The Cuban content creator Humberto Miranda (@hmirandafilm) piqued the interest of his followers after posting a video on Instagram where he discusses a peculiar maritime superstition known as "no bananas on boat".
In the clip, Miranda notes that this belief dates back to the 18th century, when some ships transporting bananas from America to Europe mysteriously appeared sunken or with the crew dead.
According to the explanation, one possible cause was the carbon dioxide (CO₂) released by the bananas as they decomposed, which may have led to the suffocation of sailors in closed holds. Beyond popular belief, there are several theories that support this superstition and could provide a realistic basis for it:
- Food Decomposition: Bananas release CO₂ and ethylene (C₂H₄) as they ripen. This gas accelerates the ripening of other fruits and vegetables on board. In older ships with poor ventilation, this created serious food preservation issues and could leave sailors without supplies at sea.
- Bad Fishing: Banana boats had to travel quickly to prevent the fruit from spoiling, which made it impossible to stop for fishing. This led fishermen to associate bananas with bad luck in fishing.
- Accidents at sea: Some stories from ancient sailors link banana shipments with shipwrecks or disappearances, fueling the reputation of "bad luck."
- Hidden dangers: Cases are also mentioned where infestations of dangerous insects, spiders, and poisonous frogs traveled concealed among the banana bunches, posing a risk to the crew.
- Slip Hazards on Deck: More practically, banana peels on the wet deck of a ship could lead to slip accidents.
This superstition is considered a historical curiosity, but many sailors still prefer to avoid bringing bananas on board, especially on fishing boats.
"So just in case, us who are going on the boat are not going to take banana on board," concluded Miranda with a laugh.
The video has not only generated reactions due to its friendly tone, but it has also rekindled interest in those maritime superstitions that, although they may seem like myths, often have a practical or scientific origin.
Frequently Asked Questions about the superstition of not bringing bananas on boats
What is the origin of the superstition about not bringing bananas on boats?
The superstition of not carrying bananas on ships dates back to the 18th century, when some vessels transporting bananas from America to Europe mysteriously disappeared or the crew was found dead. It is believed that the CO₂ gas released by the bananas as they decomposed may have suffocated the sailors in closed holds.
Why is it believed that bananas bring bad luck in fishing?
The boats transporting bananas had to travel quickly to prevent the fruit from spoiling, which meant they could not stop to fish. This led fishermen to associate bananas with bad luck in fishing, as they returned without catches.
What dangers did bananas pose on ancient ships?
Bananas could release carbon dioxide and ethylene gas, which accelerated the ripening of other fruits and vegetables, creating food preservation issues. Additionally, banana peels on the ground could cause slips and accidents.
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