Supposedly, the luck of the sea gives good luck to sailors. However, that is just an old superstition. It doesn’t really do much other than give you a bit of extra good luck. That’s not to say that it’s not a good thing to believe in. The truth is, it’s a fun superstition to play around with, especially if you’re a sailor.
It’s a superstition
There is no shortage of superstitions about boating, and the sea. They may vary according to culture or location, but they usually involve luck at sea. Boating is a profession where people have to face danger, and these superstitions are meant to protect them. Many sailors have adopted these traditions, especially when they are away from home and on unfamiliar territory.
Superstitions can be helpful, but they also have their downsides. Some people rely on them for safety, while others use them to predict their fate. These beliefs have evolved and changed over time, and they are losing their meanings. Sometimes it is best to just let them go. But sometimes they become so deeply ingrained that we don’t realize we are engaging in them.
While some of these myths are just plain silly, others can be based on actual events. For example, the belief that stepping onto a ship with the left foot brings disaster, or that a red head is bad for the trip. Both of these superstitions originated from the ancient times.
Another superstition is that women on board will cause trouble. In the past, women were considered unlucky and a distraction to the crew, and they were not allowed on boats. A woman’s presence on the ship was thought to encourage unwanted advances and fights. This superstition has been around for centuries, and some even believe it is why most ships sink at sea.
The earliest sailors had no real education, and they did not know why some things happen. When something went wrong, they had to resort to a limited amount of options. One of these options was to try and find an explanation for the situation. During this time, some of the most popular superstitions were born.
When a sailor killed a sea bird, it was considered a very bad luck. Some sailors believed that these birds carried the souls of the dead. Others said that they could calm an angry sea. Other superstitions revolved around practicality, such as spitting into the ocean before a trip.
Does Luck of the Sea Do
Another popular superstition is that of changing the name of a ship. This practice dates back to the days when ship names were written on paper and burned in a wood box. It was also a form of divination. People believed that the name of the boat imparted a person’s soul and mind. That is why it was considered a bad idea to change the name of a ship.
Other superstitions involve saying “pig” or “rabbit” when on a boat. If a sailor says these words, it is considered bad luck. Similarly, if a sailor says a word related to bananas, it is a bad sign.
The last thing a sailor should do on a boat is trim his or her hair. This is because a haircut at sea is considered bad luck.