15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously

Shannon Quinn - July 1, 2025

Imagine endless blue horizons, the creak of wooden decks, and the salty spray of ocean waves. For sailors of centuries past, life at sea was fraught with peril—storms could strike without warning, strange creatures lurked beneath the surface, and the success of a voyage seemed to hang by a thread. In such an unpredictable world, superstitions became a lifeline—offering comfort, order, and a sense of control.

These beliefs shaped the way sailors behaved, from daily rituals to the way they spoke and dressed. Every tradition carried meaning, and ignoring even the smallest superstition could spell disaster. Join us as we explore fifteen maritime superstitions that sailors took to heart—some of which still echo across the waves today.

1. Whistling on Board Brings Storms

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Sailors avoid whistling on deck, fearing it might summon storms and anger the sea. Photo by: ChatGPT

For sailors, whistling was more than a simple tune—it was a risky act. The belief that whistling on deck could “whistle up a wind” or even summon dangerous storms ran deep in maritime tradition. Many captains would strictly forbid whistling, fearing it would anger the sea or provoke unpredictable weather. Naval folklore is rich with tales of ships caught in tempests after a careless whistle. This superstition shaped daily life, with sailors carefully minding their behavior to avoid disaster. Learn more about this superstition.

2. Bananas Spell Bad Luck

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Sailors’ superstition warns that bananas aboard ships bring misfortune, spoilage, and mysterious accidents. Photo by: ChatGPT

Among sailors, carrying bananas on board was a notorious taboo. Many believed that bananas brought misfortune, from cargo spoilage to sudden accidents. Some say bananas released gases that caused other fruits to rot, while others blamed them for attracting pests or even causing mysterious disappearances. This superstition isn’t unique to mariners—similar taboos exist in other cultures, especially among fishermen. Even today, some captains refuse to allow bananas on their vessels. Read more about this lasting superstition.

3. Women on Ships Are Unlucky

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
From superstition to leadership: women break barriers and chart new courses in maritime history. Photo by: ChatGPT

For centuries, sailors believed that women on board spelled disaster. They feared that women would anger the sea gods and distract the crew, leading to poor discipline and calamity. Despite this, history is filled with daring female pirates and seafarers who defied the odds—and the superstition. Today, maritime culture has evolved, with women now serving as captains and crew worldwide. Discover more about women at sea.

4. Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Sailors stand on deck, gazing at a fiery red sunset as clouds drift across the evening sea. | Photo by Logan Ward on Pexels

The saying “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning, sailor’s warning” was more than folklore—it was a trusted weather guide. Sailors would scan the horizon at dawn and dusk, believing a crimson sunset meant calm seas ahead, while a fiery sunrise warned of coming storms. This proverb, rooted in practical observation, beautifully blended early meteorology with superstition. Similar weather sayings appear in cultures worldwide, showing the universal human urge to predict—and control—the unpredictable sea. See the science behind this proverb.

5. Never Rename a Ship

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A crew gathers on deck beside the ship’s newly unveiled name as old titles are ceremoniously washed away. | Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels

Renaming a ship was considered a grave risk among sailors, thought to anger the sea gods and attract misfortune. Unless a special ritual was held to erase the vessel’s old name from the gods’ memory, disaster might follow. Even famous vessels, like the ill-fated Mary Celeste, have stories tied to name changes and subsequent woes. This superstition’s origins lie in ancient maritime traditions and still echoes in modern shipping. Explore the tradition here.

6. No Sailing on Fridays

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A wary sailor glances at a calendar marked Friday as a ship sets sail from the bustling harbor. | Photo by Andrey Che on Pexels

Setting sail on a Friday—especially Friday the 13th—was widely dreaded by sailors. This superstition linked Friday to bad luck, partly due to its religious significance as the day of Christ’s crucifixion. Maritime history is peppered with tales of ill-fated Friday departures, reinforcing the fear. Even today, some mariners avoid beginning a voyage on this ominous day. Learn about the origins of Friday superstitions.

7. Albatrosses Are Sacred

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Albatrosses soar above the waves, revered by sailors as protectors and omens of fortune. Photo by: ChatGPT

Sailors viewed albatrosses as sacred guardians of the sea. These majestic birds were thought to carry the souls of lost sailors and bring good luck to ships they followed. Harming an albatross was considered an unforgivable offense, believed to curse the entire voyage. This superstition was immortalized in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where a sailor’s reckless act brings disaster on his crew. Real-life accounts echo these beliefs, with many sailors refusing to even touch an albatross. Discover more about albatross legends.

8. Black Cats: Good or Bad Omens?

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Black cats aboard British ships, revered as lucky mascots and guardians against misfortune at sea. Photo by: ChatGPT

Black cats held a peculiar place in maritime lore. On British ships, they were often welcomed as symbols of good luck, credited with keeping storms and evil spirits at bay. In other cultures, however, black cats were seen as unlucky omens. Many famous ships had beloved feline mascots, valued for their companionship and rat-catching skills. Meet some legendary ship cats here.

9. Coins Under the Mast

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
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.

10. Don’t Kill a Seagull

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A graceful seagull soars above rolling ocean waves as sailors on deck pause to watch the birds in flight. | Photo by needtofly on Pexels

Seagulls were revered as the spirits of departed sailors, and harming one was strictly forbidden. Sailors believed that killing a seagull would bring terrible luck or even doom the ship. This superstition echoes similar animal taboos found worldwide, where creatures are seen as spiritual messengers or protectors. Learn more about seagull symbolism.

11. The Ship’s Bell Wards Off Evil

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Ship’s bell: maritime timekeeper, spiritual safeguard, and enduring symbol in seafaring traditions. Photo by: ChatGPT

The ship’s bell held both practical and mystical power on board. Beyond marking time and signaling watches, sailors believed its ringing could drive away evil spirits and protect the crew. Bells featured in many maritime ceremonies, from christenings to funerals at sea, symbolizing safety and continuity. Read about the ship’s bell tradition.

12. Pouring Wine on the Deck

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A sailor carefully pours wine onto the ship’s deck as part of a traditional maritime ceremonial ritual. | Photo by Airam Dato-on on Pexels

Pouring wine on the ship’s deck was a time-honored gesture to appease the sea and seek its protection. Before embarking or during rough weather, sailors would offer a libation—just as ancient cultures did to honor their gods. This ritual reflected the deep respect mariners held for the ocean’s power, blending superstition with sacred tradition. Even today, similar acts are part of ship christenings and launches worldwide. Explore the origins of libation rituals.

13. Tattoos for Protection

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A weathered sailor’s forearm displays classic anchor and swallow tattoos, showcasing timeless old-school tattoo artistry. | Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Tattoos were more than decoration for sailors—they were powerful talismans. Designs like anchors, swallows, and crosses were believed to bring luck, ensure a safe return, and even protect against drowning. Each symbol held personal and cultural meaning, evolving into a rich maritime tattoo tradition that persists today. For many, these tattoos served as a badge of belonging and a safeguard against the unpredictable dangers of the sea. Discover the history of sailors’ tattoos.

14. Rats Abandoning Ship

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Rats abandoning ship: a time-honored maritime omen signaling imminent danger and urgent investigation. Photo by: ChatGPT

Few signs alarmed sailors more than rats fleeing a ship. This superstition held that if the ship’s rats suddenly disappeared, disaster—such as sinking or fire—was imminent. In some real-life cases, rats escaping proved to be a true warning of trouble below deck. Sailors would take such omens seriously, often investigating for leaks or structural issues immediately. Explore the origins of this maritime saying.

15. The Jonah: Bad Luck Passengers

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
Sailors feared “Jonahs”—individuals believed to bring misfortune and storms to sea voyages. Photo by: ChatGPT

The term “Jonah” became synonymous with a bringer of bad luck at sea. Sailors believed that certain individuals—sometimes through no fault of their own—attracted disaster just by being on board. This superstition has roots in the biblical tale of Jonah, whose presence brought a terrible storm upon his ship. Both history and literature recount instances where so-called Jonahs were blamed for misfortune and even cast off the vessel. Learn more about the Jonah legend.

Enduring Echoes: The Legacy of Maritime Superstitions

15 Maritime Superstitions Sailors Took Seriously
A weathered ship sails across open waters as a group of sailors gather on deck, surrounded by classic nautical symbols. | Photo by Adiel A. Munir on Pexels

Maritime superstitions reveal the deep-rooted fears and imaginative spirit of those who braved the world’s oceans. These beliefs shaped shipboard life, offering comfort in the face of vast and unpredictable dangers.

While modern navigation relies on science and technology, the echoes of old sea rituals still linger in language, ceremony, and tradition. Curious minds can dive deeper into nautical lore to discover the stories behind the superstitions. Ultimately, these tales remind us of humanity’s enduring quest to make sense of the unknown—and to find meaning in every voyage.

.article-content-img img { width: 100% }
Advertisement