Little-Known Maritime Superstitions

As Batman would say, "Sailors are a cowardly and superstitious lot." Of course, everyone knows the "red sky" rhyme telling would-be seamen when to take to the waves, but I'm willing to bet dollars to hardtack that most of you out there aren't familiar with the dozens of other ditties sailors memorized to keep themselves safe and happy...

First off, the importance of citrus fruit in cuisine was quite high due to scurvy. But you couldn't just suck 'em down during any meal.

Lime in your dinner, that meal's a winner,
Lime in your supper, toss 'er down the scupper.

Then of course, sailors had guidelines for meeting a lady of the evening during shore leave.

If she looks nice, you'll pay quite a price,
If she looks a hag, just use a burlap bag.

Dolphins are almost always considered a good omen while at sea, but most sailors knew to ask the dolphins a question to prepare themselves for the rest of the journey.

If the dolphin is silent, prepare to get violent,
If the dolphin responds, invest in long-term bonds.

And finally, sailors even had a superstition for creating these superstitions.

If the rhyme is great, share it with yer mates,
If no rhyme have ye, buy yerself a rhymin' diction'ry.