SEA SUPERSTITIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1924, Page 1

SEA SUPERSTITIONS

<R. IL O’Brien in “ Daily .Mail.”) There is no place in the world where .superstition i.s so powerful as on the sea. Let an absent-minded sailor whistlo on board ship and his mates will curse him for bringing on a stiff breeze when it is not wanted. Hut for a sailor to whistle when the ship is enveloped in dense fog is permissahle, since the occult, wind may disperse the very material fog. Tn no circumstances, however, i.s a young steamship-trained helmsman allowed to mount the “ weather-side of the bridge.” This privilege is reserved for old shellbacks who have been seven times around Cape Horn. Hut as few seamen can claim such distinction in these days of “ iron ships and wooden men ” the “ leesidc ” i.s now universally used. Parsons are not popular afloat. They are supposed to bring had luck, and are therefore blamed hy the crew lor any misfortune that occurs. Seamen no longer believe lats leave an ill lated ship bolore she sails. Hut they regard the arrival of a corpse for shipment its a very had omen, and I have known them to desert sooner than sail with it. Strangely enough, the extent ol their apprehension on this account varies with the social standing of the deceased. the remains of a celebrity being more unlucky than those of a humble citizen. So strong was this superstition in bygone days that the packing ease containing the casket had to he labelled and stowed as ordinary cargo. The luck of cats is proverbial. Hul what is not so well known is the reason why seamen tiro so over-imlulgetil to them. This is to prevent their bringing ill-luck to the-ship hy running awav. Dining the war black eats were at a premium. AYitli so much extra tonnage a Until there wen- not enough to jr<) round. Sometimes a young midshipman would he sent ashore in search of one. And a certain youth, sooner than return empty handed. dyed the white patches of a black and white "stray with ink.