Here is my son explaining his most recent "banana" encounter. lol.
The world of boating and fishing is steeped in traditions and superstitions, one of the most enduring being the belief that bananas bring bad luck on board. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a casual weekend angler, you might have heard whispers of this peculiar superstition. Let’s explore the theories behind it, and I’ll share some personal experiences that might make you think twice before bringing a banana on your next trip.
Historical Origins of the Banana Superstition
The belief that bananas are bad luck on boats has several theories rooted in history and maritime lore:
Perishability and Spoilage: In the 1700s, during long sea voyages, bananas ripened quickly and often spoiled other fruits stored nearby. This led to the association of bananas with rotten food and poor provisions.
Toxic Cargo: It was believed that bananas could emit toxic gases as they decomposed, causing other cargo and even crew members to become ill. This may have contributed to the superstition.
Dangerous Cargo: Some theories suggest that ships carrying bananas often had to travel faster to deliver their perishable cargo, leading to more accidents and mishaps at sea.
Banana Clusters and Spiders: In the days of sailing ships, the crew would often sleep in the cargo hold. Bananas, transported in large clusters, frequently harbored spiders that would bite the crew, leading to illness and even death. This practical hazard likely fueled the superstition.
Fishing Folklore: Fishermen, in particular, noticed that when bananas were on board, they had poor fishing luck. This observation turned into a widespread belief among the fishing community.
Personal Experiences with Bananas on Boats
While historical theories provide some background, personal experiences often solidify superstitions. Here are some of my own encounters that have reinforced my belief in the banana curse:
Trolling Motor Incident: On one memorable trip, I discovered someone had brought bananas on board. Not long after, the trolling motor inexplicably caught on fire. The incident left everyone puzzled and wary of bringing bananas again.
Bait Trouble: During another outing, we had our bait die three times on the same trip. It was unusual and frustrating, and yes, there were bananas on board.
Livewell Hose Disaster: On yet another occasion, a livewell hose broke loose, causing the boat to fill up with water. The culprit? Bananas again.
Fishing Misfortune: Perhaps the most telling incident involved a friend who ate a banana on the boat. Strangely, he was the only one who didn’t catch any fish, while everyone else had a successful haul.
Beyond Bananas: Anything Banana-Related is Bad Luck
The superstition doesn’t end with the fruit itself. Many people believe that anything banana-related is bad luck, including items like Banana Boat branded sunscreen.
I once bought a “No Bananas” sticker and put it on my boat, thinking it would remind my charter clients and friends not to bring bananas on the boat. However, after placing the sticker on the boat, we didn’t catch a single fish for five straight days. I finally realized I had to remove the sticker.
Personal Belief
While I don’t believe in superstitions, I firmly believe that bananas are just evil. This sentiment is shared by many in the fishing and boating community, where the banana curse is taken seriously.
Just leave the bananas at home
Whether you chalk it up to historical precedence, personal experience, or psychological effects, the superstition that bananas bring bad luck on boats is a fascinating part of maritime culture. For many, including myself, the risk of tempting fate is enough to keep bananas firmly off the boat. Next time you head out to sea, you might want to leave the bananas at home, just in case.
By understanding the origins and sharing these experiences, we can appreciate the depth of maritime traditions and maybe, just maybe, avoid a little bad luck along the way.
