Never Say P*g

More about the book

Discover a unique compendium of maritime superstitions that reveals the magic and mythos behind sailors' beliefs. Uncover why stirring tea with a knife invites trouble or why stepping aboard a ship with your left foot earns you a hairy eyeball from the skipper. This collection spans from the East Coast to the Great Lakes and includes insights from the Inuit and First Nations Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Explore superstitions from A to C: killing an albatross brings bad luck, while seeing one is a good omen; bananas are so feared that sailors often call them "that curved yellow fruit"; and clapping aboard a ship is said to summon thunder. Authored by sailor R. Bruce Macdonald, who humorously admits to stirring his tea with a knife, this guide offers essential knowledge on how to ward off bad luck at sea through signs and symbols. Superstitions served as the original "marine insurance," providing sailors with a sense of control in their perilous lives, influenced by unpredictable weather, crew dynamics, and even pirates. This encyclopedia of maritime lore comforts, charms, and eases fears, inviting you to learn and embrace these traditions as you navigate the high seas.