These are a few of the sea superstitions as preserved in rhyme:
'The evening gray, and the morning red,
Put on your hat or you'll wet your head.'
(Meaning that it will rain.)
'When the wind shifts against the sun,
Trust it not, for it will run.'
(That is, soon change again.)
'When the sun sets in the clear,
An easterly wind you need not fear.
'The evening red and morning gray
Are sure signs of a fine day.'
(A distich not peculiar to followers of the sea.)
'But the evening gray and morning red
Makes the sailor shake his head.'
This refers to the barometer:
'First rise, after low,
Indicates a stronger blow.'