Are You Familiar with The Seafaring Lore of Yesteryear?

7) Earrings Are Useful

Have you ever wondered why pirates and 18th century sailors are often shown with gold earrings? The idea was that no matter what happened, the gold could get sailor out of trouble (or more morbidly, pay for his funeral on land) no matter what happened. This is why pirates are often depicted wearing gold hoop earrings.

8) Tattoos of Pigs and Chickens Are Lucky

Because neither animal can swim, the belief is that if the gods saw those animals on a drowning man his life would be spared.

9) Red Sky at Night – Sailor’s Delight

However- red sky at dawn sailors be warned! The red sky at night signals good weather for the following day and rad sky in the morning means bad weather is a-brewing. Observing the skies it does seem to very often be true!

10) Dolphins and Albatrosses Are Reincarnated Spirits

It is believed by many sailors that a dead sailor may come back as a dolphin or an albatross. For that reason it is extremely unlucky to eaither kill or eat either of those animals.

11) Never Set Sail on a Friday

It’s bad luck to set sail on a Friday and many experts attribute this sailor’s lore to the fact that Fridays are also considered unlucky on dry land.

12) Pouring Wine Brings Luck

It was once believed that pouring wine on the deck of a ship would bring good luck, especially on a long trip. Similar traditions on exist on land so this one makes a lot of sense.

13) Salt In the Net

It was a tradition with many fishermen that the first time a net was used each season, there would be a blessing and salt would be sprinkled over it for good luck and a plentiful catch.

For some old-timey words of wisdom click here!