Ancient Yacht Traditions
Men may have traveled the sea as far back as 70,000 years. No doubt, countless nautical myths and superstitions have come and gone. In today’s world modern world, along with the recent past, there’s no shortage of nautical myths. Consider the following nautical myths and superstitions, but don’t let them spoil your fun at sea:
Nautical Myths and Superstitions – Regarding date
- It’s bad luck to start a voyage on Friday – Christ was crucified on a Friday.
- Never start a voyage on the first Monday in April – Day that Cain killed Able.
- Cannot start trip on Dec 31 as this is when Judas hung himself.
Nautical Myths and Superstitions- Regarding color
- Seamen should never carry a black bag on board a ship – A black bag is bad luck.
- A priest onboard is an unlucky sign – Never set sail with a priest. Disaster is sure to follow. (they wear black robes)
- People with red hair should be avoided on a sea-faring journey – Red hair is considered back luck. However, danger can be averted if you speak to that person before they speak to you.
General Nautical Myths and Superstitions
- Never step onto a boat with your left foot first – Be careful. Even if you have to skip a step, lead with your right foot.
- Calm seas will follow when there’s a naked woman on board. This is the reason naked figureheads were so popular. Having said that, it’s still a good idea for women to remain fully clothed while on deck.
- Cutting nails or hair at sea is bad luck – No doubt the reason for such long, unkempt hair and hideous long nails. Did the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean” give us a comical glimpse at how sailors of old really dressed for success on the open seas?
- Sharks following a ship is a sign that death is nigh – It was believe that sharks could sense death.
- Never linger in burying a body at sea – Bury a body at sea as quickly as possible. Never bury the corpse parallel to the line joining the bow and stern of a ship. If the body must be brought ashore, make sure it’s removed before anyone else leaves the ship.
- Name a ship, and never change its name – A new name will invite disaster on the ship.
- Never whistle on a ship – Whistling aboard ship will invoked strong, adverse winds that will place he ship and crew in danger.
- Honor the ship’s bell – It was believed that a ship’s soul was embodied in its bell. The bell’s task is to keep the ship out of harm’s way. With ship wrecks often only the bell is recovered.
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It is the customary fate of new truths, to begin as heresies, and to end as superstitions. ( Thomas Huxley – English biologist, known as “Darwin’s Bulldog” 1825 – 1895)
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At San Diego Boat Tours, helping people enjoy the sea is our business. We’ll cater to your sea-faring needs, day or night. From whale watching, star gazing, sightseeing, to romance and burials at sea; we can provide the perfect environment for you or your loved ones to create and share unforgettable memories.