the wind” and potentially bring a storm. While strong winds were crucial for sailing in the past, the risk of sudden storms made sailors very cautious about this custom. The phrase “whistling up a storm” still exists in many languages as a warning not to tempt fate.

3. Bananas Bring Bad Luck

Bringing bananas aboard a ship is another superstition still heard among sailors. This belief comes from the days when transatlantic voyages were long and challenging. Bananas, being a fruit that spoils quickly, could attract insects or cause issues with the cargo, creating uncomfortable situations at sea. Some even said that bananas were responsible for mysterious accidents and disappearances.

4. Never Change the Name of a Ship

In nautical culture, a ship’s name is sacred. Changing the name of a ship is believed to offend the gods of the sea, who might send storms or other dangers to punish the vessel and its crew. If the name of a ship must be changed for some reason, there is a complex ritual that must be followed, including erasing all traces of the previous name and holding a ceremony with champagne to “christen” the ship under its new name.

5. The Albatross: A Good Omen

Albatrosses, majestic birds often found far out at sea, are considered to be bearers of good luck. Killing an albatross is seen as a terrible omen, a belief popularized by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. The presence of an albatross around a ship was viewed as a sign of protection, and these birds were respected by crews around the world.

6. The Neptune Ceremony

One of the oldest and most celebrated traditions in the nautical world is the “Neptune Ceremony.” This custom, still practiced today, takes place when a sailor crosses the equator for the first time. The crew organizes a ceremony in honor of Neptune, the god of the sea, asking for his protection for the remainder of the voyage. The celebration often includes costumes, jokes, and the “initiation” of new sailors crossing the equator for the first time.

7. Women Onboard: A Controversial Topic

In ancient times, it was believed that bringing women onboard brought bad luck to the crew. This belief stemmed partly from traditional gender roles and the fear that women would distract sailors. Curiously, though, female representations were commonly used in ship figureheads, carved at the prow of the ship, as a way to appease the seas and ensure a safe journey.

8. The Number 13: Feared at Sea Too

The number 13, considered unlucky in many cultures, also carried weight at sea. Some ships avoided having 13 crew members, and in dining areas, it was considered bad luck for 13 people to sit together. This belief is so strong that even modern ships often omit the number 13 on cabin decks.

The superstitions and customs of sailors are a fascinating reminder of how men and women of the sea coped with the mysteries and dangers of life on the ocean. While many of these beliefs may seem irrational today, they remain a part of the rich nautical tradition that continues to influence modern maritime culture. These rituals and beliefs show us that, although technology has changed, respect for the sea and its mysteries is as important as ever.