With just six weeks to go before handing in the project my research question was changed. having spent the entirety of the project with a question that was as ambiguous as superstition itself, this change was a revelation.
Having just worked out that there is only six weeks to go, (5.5 as I write this now) I feel a mild sense of panic. Will I be able to pull everything together on time?
Previous unfocused question(s)
How can superstition still have a place in the modern world of scientific discovery, technology and knowledge? What is the purpose of superstition? Why does superstitious behaviour reassure when there appears to be no evidence to support it? How can superstition in the modern world be helpful to aid people in times of uncertainty?
My new research question, thanks to Ben, is far more concise and fits my project much better;
How can we take the oral traditions of superstition at sea and make them into something visual?
Moving on
Yesterday I collected some super oak turnings, and next week I shall sort the engravings on these.
I have decided to add the whole A-Z of superstitions to the globe and change the engraving on the base from ‘jinx, touch, wood’ to a map of the Bermuda Triangle.
The quote around the edge of the base has also changed, so long Von Gosche. It has been replaced with the last stanza and chorus of ‘the mermaid’, a traditional sea shanty with associations with Bermuda dating back to the 1700’s.
Then three times ’round went our gallant ship,
And three times ’round went she,
And the third time that she went ’round
She sank to the bottom of the sea.
Oh the ocean waves may roll,
And the stormy winds may blow,
While we poor sailors go skipping aloft
And the land lubbers lay down below, below, below
And the land lubbers lay down below.
It’s interesting to note that the ship in this shanty set sail on a Friday, and that the Captain spotted a mermaid, both considered superstitious bad luck;
Twas Friday morn when we set sail,
And we had not got far from land,
When the Captain, he spied a lovely mermaid,
With a comb and a glass in her hand.