Superstitions

The old superstition as to lucky and unlucky days has largely passed away. Foreign mails start and arrive on Fridays without any regard for beliefs which were at one time accepted as beyond argument by most sailors Some thought otherwise, as will later appear. Generally speaking, all saints' days and church holidays were regarded as unlucky, and certain days in each month were rather distrusted. In an old almanac of 1615 we find that July 19, 20, 24 and 31 were noted as "no good anchorage." Sunday was always looked upon as lucky, presumably in reliance on the maxim "the better the day the better the deed," and the fact of our Lord's resurrection having taken place on that day. Monday had no particular reputation for good or evil. Tuesday was the same, except among Spaniards, who said, "Don't marry or go to sea or leave your wife" on that day. Wednesday was the day of Odin, the Norse god, and lucky. Thursday was named after Thor, the Norse god of war, and was auspicious. Friday was the day dedicated to Freya, Norse goddess of love, and having reference to women was not liked on this ground. The true reason for avoiding Friday was of course the fact of the crucifixion having taken place on that day, and sentiments of special veneration for the day became converted into a feeling of fear for the results which would follow its violation. The Spaniards, on the other hand, had a considerable veneration for Friday, and believed that some occult influence enabled Columbus to successfully clear out of port and discover land on that day. Saturday was generally considered auspicious.

The origin of the phrase "a capful of wind" can be traced to a Norse king, Eric VI., who died in 907 A. D. He was credited with the useful power of directing the wind to blow where he wished by the simple method of turning his cap to that point of the compass. His powers were much appreciated and trusted, and resulted in his being known as "windy cap." There is no evidence as to whether he could regulate the force of the wind as well as the direction; presumably he could, or his faithful believers would not have been so many. A "bag full of wind" is another common expression, and indicates something like a gale. This has been traced down to the classical legend of Eolus and his captive winds confined in bags.--Nautical Magazine, London. (See Friday.)