The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

LUCK

THERE'S AN ANCIENT CUSTOM OF PUTTING A COIN UNDER THE
MAST (BEFORE THE MAST IS STEPPED). THEY PUT A COIN IN
THE HOLE WHERE THE MAST IS GOING TO BE PLACED. THIS
IS KNOWN AS "BUYING YOUR WAY ACROSS THE RIVER STYX."
IT DATES BACK TO ROMAN AND GREEK MARINERS.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 01-00-1972