Everything Everywhere Daily · Sunday, August 30, 2026
The expression 'feeling blue' is linked to a maritime tradition where ships would fly blue flags or paint a blue band if a captain or significant crew member died at sea. This signaled to other ships that the crew was in mourning upon their return.
“On old sailing ships, particularly in the British and American navies, it was customary to fly blue flags and sometimes even paint a blue band along the hull of a ship if the captain or another significant crew member had died during the voyage.”
“This blue color signified to others that the crew was in mourning upon their return to port.”
“Over time, feeling blue became associated with feelings of sadness, loss, or melancholy.”