Who do sailors and fishermen around the world pray to for their safe return? Who protects us at sea and to whom do we entrust our fate during our voyage? You may be familiar with the European patron saints of seafarers, but have you ever heard of the seductive Mami Wata? Let's take a closer look at those who keep us safe when we're out on the water.
Patron saints of sailors
Saint Brendan
One of the best known patron saints is Saint Brendan (in Irish Gaelic Bréanainn), also known as "The Voyager". Originally an Irish priest and one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland who, according to legend, discovered America ten centuries before Christopher Columbus himself. Reports of his expeditions would take the breath away of even the most hardened adventurers. He apparently discovered the Promised Land of the Saints, where he arrived after a 7-year voyage of adventure. So, it is really no surprise that he ended up becoming the patron saint of boatmen, mariners and sailors.
Saint Nicholas
Sailing the seas frequently, God himself protected him from danger. Saint Nicholas even turned the pirates who attacked him into believers. According to one legend, during a terrible storm at sea, he saved his sailors through prayer. And according to another, he plugged a hole in the hull of the boat with carp and resurrected a sailor who had fallen from the highest mast.
St. Nicholas is not only a kind saint who gives sweets and gifts to children, but also has the savageness of Poseidon within him. When he gets angry, he is said to unleash storms and hurricanes, making him master of the elements for both good and evil. In Bulgaria, for example, fishermen and sailors prefer to be ashore on Saint Nicholas Day (Nikulden in Bulgaria). But if this isn’t possible, to ensure safety, it is recommended to anchor and not sail at all during the day. Every fishing family in Bulgaria has an image of St. Nicholas with a candle in front, which should burn whenever a fisherman is at sea.
YACHTING.COM TIP: And why does Nicholas (Santa Claus in the Anglo-Saxon world) hand out gifts? According to legend, in Nicholas’ hometown, an impoverished nobleman wanted to sell his three daughters because he had no money for a dowry. So in the dark of the night, Nicholas threw them a purse full of gold so they could get married. One version says that the purse fell into a stocking that was hung out to dry. Legends then merged with the Nordic tradition, spawning Santa Claus, who arrives on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Nicholas is called various names in different countries: Nicolas, Nikolaj, Niklas, Klaus, Claus, Klaes, Claes, Nils. If you're looking for the perfect present this year, check out our 57 Christmas gift ideas for sailors.
Saint John of Nepomuk
St. John of Nepomuk was the patron saint of Bohemia (Czech Republic), but above all the protector against floods and drowning. Many a raftsman, who navigated the untamed Vltava, had faith in his protection long before the Vltava cascade was constructed.
YACHTING.COM TIP: The St. John's rapids were the most dangerous place on the Vltava River. Created by the deep rocky valley, the currents made it almost impossible to control long rafts. Many captains had to paddle hard in the opposite direction to stop them from smashing against the rocks.
Saint Clement
Originally a pope, but was later imprisoned in Crimea where, legend has it, he miraculously released a gushing stream of water with his pickaxe, leading to the conversions of large numbers to the faith. As punishment for this, he was tied with an anchor around his neck and thrown into the Black Sea. The anchor became his symbol, a symbol of hope, and he became a patron saint of mariners and a guardian in gales and storms (which really comes in handy at sea).
Saint Christina
Saint Christina, from Tuscia in Italy, is one of the few female patron saints of mariners and sailors. This martyr is often displayed with a boat which originates from her attempted execution in Lake Bolsen, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. She was to drown tied to a basalt slab but somehow miraculously survived. This undoubtedly gives her the right prerequisites to protect those at sea.
YACHTING.COM TIP: Do you enjoy journeying into the history of sailing? Check out our articles on the mysterious customs and superstitions at sea or about traditional sailor tattoos and their meanings.