Sailors, including pirates and privateers, were highly superstitious due to the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the sea. They believed in a variety of omens and rituals to appease the sea and ensure good fortune. These included avoiding whistling aboard ship (believed to summon storms), respecting certain creatures like dolphins and albatrosses, and performing specific actions on certain days, such as not sailing on a Friday. Many superstitions arose from practical concerns, like the prohibition against red clothing due to its similarity to the color of blood, which could demoralize the crew. These beliefs and practices, while seemingly irrational, provided a sense of control and order in a chaotic environment.
Cindy Vallar's 2007 blog post, "Pirates and Privateers – Superstitions and the Sea," delves into the rich tapestry of maritime superstitions prevalent during the Golden Age of Piracy, exploring the beliefs and practices that both shaped and reflected the lives of seafaring individuals, particularly those engaged in piracy and privateering. Vallar meticulously illustrates how these superstitions, often rooted in ancient folklore and practical observations of the unpredictable ocean environment, permeated virtually every aspect of a sailor's existence.
The article commences by establishing the inherent dangers and uncertainties of life at sea, highlighting how the constant threat of storms, shipwrecks, disease, and violent encounters fostered a climate of anxiety and superstition among sailors. This environment, where life and death often hung precariously in the balance, naturally led seafarers to seek methods, however irrational, to control their fate and appease the seemingly capricious forces of nature. Vallar then proceeds to catalogue a fascinating array of specific superstitions, meticulously explaining their origins and the rituals associated with them.
Among these superstitions, Vallar discusses the ill-omen associated with whistling aboard a ship, believed to summon unfavorable winds, and the taboo of cutting one's hair or nails at sea, linked to bad luck. She also explores the belief in the protective power of carrying a lucky coin or charm, a tangible representation of hope in a world dominated by chance. The significance of certain animals, such as albatrosses and dolphins, is also examined, with some considered harbingers of good fortune while others portended disaster.
Furthermore, the post delves into the intriguing practices surrounding death and burial at sea, revealing the solemn rituals observed by sailors to appease the spirits of the departed and ensure safe passage for the living. Vallar elaborates on the superstitions related to women aboard ships, often seen as a source of misfortune, likely stemming from practical concerns about distractions and potential conflicts in the close quarters of a vessel.
The role of Fridays, especially Friday the 13th, as a day of ill-omen is also examined, highlighting the deep-seated fear associated with this particular day. Vallar also explores the belief in mythical creatures of the sea, such as mermaids and sirens, and their purported influence on sailors' fortunes. The discussion extends to the superstitions surrounding specific actions, like embarking on a voyage on a certain day of the week or starting a voyage with an empty wallet, emphasizing the meticulous attention paid to even seemingly trivial details in an attempt to ensure a successful journey.
Throughout the post, Vallar carefully distinguishes between the superstitions adhered to by common sailors and those specifically attributed to pirates and privateers, acknowledging that while there was considerable overlap, certain beliefs were more prominent within these specific groups. In concluding, Vallar emphasizes that these superstitions, though seemingly irrational to modern sensibilities, provide a valuable window into the mindset and worldview of sailors during the Golden Age of Piracy, offering a deeper understanding of their fears, hopes, and the challenges they faced in navigating the perilous world of the sea. The post effectively demonstrates how these seemingly fantastical beliefs served a practical purpose, providing a sense of control and order in an environment characterized by uncertainty and peril.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42960772
HN users discuss the practicality of some of the superstitions mentioned in the article, like avoiding whistling at sea (could be mistaken for piped orders) and not setting sail on a Friday (historically a common day for executions, making crews uneasy). Some commenters share additional maritime superstitions, including ones about bananas, redheads, and sharks following a ship. Several recall personal experiences or anecdotes related to seafaring superstitions, highlighting their enduring presence in nautical culture, even if not always taken seriously. The role of superstition in creating a sense of shared experience and camaraderie among sailors is also touched upon.
The Hacker News post discussing the article "Pirates and Privateers – Superstitions and the Sea" has generated a moderate amount of discussion with a mix of humorous and insightful comments. Several commenters focus on specific superstitions mentioned in the linked article, elaborating on their origins or providing additional context.
One commenter highlights the superstition regarding bananas on ships, suggesting it stems from poisonous spiders being transported along with the fruit, leading to illness and even death among crew members. They also mention the possibility of bananas emitting ethylene gas, which could spoil other food stored onboard, further contributing to the negative association.
Another commenter focuses on the "no whistling" superstition, offering two potential explanations. Firstly, they suggest whistling might have been associated with summoning unfavorable winds. Secondly, they propose that whistling could have been seen as interfering with the important auditory cues sailors relied on in the pre-engine era, such as the sounds of the waves and wind.
A third commenter touches on the "red sky at night, sailor's delight" proverb, providing a meteorological explanation. They explain that a red sky at night often indicates high pressure and stable air to the west, which is the direction from which weather typically travels in mid-latitudes. This implies good weather is approaching. Conversely, a red sky in the morning suggests the high pressure has already passed, and the observer is now facing the unsettled, possibly stormy weather coming from the west.
Some commenters engage in lighter banter, jokingly linking the "Friday being an unlucky day to sail" superstition to the release schedule of software updates, humorously suggesting that deploying updates on Fridays often leads to problems and sleepless nights.
In addition to these specific discussions, some users share related anecdotes about superstitions in other professions, such as theater and aviation. This expands the conversation beyond maritime superstitions, exploring the broader theme of superstitions in high-risk occupations.
While the overall volume of comments is not exceptionally high, the discussion provides interesting perspectives and expansions on the superstitions mentioned in the original article. The comments are a mix of informative explanations, humorous takes, and personal anecdotes, offering a well-rounded view of the topic.