Cruising is a fascinating form of travel which dates back a long way, and is steeped in history and tradition. As a result, it has a multitude of myths and superstitions surrounding it. Here’s a few of the more bizarre and unusual to ponder ahead of your next cruise!
*Black luggage is regarded as bad luck for a seafarer, as black is the colour of death.
*Seafarers are advised to avoid people with red hair when heading for the ship to begin a journey, as redheads are thought to bring bad luck to a ship. The danger can be averted, however, by speaking to them before they speak to you.
*Also avoid flat-footed people when beginning a trip by sea. Like redheads, however, you can avert the danger by speaking to them first.
*It is bad luck to step onto a boat using your left foot first.
*Pouring wine on a deck will bring good luck before starting a long voyage, as it is regarded as an offering to the gods.
*Never look back once your ship has left port as this can bring it bad luck.
*Cutting hair or nails at sea is said to bring bad luck, as they were used as offerings to Proserpina, and will make Neptune jealous!
*Never say the word “drowned” at sea as it will bring bad luck.
*It is bad luck to throw stones into the sea as it is disrespectful and will cause big waves and storms.
*If you throw a stone overboard when a ship is heading out to sea, she will never return.
*Flowers are believed by some to be unlucky onboard a ship, as they could be used to make a funeral wreath. They indicate that someone will die on the voyage.
*A stolen piece of wood built into the keel will make a ship sail faster.
*A silver coin placed under the masthead when the ship is being built will ensure she has a successful voyage.
*Handing someone a flag through the rungs of a ladder is believed to be unlucky.
*Repairing a flag on the quarterdeck is also said to bring bad luck.
*Church Bells heard on ship mean someone will die on board.
*Black cats are considered good luck for seafarers, and will bring a sailor home safely from the high seas.
*Swallows spotted at sea are a good omen, as they are a land-based bird, and imply that land and safety are near.
*Dolphins swimming with a ship are a sign of good luck, as they are considered a sacred friend of seafarers and offer protection.
*It is unlucky to kill an albatross or a gull as they are believed to host the souls of dead sailors, and are an omen of bad luck at sea.
*A shark following the ship is a sign of death.
*A sailor who died from violence or was lost at sea was said to go to “Davy Jones’ Locker”.
*A sailor with over 50 years of service goes to “Fiddler’s Green” when he dies.
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