Strange and Fascinating Nautical Superstitions

Life at sea was hard enough for sailors and fishermen hundreds of years ago. They had the danger of being on the open water, the weather, and the endless work to complete, but one thing they also had to contend with was remembering the long list of superstitions they had to follow.

Unlucky Fridays

Fridays were once considered the unluckiest day of the week to start a voyage since Jesus Christ was crucified on a Friday. But Thursdays are also regarded as unlucky because it’s considered the day of Thor, the god of storms and thunder. Count out the first Monday in April also, as this was the day that Cain killed Abel, and the second Monday in August is off-limits because it was the day Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.

No Bananas

Bananas have been thought to bring bad luck on ships for a long time, and there are many theories on why such a lovable fruit could be considered so bad. Bananas spoiled rather quickly, especially when they were in a warm cargo hold, and they would release deadly fumes as they fermented. Another theory suggests that when bananas were aboard a ship, fishermen weren’t able to catch…