What was the origin of the nautical superstition which states that the presence of bananas on a boat brings bad luck?

BRY2K

The origin of this superstition is uncertain, but many believe that it began in olden times, when bananas were transported by rickety, overcrowded, top-heavy boats plying the tropics (now known as cruise ships). These boats would frequently sink, leaving behind a residue of floating yellow commas, thus leading witnesses to deduce that hauling bananas was unlucky. A more scientific explanation is that since bananas give off ethylene gas when they ripen, it causes other perishable foodstuffs to spoil more quickly. This expended-gas theory could be why it's also considered unlucky to have a politician on board. Yet another theory suggests that crates of bananas would also contain unwanted pests, such as spiders, snakes, flies, mice etc. http://www.striper-csba.com/story6.htm Further reading: http://www.nobananasfishing.com/bananaslegend.html Mar 03 08, 4:45 AM