#mast

[shanks]

トンムル

[ltwilliammowett]

Coins under the mast

As you may have heard, HMS Victory’s last three masts were removed at the start of the month. The mainmast had already been taken down in 2021; the foremast, mizzenmast and bowsprit have now followed. This was all part of the restoration work, and everything is due to be back in place by 2033.

Now, a closer look had been taken at the site of the foremast, and what was found there, just as under the mainmast? Coins. These six coins dated from the 19th century, so they must have been placed there following a previous repair during that time.

So why are there coins under a mast? According to old sailors’ superstitions, they were there to bless the ship and the crew and bring them good luck. Well, I have a bonus/further theory: in ancient times, the dead were buried with coins on their tongue and/or eyes to pay Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, for the crossing. Our sailors were, and in some cases still are, very superstitious, and liked to mix pagan and Christian beliefs, so it may well be that these coins also served to pay the ferryman when the ship and its crew were taken away. But that’s just a theory of mine, let me know what do you think.

[arturia-giallo]

Mast: Romantic Maid by spiz [Twitter/X] ※Illustration shared with permission from the artist. If you like this artwork please support the artist by visiting the source.

[natirra]

Vicious 2000.01

[ohm2449314]

[dailyspicyfigures]

Mast ; Goddess of Victory: Nikke ☆ Hobby Sakura

[janwon]

falling mast

[shiitokutoku]