- To say pig on a vessel is bad luck. It is derived from the belief that pigs can see the wind, and to utter the word aboard a vessel will cause the wind to blow. Other words were often substituted, such as Gruff, Little Fellah, Mr. Dennis, etc. Canadian sailors often have the tattoo of a pig on the knee, according to the rhyme: "Pig on the knee, safety at sea."
- It is said to be bad luck for shipbuilders to be on board maiden voyages.
- An old custom is to place money under the masts of ships when being built; sometimes pennies were used, however quarters were preferred.
- Whistling on board a ship is widely considered bad luck.
- Knitting hair into the toe of a sailor's sock will bring him back to you.
- Things are usually kept right-side up on board a ship, such as buckets and cans, for fear of bad luck.
- Friday is widely considered a day of bad luck at sea, however, Saturday is considered a good day to set sail.
- Horses appearing in sailors' dreams foretell of high seas.
- Cats were often taken aboard ships as mascots; although black cats were considered unlucky.
- Ministers and women were often considered bad luck on board a ship.
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