Maritime Traditions and Superstitions at Christmastime

For as long as humans have ventured across the oceans, sailors have carried with them stories, beliefs, and traditions that blend their seafaring lives with the customs of home. And Christmas - a time of faith, festivity, and reflection - has always held a special place in maritime culture.  

Whether aboard a naval frigate in the 1800s or a modern cargo ship in the South China Sea, seafarers have found ways to mark the holiday season with their own unique mix of traditions and superstitions. 

And because it’s Christmas day, Martide is going to set sail into the fascinating world of maritime Christmas customs, where ancient beliefs meet festive cheer on the open sea. 

Christmas and the Seafarer’s Spirit 

Life at sea is often marked by long stretches away from home, harsh weather, and unpredictable conditions. Yet, for centuries, Christmas has offered a moment of respite: a time for sailors to pause, celebrate, and reconnect (even from afar) with loved ones. Onboard, camaraderie replaces family gatherings, and the ship itself becomes a floating home for the holidays. 

Historically, captains would try, where possible, to avoid major voyages on Christmas Day. Many mariners saw it as a day for reflection and rest, tied not only to religion but also to old nautical superstition. Sailing on such a sacred day was thought to bring bad luck, inviting storms, injuries, or worse. 

Read more: 13 (Unlucky for Some!) Sailors’ Superstitions 

In some fleets, Christmas was even seen as a symbolic “turning point” of the year - a day when sailors could look ahead to calmer seas and safe returns. Crews would decorate their quarters, prepare a special meal if supplies allowed, and take part in simple rituals that combined faith, hope, and folklore.

Superstitions of the Season at Sea 

Mariners have always been a superstitious group (just read our blog post above and you’ll see what we mean!) - and Christmas brought its own set of beliefs aboard ships. Here are some of the more curious customs that emerged over the years: 

Never Start a Voyage on Christmas Day 

It was widely believed that ships setting sail on Christmas Day risked disaster. The reasoning was partly religious; disturbing such a holy day was considered disrespectful - but it was also practical. Winter seas in the Northern Hemisphere were notoriously rough, and many a sailor took weather warnings as a divine sign to stay anchored until Boxing Day. 

The Sea as a Living Spirit 

In folklore, the sea was often personified and sometimes seen as a mercurial deity or even a jealous force. During Christmastime, sailors would avoid swearing, fighting, or gambling onboard to avoid “offending the sea.” A peaceful ship meant a peaceful voyage in the new year. 

The First Toast of Christmas 

One enduring maritime tradition was the captain’s Christmas toast. Often made with rum or grog, it symbolized unity and goodwill among the crew. The first toast was always to absent friends and family, while the second honored those who had been “lost to the sea.” 

Read more: How to Stay Upbeat Onboard Your Vessel this Christmas 

Weather Omens at Sea

Some sailors believed that calm seas on Christmas Day meant stormy weather to come, while strong winds were a sign of good fortune. Snow or frost was thought to bring blessings, particularly for fishermen, who took it as a sign of abundant catches in the year ahead. 

These beliefs, though old-fashioned by today’s standards, offered sailors a sense of control and comfort in a world ruled by the unpredictable forces of wind and water. 

Christmas Aboard 19th-Century Ships 

In the age of sail, celebrating Christmas at sea was a humble affair. Space was limited, resources were few, and yet, crews still found ways to bring festive cheer to the waves. 

Sailors might fashion a makeshift Christmas tree from a piece of driftwood or a rope structure, decorated with scraps of colored cloth, shells, or polished brass buttons. The cook (often the busiest person onboard that day!) would do their best to prepare a feast with whatever rations were available.  

Plum pudding was a particular favorite on British ships, sometimes made from dried fruit and spirits saved especially for the occasion. 

Music and merriment filled the decks. Carols, sea shanties, and folk songs were sung in a mixture of languages, reflecting the multicultural makeup of many crews. For some, there would even be a small religious service led by the captain or a chaplain, often ending with prayers for safe passage and a peaceful year ahead. 

It wasn’t just merchant vessels that embraced the holiday spirit. Historical records show that navies around the world marked Christmas with equal enthusiasm. Sailors would receive extra rations, and officers would sometimes serve food to their crews as a gesture of goodwill and equality. 

Modern Christmas Traditions at Sea 

Today’s seafarers may travel aboard high-tech ships equipped with Wi-Fi and global communication, but the essence of Christmas at sea remains much the same. It’s still about togetherness, gratitude, and a sense of home, even thousands of miles from shore. 

Crews often decorate their mess rooms with tinsel, string lights, and paper snowflakes. Many vessels host a Christmas dinner featuring familiar dishes such as turkey, ham, or even seafood, depending on where they’re sailing. It’s common to exchange small gifts, sometimes organized through a “Secret Santa” to ensure everyone gets a surprise. 

Read more: 10 Ways You Can Celebrate Christmas When Working at Sea 

Religious or cultural diversity also plays a major role in modern maritime Christmases. Crews made up of different nationalities often celebrate in their own ways, blending Filipino carols, European desserts, and Caribbean rum cakes into one joyous mix. Some companies arrange video calls for seafarers to connect with their families back home, while others broadcast special Christmas messages from shore-based management teams. 

And while storms still rage and schedules must be kept, the day itself offers a brief and meaningful pause: a moment for reflection, laughter, and a reminder that seafarers are never truly alone. 

Christmas Ports and Maritime Legends 

For those lucky enough to dock on Christmas Day, certain ports around the world have become famous for their festive hospitality. Cities like Hamburg, Copenhagen, Sydney, and Quebec City go all out with Christmas markets, lights, and warm welcomes for crews ashore. Some sailors even describe the feeling of stepping off a ship into a city sparkling with Christmas cheer as “like walking into another world.” 

Historically, there were also tales of “Christmas miracles at sea.” Stories spread of ships surviving storms or finding their way safely into port on Christmas Eve after weeks of peril. Many sailors believed these events were signs of divine protection: proof that the Christmas spirit extended even to those braving the world’s most dangerous waters. 

A Time for Reflection and Gratitude 

From wooden sailing ships of the past to today’s gleaming steel giants, Christmas has always held special meaning for mariners. It’s a time when faith and fellowship triumph over distance and hardship. A reminder that even in the vast loneliness of the ocean, there is warmth, connection, and tradition. 

As one modern seafarer once said: 

“Christmas at sea isn’t about where you are - it’s about who you’re with and what you carry in your heart.” 

So, whether they’re in the middle of the Atlantic or docked in a glittering port, seafarers around the world will once again celebrate Christmas in their own unique way, blending centuries of maritime superstition, tradition, and hope for calm seas ahead.  

And if you’re one of them, whether you’re at home or at sea, may we take this opportunity to thank you for your tireless efforts to keep the global supply chain moving. And of course, we wish you a very merry Christmas, from all of us here at Martide! 

New Year, New Job at Sea

Meanwhile if you’re looking for your first contract working at sea of the new year, don’t forget to take a look at Martide’s online seafarer jobs board. Martide Manning Latvia and other reputable employers and manning agents are looking for officers and ratings for a wide range of vessels and applying couldn’t be easier.

• Simply create your free Martide account here and enter your information and upload your documents.

• Then check out our maritime job vacancies here and click the apply button to send your details to the Crew Manager.

Merry Christmas and we hope to see you onboard soon!