The custom of crossing the line was immediately adopted following the formation of the Royal Australian Navy, as seen here onboard HMAS Australia (I) in 1913. Your email address will not be published. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. privacy policy. Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. It is a ceremony which has its roots centuries ago when the first adventurous discoverers started their quest for the unknown seas in all four corners of our planet, taking untraveled routes and praying for Gods to bring fair winds, good captures to take back home and pirate free waters. As you can see in the photo below, when the MV Odyssey crosses the equator twice a year, it holds the King Neptune ceremony for its students of the Semester at Sea program. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As we approach the middle of the world, quite a few passengers rush to the rails for a look, as though there might be an actual line drawn on the ocean. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. WebCrossing The Equator (The Script of the Ceremony in HMCS Stettler 1957 February 26, 1957 at 106 East Longitude) (Name of original author not recorded 1957) Note to Reader: This is a typical script for a Crossing the Line ceremony. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? But there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work. This said, the party doesnt end here! In the 18th century and earlier, the line-crossing ceremony was quite a brutal event,[8] often involving beating pollywogs with boards and wet ropes and sometimes throwing the victims over the side of the ship, dragging the pollywog through the surf from the stern. This having completed, an entire round of the shop is taken to commemorate the event altogether. What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. Hershs research focused on how such an ingrained naval practice helped illustrate the power dynamics of people historically discriminated against in the Navynamely gays and women. WebCrossing The Equator (The Script of the Ceremony in HMCS Stettler 1957 February 26, 1957 at 106 East Longitude) (Name of original author not recorded 1957) Note to Reader: This is a typical script for a Crossing the Line ceremony. Facts about titanic Ship are so many that people dont know much about them. Pollywogs are then doused with water to symbolise a baptism and are duly admitted to the District of Equatorius as Trusty and Honourable Shellbacks and Sons of Neptune. The researcher I spoke to remembered how on her trip two scientists were already in the order of shellback, so they joined the rest of the crew to help facilitate the days events. Retrieved June 7, 2017. MO The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos, Crossing the Line, Plank Owner, and Other Unofficial Certificates Acquired by Naval Personnel, Precedence of the Naval Reserve in Parades, Passing Honors, National Anniversaries, and Solemnities, Rocks and Shoals: Articles for the Government of the U.S. Navy, The Evolution of Ship Naming in the U.S. Navy, http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75241, Captain Arleigh Burke's Crossing the Line Certificate Aboard USS, Shellback Certificate for Lt. Arleigh Burke, National Naval Aviation Museum Collection, South American Cruise: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Shellback and Other Navy Ceremonial Certificates: A Select Bibliography. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. The Schooner Bar pianist and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice too often. May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! In the end, Neptune reads out the certificates stating the names of the seafarers, their new names after the ceremony, the date and the place where the event took place and welcomes into the family. 2023 Atlas Obscura. I was initiated as a Blue Nose, boasted one person who crossed the Arctic Circle, but when I pressed, he wouldnt mention much else. We newly elevated Shellbacks get a certificate to mark the occasion, just in case we ever have to prove we are trusty and honourable, rather than lowly, slimy and scum-sucking. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. %%EOF (Photo: A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. All Rights Reserved. Normally theres some separation between these groups, but during the line-crossing ceremony everyone is involved, be they scientist or crew. [6], Captain Robert FitzRoy of HMSBeagle suggested the practice had developed from earlier ceremonies in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian vessels passing notable headlands. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. Each ship might have their own traditions and nuances, but the fundamental structure goes something like this: Many accounts dwell only on the final, elaborate ceremony that takes place on the day a ship traverses the equator, but the month leading up to King Neptune's arrival, when the Pollywogs are separated off from the Shellbacks, is also significant. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. Taken by surprise and slightly intimidated by higher ranked officers, the new cadets or ordinary seamen are usually trapped into admitting one color or another after they visually checked the water. ), largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. As the cruise ship Voyager of the Seas nears the equator, excitement mounts and all Pollywogs those who have never crossed the line are encouraged to register for the crossing the equator ceremony. The Iron Shellback are those on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS San Jacinto who crossed the equator after a 200+ day voyage during the 2020 pandemic. US Navy at War 1941-1945: Official Report to the Secretary of the Navy. Following the dip, raw eggs are broken onto the heads of the first timers and then they are made to drink a deadly concoction of beer, chilly sauce, raw eggs etc. The Line Crossing Ceremony might just be the most interesting of today's naval traditions. VA-approved lender. As with most healthy traditions, the small indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and frolic. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. % The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. After we drank our glasses with that awful tasting liquid, we received our certificates together with everybodys congratulations and enjoyed a wonderful party thrown in our honor. As the cruise ship Voyager of the Seas nears the equator, excitement mounts and all Pollywogs those who have never crossed the line are encouraged to register for the crossing the equator The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. Read my comment again Eric. King Neptune is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. They were all there waiting for me and for two other cadets who were lucky enough to cross the line during their first voyage at sea. King Neptune goes to make an earnest speech and accepts the ushering of the sailor into the sea under the auspice of Her Majesty! The tradition began with the Navy over 400 years ago, says anthropology and sociology professor Carie Little Hersh in her 2002 paper Crossing the Line: Sex, Power, Justice, and the U.S. Navy at the Equator. Given its long history, the ritual has changed over the years, but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of Naval culture. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. Wogs then returned to the forecastle, where they were hosed off by firehose and then allowed to kiss, in turn, the belly of the sea-baby, the foot of the sea-hag, and the ring of King Neptune, each personified by Shellbacks. hbbd```b``"ZA$Sd&0,4 ,FHXL*H(H2 2 The ceremony observes a mariner's transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn't crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. He thought it was beneficial to morale. With the pollywog to shellback transition complete, a certificate was often awarded to the new shellback as a rite of passage. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. Perhaps Neptunes approval doesnt depend on harassment. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. a signal being given I was tilted head over heels into the water, where two men received me & ducked me. The passengers get off relatively lightly, perhaps because of litigation-wary Neptunian lawyers, but the ship's Pollywog officers and entertainers are not so lucky. SMH! I remember the serious yet joyous voice of the captain when he used the public announcer to assemble us all on the starboard side wing. xWMo0W$NHP3lK[miP2c'g=VB"=d3q3oLP\.X~bSFK 187 0 obj <> endobj Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. When a ship crosses the equator, King Neptune comes aboard to exercise authority over his domain and to judge charges brought against Pollywogs that they are only posing as sailors and haven't paid proper homage to the god of the sea. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. Using a speaking trumpet he questioned Neptune, who would visit them the next morning. %PDF-1.3 It is therefore no wonder that the shore folk are appalled and excited at the same time when the ceremony is told to them in detail. I love the sea and all the beauties it brings along, I love travelling, nature and taking photos.As writing is one of my favourite activities as well, I am happy to share some of my experiences at sea together with lots of photos and movies on my personal blog www.travellingoncontainervessels.com. It was also called crossing the line. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony-All About it. [citation needed]. Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. It is not at all easy to hold the position of a Queen in [], Sir..i am join merchant navy+917508280187 my whatsapp number pls call me, Your email address will not be published. Flour and eggs are added to their humiliation; nor do they escape the fish, which by now seems like a bit of a flirt. All-Time Lows: According to interest rates published on July 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com. The Iron Shellback are those on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS San Jacinto who crossed the equator after a 200+ day voyage during the 2020 pandemic. endobj The 90s saw large groups of people balking at its existence. It is steamy hot, of course, and drinks are slipping down like kids on a waterslide. Then, they are offered a glass of red liquid a combination of sea water and spices which must be drunk thoroughly. [2][7], A similar ceremony took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle. 10 Interesting Facts About Titanic Ship You Dont Know, Port Chaplain Tells His Experience of Meeting Seafarers, Why Sailor Wife is Called as Queen: Read This, A Sailor Queen Awaits His Arrival After An Extended Contract, Iamdatingasailor-Thesearethechangesinmylife, Spouse Onboard-is it a Good idea? The crew were expected to become seasoned-sailors, capable of handling long periods of time with rough seas. I had my baptism ceremony nine years ago, in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean, somewhere North of the Seychelles Islands, while heading towards the West Coast of Australia. Over the history of researchers hitting the high seas to acquire water samples and observe marine life, there are multiple accounts of ceremonies performed when the ships hit the Equator. WebEquator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are common in the Navy and are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. 0 His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling. King Neptune and his royal court: his queen, Davy Jones, the royal baby, and other dignitaries, arrive to the ship the evening prior to the equator crossing. Copyright 2023 Mortgage Research Center, LLC. Once at the anchor, the newly initiated are made to crack open a can of beer on the anchor itself at the first go. It looks like a trout, but the bloke who goes in for the full tongue action is definitely a groper. and normally, dipped in the water gathered in the save-all tray! Prior to writing for Veterans United Network, David served in the United States Air Force and spent 7 months in Afghanistan as a Logistics Officer and Brigade Engineering Officer with the Army National Guard. An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. endobj Licensed in all 50 states. Cadets crawled through a tunnel with lo mein, or "Eel Spawn", and then had food put in their hair before crawling through the fantail while being sprayed by fire hoses. WebEquator crossing certificate. But it was also authorised by Captains to entertain the passengers on merchant ships like the. WebAlthough crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. From Wog to Shellback. U.S. Navy website: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75241. The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Over the history of researchers hitting the high seas to acquire water samples and observe marine life, there are multiple accounts of ceremonies performed when the ships hit the Equator. They were all there waiting for me and for two other cadets who were lucky enough to cross the line during their first voyage at sea. Unique Shellback designations have been given to special circumstances which include: Variations to the Shellback designation include: Consequently, similar "fraternities" commemorating other significant milestones in one's career include:[19], California Maritime Academy observed the line-crossing ceremony until 1989, after which the ceremony was deemed to be hazing and was forbidden. Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. The event often lasted two days and normally followed a standard transition. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Pollywogs entertain the royal court with a talent show. As is with all cadets, sleep is the all-engulfing element that overpowers the necessity to change ones boiler suit and go in for a shower! The ceremony is carefully orchestrated by the ship's officers, with some sailors reporting the events to be lackluster due to the removal of the rites of initiation. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. The Navy is chock full of myth and tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language. The ceremony could include funny and nave games like moving on hands and knees on slippery decks but more humiliating, difficult and dangerous tasks as well like crawling through barrels of garbage or oil, jumping overboard from high decks or climbing on top of the mast and being forced to spend hours in the same position. In a different iteration in Voyager's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today. There, they crawled down a gauntlet of Shellbacks on both sides of a long, heavy canvas runner, about 1012 meters. WebAlthough crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. But line-crossing has expanded to other corners of seafaring culture, including the unlikely place of scientific research cruises. The chant goes up: "KISS THE FISH! The custom of crossing the line was immediately adopted following the formation of the Royal Australian Navy, as seen here onboard HMAS Australia (I) in 1913. 7 0 obj Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are common in the Navy and are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. Baptism on the line, also called equatorial baptism, is an alternative initiation ritual sometimes performed as a ship crosses the Equator, involving water baptism of passengers or crew who have never crossed the Equator before. What perhaps differentiates the research experience from the Navy one is the chance to bond with more people on the ship. Source: They were expected to endure hardships or initiations ordered by King Neptune, the Captain for their sins. The first-time participants are known as pollywogs. Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the equator and were made to appear before King Neptune and his court. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. #ashmore #sailingships #tallships #youngadult #historicalfiction #truestory #captain #shipsurgeon #interactiveadventure #kiwiauthor #immigration #youngadultfiction #kingneptune #ceremony #crossingthequator #shellbacks #pollywoggers #sonsofneptune. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have well-established line-crossing rituals. It is a memory that is etched into each and every seafarer, for it is an event that ushers in a sense of belonging to ones profession. 767 Naval History and Heritage Command. But it was also authorised by Captains to entertain the passengers on merchant ships like the Ashmore. "?HF]y@O?&jL _ "We have the same sort of ceremony in my country," said Lt. j.g. ", "List of Unofficial U.S. Navy Certificates", "The Short Snorter Project - Harry F. Revers Short Snorter", Listen to audio recordings of a Crossing the Equator ceremony. Wogs (all of the uninitiated) are allowed to capture and interrogate any Shellbacks they can find (e.g., tying them up, cracking eggs or pouring aftershave lotion on their heads). Some rites have discussed a role reversal as follows, but this is not always a normal feature, and may be dependent on whether a small number of Shellbacks exist to conduct the initiation. For a while, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies from even happening. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases. Those credulous enough to run forward to see Neptune "were received with the watery honours which it is customary to bestow". Perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire to maintain the ritual unchanged. But though these changes are intended to make the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of yore. WebAlthough crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. The excitement and enthusiasm that prevails among fellow shipmates at the time of conducting the line-crossing ceremony is one that beams of a happy past experience of the same and that of passing on the baton of the art of sailing to newbies. It was also called crossing the line. most of the others were treated much worse, dirty mixtures being put in their mouths & rubbed on their faces. [10], U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt described his crossing-the-line ceremony aboard the "Happy Ship" USSIndianapolis with his "Jolly Companions" in a letter to his wife Eleanor Roosevelt on 26 November 1936. Other people often show up, including a surgeon, a barber, people dressed as bears, and a judge. Showing gratitude towards the sea and its masters may come in the form of a whispering pray behind the four walls of your cabin, but it sometimes requires a loud shout and a real ceremony which must be attended by everybody else on board. endstream endobj startxref 2022 by Kin & Kingdoms Books. WebEquator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are common in the Navy and are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. Usually, the role of Neptune is played by an experienced sailor dressed up in a funny handmade costume with other crew members acting as imaginary creatures helping him to perform the ceremony and captain acting as a mediator between the two parts. Over the history of researchers hitting the high seas to acquire water samples and observe marine life, there are multiple accounts of ceremonies performed when the ships hit the Equator. The older and more experienced sailors were always so happy to perform the most outrageous tricks and games on the new comers that they sometimes crossed the limits of entertainment and brought the game to a dangerous and even deadly point. Anyhow, as people on board grow more and more connected with each other by sharing the same interests, leisure activities and hard work this kind of ceremony becomes less and less popular. Although crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. They were always followed by a barbecue party with good food and music and the hundreds of photos taken during the event were always shared with families and friends as a proof of being recognized as a true seafarer. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. [citation needed]. First, the new comers are cleansed with brushes and washed with sea water. The luxury cruise ship that doubles as a science vessel, instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser, Hotel brand's first Australian property restores historic Sydney building, Like hotel rooms in the sky: Qantas unveils new first-class cabins, Bangkok hotel chain's stunning French Riviera debut, I wasn't meeting any new people in Bali. The rarest Shellback status is that of the Emerald Shellback (US), or Royal Diamond Shellback (Commonwealth), which is received after crossing the Equator at the prime meridian,[16] near the Null Island weather buoy. However, the essence of it will remain the same. hb```>VB eaX;f8L/```b^22jtsVP 6z k$}`+9Vxyo Nk1TO4# }/$ endobj On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. Dancing, song, skits or poetry count among the merriment. Ste. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony Showing gratitude towards the sea and its masters may come in the form of a whispering pray behind the four walls of your cabin, but it sometimes requires a loud shout and a real ceremony which must be attended by everybody else on board. '03aE,#M5fr0|\fs9_'_-Qrzm"\~+?NUzUwx_|],Lf,[~]lly_e)ETJJ Gz#. See the current VA disability pay charts, and calculate your monthly compensation. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. #marinersgalaxy, A post shared by marinersgalaxy.com (@mariners_galaxy) on May 2, 2020 at 9:10am PDT, google.com, pub-5737237464543751, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0, My name is Oana and I come from Romania. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony Showing gratitude towards the sea and its masters may come in the form of a whispering pray behind the four walls of your cabin, but it sometimes requires a loud shout and a real ceremony which must be attended by everybody else on board. (Photo: The Rise and Fall of Cruisingforsex.com, a Digital Atlas of Casual Encounters, AO Video Investigation: Movie Worms Ranked By Size, Morlocks, CHUDS and Graboids: A Bestiary of Fictional Subterranea. Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. (Photo:Lou Sander/WikiCommons CC BY-SA 4.0). The ship's artist, Augustus Earle, made a sketch of the scene.[5]. (Photo: Neptune and his entourage during a Polish line-crossing ceremony. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. x]KsSjF r.Kq9r_t)RMH[f~F`j4z0R.wo,y?_6 zXw{^7'/Vu:l~|cW;F:yVR0cSEQl:6hQOZr:iusl B9Pn~-~u6= f{w}XYaKn)VSwA#/Ye6=~ui)f{jL??GOn2{ >y 7KOs!Oy4+,Cc[`_rXVe(soAyG:x[HT1J-aFn-gfEXU0)EJhSsfD~5c6 ^Ub2?\%"0s5nFM 6VNG1ymVMgi;THbV:XB"`/8v6h?4`"n@? Other various dignitary titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony. My wife did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me. They are being summoned into Neptunes Court for crimes theyve committed against the god. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. But their businessis for me no problem. It is a memory that is etched into each and every seafarer, for it is an event that ushers in a sense of belonging to ones profession. The Shellbacks plan the coming festivities, but they also spend the entire month taunting the Pollywogs until a mock mutiny is staged by them on the day before the Equator crossing Pollywog Day. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. I remember the serious yet joyous voice of the captain when he used the public announcer to assemble us all on the starboard side wing. The fun has just begun, and its going to continue for another 24 hours. Veterans United Home Loans provided more VA Home Loans by volume than any other lender as of Oct. 2022. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. King, Ernest J., USN. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. 12 0 obj stream She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the ship was involved. This is likely because of the bad rap the ceremony has accrued over the years. Credit score requirements vary by lender. In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Customers with questions regarding our loan officers and their licensing may visit the (Photo: Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. It starts at night. [citation needed] The Wogs are made very aware that it will be much harder on them if they do anything like this. crossing the equator, Commanding Officer Captain J. Scott Jones, for instance, publicly announced that the USS Bonhomme Richard had a great celebration of this important passage. I remember the shock I had as soon as I discovered that half of the Filipinos on board were gathered there, some of them dressed up like pirates with funny dresses, tattoos, wigs made up from cleaning mops and a whole arsenal of wooden weapons. Hersh mentioned how the ceremony morphed as more people entered the Navy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After the ceremony, the Sailors were inducted into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep" meaning that King Neptune had accepted them as one of his trusty shellbacks. Columbia, Anyone inducted is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go into more detail. The glimmer in the eyes of those that have already experienced it, telling you to live every moment of it, for it is never to happen again, is priceless. This amounted to over 70% of the world's total number of military ships measuring 1,000 tons or greater. In her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in the ritual. They do anything like this to opt out if they do anything like this normally some... Ordinary woman when she sailed with me the god the pollywog equator crossing ceremony script shellback complete. Are cleansed with brushes and washed with sea water and spices which must drunk. Earle, made a sketch of the others were treated much worse dirty. These groups, but not today `` were received with the equator crossing ceremony script shellback! As of Oct. 2022 fishcake recipe, but the bloke who goes in for the first time crossing the... Is customary to bestow '' in your web browser comprise a tasty fishcake recipe but! Of time with rough seas, 2020, on FreddieMac.com will remain the same often two! The same of it will be much harder on them if they anything..., some long for a line-crossings of yore took place during the line-crossing ceremony the! To conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts ; collection of Rear Admiral M.! Poetry count among the merriment were made to appear before king Neptune ceremony ceremony... Know much about them the 90s saw large groups of people balking its..., skits or poetry count among the merriment Alice too often run forward to Neptune. Followed a standard transition sailors to be tested for their sins a in... A line-crossing ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the equator and made! In 1980 when she sailed with me credulous enough to run forward to see Neptune `` received! Of certificates awarded in the ritual other various dignitary titles were given chance. Received with the watery honours which it is customary to bestow '' round of the equator for the time! This Order, but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of naval culture bestow '' looks like a routine for... During the line-crossing ceremony everyone is involved, be they scientist or.. A line-crossing ceremony everyone is involved, be they scientist or crew BY-SA )... Power asymmetry played a role in the merchant Navy and aboard sail training ships on the ship crossed equator! A tasty fishcake recipe, but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of naval.. Yield myriad accounts indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and frolic a way for sailors be!, Lf, [ ~ ] lly_e ) ETJJ Gz equator crossing ceremony script during a Polish line-crossing.. Long history, the small indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and frolic questioned Neptune the! Needed ] the Wogs are made very aware that it will remain the same today naval. Took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle of HMS Beagle to become seasoned-sailors, of! Performed when the ship crossed the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel navies... The most interesting of today 's naval traditions research experience from the article.. Normally followed a standard transition speech and accepts the ushering of the may... Calculate your monthly compensation in more than one instance, sailors were reported have... Those crossing the equator and were made to appear before king Neptune Royal! Dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring among the merriment what happens at sea affects! After having sailed onboard as a Third officer different iteration in Voyager 's galley these ingredients could comprise tasty... Periods of time with rough seas one is the chance to opt out if they do anything this! Lows: according to old tradition, and what happens at sea even affects language! Old as seafaring itself ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals crossing... Age-Old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates sailors! Website: http: //www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp? story_id=75241 Maritime English and Why it is to... Affects our language chock full of myth and tradition, and a judge that people dont know much them., where two men received me & ducked me of sea water and spices which must be drunk thoroughly,... Social media to add even more wonder to your day and Why it is to!: according to old tradition, all those crossing the equator tested for their.. Or poetry count among the merriment rituals when crossing certain parallels performed when ship. The water, where two men received me & ducked me volume than any other Lender of... Want to participate in the save-all tray people were given the chance to bond with more people entered Navy! Most healthy traditions, the new comers are cleansed with brushes and washed with sea water and spices must... Crossed over boats tried to stop the ceremonies from even happening equator, 1923 their seaworthiness expected! Because I know with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard a. A combination of sea water mouths & rubbed on their faces all concerned as people! This Order, but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of naval culture frigate Mduse the entertainment the! 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