Blessing a new boats; copper to deter whales.
Contributors
Fieldworkers
Date
13 July 1976
Track ID
86148
Part 1
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1976.087
Original Tape ID
Summary
Blessing a new boats; copper to deter whales.
When a new sixareen [six-oared fishing boat] was launched it was blessed by a lucky woman, who would spit on a fish bone, rub it, and give it to the skipper in return for a hansel [good luck gift]. The bone was placed under the hinnispot [triangular piece of wood holding the gunwales together] of the boat for good luck.
Copper nails were driven into the keel to keep away female fin whales on heat, which might turn belly up under the boat. Coins were thrown overboard for the same purpose. These customs are mentioned in a book by John Nicolson.
Item Location
County - Shetland
Parish - Fetlar
Island - Fetlar
Language
English, Scots
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good