Bananas on a Boat Bring Misfortune

The Seafaring Taboo That Turned Fruit into a Maritime Menace

Details

According to persistent maritime superstition, bringing bananas aboard a vessel will cause bad luck ranging from poor fishing to mechanical failure or even shipwrecks. This belief has been especially strong among commercial fishing crews, where success often depends on subtle habits and rituals. The taboo extends beyond the fruit itself—banana-flavored snacks, personal care products, and even T-shirts bearing banana logos may be banned on board. In some versions of the superstition, the curse is lifted only once the bananas are consumed or thrown overboard. Sailors recount stories of gear malfunctioning, fish refusing to bite, or unexpected weather turning dangerous—all blamed on the covert presence of a banana.

Historical Context

This seemingly irrational superstition likely developed from practical observations aboard 17th- and 18th-century banana cargo ships. To prevent spoilage, banana boats sailed quickly from tropical ports, leaving little time for sailors to fish along the way, giving rise to the perception that bananas “scared off the fish.” Additionally, ripening bananas release ethylene gas and, in confined spaces, this could contribute to sickness or even death among poorly ventilated crews. Moreover, tropical pests such as venomous spiders or snakes were occasionally transported within banana bunches, adding danger to their presence on board. Some historical accounts even suggested that banana-laden ships disproportionately failed to return from the Caribbean, deepening the association with maritime misfortune.

Modern Relevance

Despite advances in science and navigation, the banana taboo remains robust among modern sailors. Fishing charters and competitive tournaments frequently maintain strict no-banana policies, and anecdotal stories abound of poor fishing days being blamed on a contraband banana snack. Even recreational sailors and yachters may observe the custom, citing tradition or “just in case” caution. Maritime museums and seafaring folklore collections often highlight this superstition as a vivid example of how food-related taboos can take hold in close-knit occupational cultures. The banana continues to serve as a potent reminder of how superstition and practicality can blend at sea—especially when livelihoods are at stake.

Sources

Bassett, F. S. (2012). Legends and Superstitions of the Sea and of Sailors. Skyhorse Publishing.
Lovett, E. (1925). “The Banana in Folklore.” Folklore, 36(4), 382–393.