Boating and fishing have been an integral part of human transportation and livelihood for centuries. Fishing boats, in particular, have existed since ancient times, with cultures developing their own sets of beliefs and superstitions surrounding them. Many seafarers and fishermen believe in certain omens that may bring bad luck to their boat while at sea. In this article, we will discuss.
One of the most well-known superstitions is that changing a boat’s name will bring misfortune. According to tradition, boats have souls and identities, and renaming them can upset the balance and bring bad luck. It is said that if a boater must change a boat’s name, they should hold a renaming ceremony to appease the gods of the sea and avoid any chance of misfortune.
Another belief is that fishing with an empty basket or an empty hook is considered bad luck. Fishermen believe that if they go out fishing without any success, they will bring back bad luck with them. To avoid this, some fishermen will drop a silver coin into the water before setting off, which is said to bring good luck and ensure that their nets will be full.
Some superstitions advise against whistling or singing at sea. It is believed that whistling or singing will disturb the wind gods and bring bad weather, making fishing tougher and sometimes dangerous. Some even say that bringing bananas on board is bad luck, and they should be avoided at all costs. The reason being that in the olden days, bananas were known to spoil very quickly, which could attract pests and cause various infections or diseases that could vessel.
Other beliefs involve certain days or hours of the day. For instance, although fishing on a Monday is considered unlucky, fishing on a Friday is deemed lucky. Additionally, starting a fishing trip before sunrise, or staying out after sunset, is said to be dangerous, as it means going against the wishes of the gods of the sea.
Another superstition is the belief in the “Curse of the Redheads.” It is said that having a redhead on a fishing boat can bring perilous misfortune, especially if they are the first to board. To combat this, some fishermen believe that they need to speak to the redhead and ask them to step on and off the boat backwards.
Fishermen worldwide follow a mix of superstitions and beliefs to bring good luck and avoid misfortune while at sea. Some may scoff at these superstitions, while others religiously follow them. Nevertheless, it is worth considering these beliefs before setting off on a fishing trip as in the end, every sailor wants to arrive back home safely and hopefully with a good catch.