Why Do We Name Our Boats?
We see them all over the place, beautiful powerboats, yachts, and sailboats proudly wearing sporting the much thought out name bestowed upon them. For boaters today, it's just the normal tradition of owning a boat. But for those who don't know much about boating, you're probably wondering why we go to such great lengths to come up with clever and meaningful names for our boats. Besides the obvious answer of "our boats are our babies", there's actually an entire history behind naming boats. So to better help those less avid boat enthusiasts understand the method behind our madness, Firstmate Controls, will gladly share with you some history behind boat naming.
History of Boat Naming
The process of naming boats began thousands of years ago and was originally based on fear and superstition. As a safeguard from peril, most boats were originally named to honor a god seen as able to provide protection. By pleasing their gods with this honor, ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians thought the gods would then offer the protection being sought. Ancient people also feared angering their gods by not paying homage to them in this way. Similarly, Christians would name their boats after saints looking for their protection.
Once a boat has been named, it's considered bad luck to rename it because according to legend, every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, the god of the sea. And to change the name of a vessel without consulting Poseidon is to invoke his wrath. So to change a boat's name, a ceremony to de-name the vessel must be done to purge the old name from the Ledger of the Deep, and from Poseidon's memory. This involves removing all references to the old name including items like the logbook and papers, lifebuoys, transom, topsides, dinghy, oars, etc. Waiting a day before giving a boat its new name is considered appropriate. Then, the procedure of renaming is considered highly variable, but there are generally five parts: an invocation, an expression of gratitude, a supplication, a re-dedication and a libation. Without following this long-standing tradition to dename and rename your vessel, you could be summoning bad luck to your boat.
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History of Boat Naming
The process of naming boats began thousands of years ago and was originally based on fear and superstition. As a safeguard from peril, most boats were originally named to honor a god seen as able to provide protection. By pleasing their gods with this honor, ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians thought the gods would then offer the protection being sought. Ancient people also feared angering their gods by not paying homage to them in this way. Similarly, Christians would name their boats after saints looking for their protection.
Boat Naming Today
For Navy ships, commercial vessels and serious sailors, this is still a very important tradition to ensure good luck and protection, so they name their vessels in a similar manner as the traditional historical way. Many recreational boaters hitting the rivers and lakes today tend to name their boats more for glory of ownership, than for luck and protection. They name boats with clever nautical puns (Nauti Buoy or Aquaholic) or after something they feel will bring their vessel luck. Inspirational phrases with twisted with a pun (Seas the Day) are popular choices nowadays, as well. Someone might name their boat after how they obtained it (such as the lottery or stock market fortune) or something that relates to the idea of no work and all play (Playin' Hooky or Gone Fishin') and simply just enjoying the glorious luxury of being out on the water. Regardless as to how a boater chooses to name his/her boat, it better be one they like because renaming a boat is bad luck!
Renaming a Boat
Once a boat has been named, it's considered bad luck to rename it because according to legend, every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, the god of the sea. And to change the name of a vessel without consulting Poseidon is to invoke his wrath. So to change a boat's name, a ceremony to de-name the vessel must be done to purge the old name from the Ledger of the Deep, and from Poseidon's memory. This involves removing all references to the old name including items like the logbook and papers, lifebuoys, transom, topsides, dinghy, oars, etc. Waiting a day before giving a boat its new name is considered appropriate. Then, the procedure of renaming is considered highly variable, but there are generally five parts: an invocation, an expression of gratitude, a supplication, a re-dedication and a libation. Without following this long-standing tradition to dename and rename your vessel, you could be summoning bad luck to your boat.
So you see, naming a boat isn't just for fun. It's a pretty serious tradition for us boaters. It goes back thousands of years and can determine the luck or lack thereof that we have on water with our vessels. Plus, it can also be a great way to show some of our personality off. Firstmate Controls, the best boat lift remote company in Missouri, wants to make sure you're not only picking the right name for your boat to keep luck on your side, but to also take luck into your own hands and get a boat lift remote control system for your boat lift to protect your boat, dock, and yourself! For more information about our products, visit our website today!
Contact Firstmate Controls TODAY to get your boat lift remote control system ordered.
Boat Lift Controls You Can Count On!
Firstmate Controls
130 Century Commerce Loop
Labadie, MO 63055
Phone: (866) 570-9707
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