“A Sure Cure for Seasickness Is To Sit Under a Tree” Seasickness can turn a joyful sea voyage into a dreadful experience. Many have sought relief through various remedies, but none are as humorously simple as sitting under a tree. This witticism, often linked to Spike Milligan, has a rich history and offers a window into maritime humor. ## The Origins of the Joke The suggestion to sit under a tree as a cure for seasickness predates Milligan by decades. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century. In 1879, “The Saturday Magazine” in Boston mentioned a scam promising an infallible cure for seasickness. The supposed remedy was merely a cheeky instruction: “Don’t go to sea” . This early instance captures the essence of the joke, which is to emphasize the absurdity of seeking a cure while still at sea. A few years later, in 1888, a newspaper in Livingston, Alabama, offered a variant: “A sure cure for seasickness is to climb a mountain.” Such variations highlight the adaptability of the joke, gaining traction through different formats and settings. ## Evolving Through Time Medical professionals also contributed to this humorous tradition. In 1896, Surgeon-Major John MacGregor M.D. wrote about seasickness in his travel book. He joked that the only guaranteed cure was to “Go ashore and stay there” . His position lent weight to the jest, embedding it further into popular culture. By 1900, the joke evolved closer to its modern form. William Gordon Stables, in a medical advice column, humorously noted, “There is no cure for sea-sickness, except sitting down under a tree, and they don’t grow these on ships.” This version, which explicitly mentions the tree, solidified its place in maritime humor . ## Transition to Mainstream Comedy The early 20th century saw the joke entering mainstream comedic circles. Publications like “The Omaha Daily Bee” and “The Argonaut” in 1903 featured dialogues where characters humorously discuss the remedy of sitting under a tree. This comedic exchange demonstrates how the joke became a staple in humorous literature . In 1942, H.L. Source Mencken included a version in his “Dictionary of Quotations,” attributing it to an “English Sailors’ Proverb.” His inclusion suggests that the joke had become a part of folk wisdom among sailors . ## Spike Milligan’s Contribution Spike Milligan is often credited with popularizing this joke, but he did not originate it. Source In his 1971 memoir, he recounts a wartime experience where he used the joke during a storm. Despite this, the humor was already well-established in comedic lore before Milligan’s time . Milligan’s version was memorable, but historical records show that the joke had been circulating long before his comedic take. It was a well-known piece of wisdom among those familiar with the sea, evolving over time through various adaptations and retellings. ## Conclusion The enduring appeal of the seasickness cure joke lies in its simplicity and humor. It reminds us that sometimes the best solution is to avoid the problem altogether. While Spike Milligan’s association with the joke is strong, its roots are firmly planted in earlier maritime humor. This classic jest continues to entertain and resonates with those who have experienced the woes of the sea firsthand. The phrase serves as a testament to the timeless nature of humor, evolving through generations yet retaining its core message. Understanding its history enriches our appreciation for the wit and wisdom of those who navigated the seas long before us.