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15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously

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9. Coins Under the Mast

9. Coins Under the Mast
An old coin is carefully placed beneath the main mast during the traditional construction of a wooden ship. | Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels

Placing coins beneath a ship’s mast was a time-honored ritual for luck and protection. Sailors believed this offering would ensure safe passage and appease the spirits of the sea. Archaeologists have discovered coins under the masts of famous shipwrecks, including the legendary HMS Victory, confirming that this custom was widely practiced. Today, the tradition continues on some modern vessels, serving as a tangible link to seafaring heritage. See archaeological evidence of this superstition.

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