Never Rename a Ship Without a Ritual

Appeasing the Ledger of the Deep Before Rechristening a Vessel

Details

Maritime tradition holds that changing a ship’s name brings terrible misfortune unless a specific de-naming and re-naming ceremony is performed. This taboo is considered one of the most serious in seafaring culture. The proper ritual typically involves removing all traces of the old name from the vessel, conducting a ceremonial purification, and formally introducing the new name to the sea deities. Written records of the old name must be destroyed, and a libation—traditionally champagne or wine—must be poured into the sea to appease the gods. The ritual not only ensures divine acceptance of the new name but also symbolically reestablishes the ship’s identity and reputation under the new designation.

Historical Context

This naming superstition addressed both practical and spiritual concerns. Ships were believed to be recorded by name in the “Ledger of the Deep,” maintained by Neptune (or Poseidon), and renaming a vessel without proper notification could confuse or anger these sea deities. Sailors, who often developed personal attachments to a ship’s name, might view the change as tempting fate or disrespecting the ship’s legacy. Beyond the spiritual realm, insurance, naval records, and port registries could become confused or invalid if the renaming process was not clearly documented. Many maritime disasters throughout history were linked to ships that had undergone name changes, further cementing the superstition in nautical lore. The renaming ceremony thus served both to assure the favor of supernatural forces and to reaffirm the ship’s new legal and cultural identity.

Modern Relevance

This superstition remains remarkably persistent in modern boating communities. Yacht brokers and marine insurers report that many buyers insist on holding renaming ceremonies before taking ownership of a vessel. Recreational sailors frequently follow established rituals, often guided by books or online resources detailing each step. Boating magazines continue to publish renaming guides, and some specialty retailers offer “boat renaming kits” that include instructions, ceremonial scripts, and symbolic materials. While modern documentation systems have minimized the practical complications of renaming, maritime law still requires careful record-keeping. The continued observance of these rituals demonstrates the enduring blend of tradition, symbolism, and psychological reassurance that characterizes much of nautical culture.

Sources

Vigor, J. (2004). How to Rename Your Boat: And 19 Other Useful Ceremonies, Superstitions, Prayers, Rituals, and Curses. Paradise Cay Publications.
MacGregor, R. (2018). “Names and Identity in Maritime Culture.” International Journal of Maritime History, 30(2), 276–292.

Quick Facts

Related Superstitions

A baby’s future career or fate is predicted by the first object they select during a ceremonial setup.

In several Asian and Eastern European cultures, a traditional ceremony is held for babies usually around their first birthday. Known

Why Superstitions Persist in Modern Times

Despite widespread access to scientific knowledge and rational frameworks, superstitions continue to influence everyday behavior across cultures and demographics. From