Good Luck Superstition

So abundant are sailing superstitions

that this page will be dedicated to good luck superstition and bad luck superstition

and sailing lore will have their own pages.

Sailors of old used Good Luck Superstition and Lore to bring them safely home from the sea. Sometimes voyages lasted for years and many sailors and boats never returned. Going to sea was often a frightening proposition and superstition was taken very seriously aboard many ships.

Try these to ensure that good luck is your constant companion

• Smash a bottle against the hull of the boat before beginning a voyage to ensure a safe return. Make sure it breaks! If it doesn't, it could bring bad luck)




Having a black cat aboard brings a sailor safely home from sea.




• Wearing an earring ensures that a sailor won't drown



• An old Good Luck Superstition includes stepping aboard using the right foot first to start the journey off on the right foot.



• A naked woman on board calms the sea. (Something is going to have to remain calm.)



• Tattoos provide protection for sailors.



• A child born on the ship brings good luck to all aboard.



• Toss an old pair of shoes overboard as you depart on a journey and good luck follows you on the voyage.



• The caul of the head of a newborn baby is protection against drowning and will bring the owner good luck.



• Neptune likes rum and the offer of a shot overboard ensures his protection for the duration of the journey. He seems to like Tequila and wine too.



• Swallows seen while at sea are a happy sign.



• Good luck abounds when dolphins are seen swimming with the ship goes an ancient Good Luck Superstition.



• Placing a silver coin beneath the mast (heads up) ensures a successful commission.
  Pacific Jade had one under the mizzen mast and we made sure to put it back when the mast went back in.



• Pouring wine on deck prior to departure on a long journey pleases the gods and ensures a safe voyage.



• To avoid dying by shipwreck a sailor can carry the feather of a wren that was slain on New Year's Day. (Keep it with that caul thing)



• To keep storms away secure a horseshoe to the mast.

Following Good Luck Superstition ~ or so I'm told ~ can ensure a safe journey and reduce the liklihood of offending neptune. To avoid piquing Neptune's ire Check out our page on
Bad Luck Superstition

Check Out our travels in Mexico aboard Pacific Jade at Sailing Blog