This seemingly irrational superstition likely developed from practical observations aboard 17th- and 18th-century banana cargo ships. To prevent spoilage, banana boats sailed quickly from tropical ports, leaving little time for sailors to fish along the way, giving rise to the perception that bananas “scared off the fish.” Additionally, ripening bananas release ethylene gas and, in confined spaces, this could contribute to sickness or even death among poorly ventilated crews. Moreover, tropical pests such as venomous spiders or snakes were occasionally transported within banana bunches, adding danger to their presence on board. Some historical accounts even suggested that banana-laden ships disproportionately failed to return from the Caribbean, deepening the association with maritime misfortune.