Why do Western sailors believe that changing the name of a ship will bring bad luck?

The god Neptune (or god Poseidon) who ruled over the sea is also related to this belief.

Faith and sometimes superstition are always present in every culture. But sailors all over the world are probably the people who believe in the supernatural phenomenon!

Why is that? Psychologists believe that supernatural beliefs stem from the lack of a sense of control over the surrounding environment.

Professor Stuart Vyse said: "If you have to do something very important but the results are too out of your control, then supernatural faith will fill that gap, help people be more stable."

Supernatural belief comes from the lack of a sense of domination of the surrounding environment.

Sea trips are such an example. There are too many things that exceed the mastery of sailors. For example, how is the weather, calm sea or rough seas, machinery and equipment of ships .

Therefore, from the past to the present, from West to East, there is a lot of faith when going to the beach like: not whistling on the train, not carrying bananas, not leaving on Thursday and June . And especially, changing names Boats will bring great limits.

Reportedly, the ships always change owners frequently. And it is understandable that people want a new name, which is more appropriate when buying a ship. So why ban?

It originates from very old times. The "Treasure Island" novel published in 1883 wrote: "After the ship has been christened, keep it that way."

Picture Neptune is monitoring the books of the names of the ships.

According to legend, after the ship has already performed the naming ceremony, it will be remembered by the god Neptune (the god of Roman mythology, similar to the god Poseidon in Greek mythology) that governs the sea. Therefore, changing the name of the ship is considered to be an act of disobedience, overcoming the god and will be punished.

Another more realistic hypothesis is that most ships used to transport goods to ports everywhere. The good sound and bad reputation of each ship are thus spread throughout the ports.

So a ship when changing its name abruptly will cause the ports to wonder and doubt . That caused trouble for the captain and all sailors.

There are ships that the owner can rename right away.

Anyway, if you want to change the name of the ship, there's a way. But according to tradition, follow sacred rituals. The goal is to inform the Sea God of the new name.

Depending on the locality, the ritual will be compact or complicated. Usually in Europe and America, sailors must erase all traces of the old name, including applying the name on the hull, burning all the old papers, and asking the Sea God to forget the old name.

Billionaire Richard Branson also performed rituals, to exchange the luxury ship from Lady Barbaretta to the name Necker Belle.

After that, they offered alcohol and performed a naming ceremony. Next, this wine was brought "inviting" the sea, "invited" the ship and the sailors all had to drink it.

Another ritual also requires a young "zin" sailor to urinate right at the bow to get a favor! Or in France, the ritual is said to be the most complicated and one can only change the name for the ship on August 15 every year.