WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. All Rights Reserved. Not affiliated with any government agency. Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox. Ship passengers who have never traversed the nautical line are forced to prove they are worthy to make the transition. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is likely because of the bad rap the ceremony has accrued over the years. t a terrible thing it would be if a Navy man became gay. p}FEDKS'G,MVLz3+\S:zQoendstream Copyright 2023 Mortgage Research Center, LLC. Youwill see old military footage from an actual King Neptune Ceremony. For instance, blackface was a common element of it before World War II, but once integration hit the military that part stopped. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. On the other hand, the ceremonys goal is to ensure that the new comers are capable of facing and handling rough seas and are ready to be called sailors. Read my comment again Eric. The Royal Canadian Navy named them Tadpoles or Griffins. The 90s saw large groups of people balking at its existence. The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 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. From their ships berth, floating in the middle of the ocean, they are ushered into a room to begin the trial. Its kind of a nice tradition, said one US-based ocean researcher when I asked her about her experience. Slimy (the traditional adjective) Pollywogs are led out for their hazing in front of King Neptune, and his assistant reads the charges. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. %PDF-1.5 % 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 By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown, Secret Nun Cookies at Monasterio del Corpus Christi, Wonder Is Everywhere: Civil War Gold, a New Moai, and More From Around the Web, The Woman Preserving the Endangered Cuisine of Indian Jews, How a Lone Researcher Faced Down Millions of Army Ants on the March in Ecuador. 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. SMH! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2010 - 2023 Marine Insight All Rights Reserved. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. Sailors undergoing the ceremony were physically and verbally abused before being subjected to an act called "sump on the rump", where a dark liquid was daubed over each sailor's anus and genitalia. KISS THE FISH!" What you should not forget. (Photo: Public domain/WikiCommons). For instance, as Naval backlash increased due to allegations of oppressive line-crossing practices, many officers dug in their heels and vehemently defended the ceremony, despite consequences to their own careers. 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 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [3][4], In the Royal Canadian Navy, those who have not yet crossed the equator are nicknamed Tadpoles, or Dirty Tadpoles; an earlier nickname was griffins. The Golden Shellback was awarded to those who also crossed the equator and the International Date Line or 180th meridian, (where the world is divided between Eastern and Western Hemispheres) at the same time. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. Perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire to maintain the ritual unchanged. I wouldnt call it hazing per se, the researcher said. (Photo:Lou Sander/WikiCommons CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a usually light-hearted event that allows the ships crew to take some time out from their hectic schedules and have fun with the rest of the crewmates. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Ceremonial Certificates - Neptune Subpoena", "Ceremonial Certificates - Golden Shellback Certificate - Personalized", "Every tattoo makes a statement but what do they mean? US Navy at War 1941-1945: Official Report to the Secretary of the Navy. 2013. Your email address will not be published. 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! They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. However, the essence of it will remain the same. Most prominently, ocean scientists are known to perform similar ceremonies. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. Perhaps the most famous scientist to be initiated was Charles Darwin, who wrote about it in his diary. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. They perform a variety of activities which might involve wearing their clothes inside out or backwards and crawling across the deck through objectionable debris, often the uneatable breakfast that was served to the Pollywogs. Anyone inducted is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go into more detail. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. 0 Taking liberties with the piscatorial subjects of His Majesty Neptunus Rex. Other milestones such as crossing the Antarctic Circle and deep sea diving have also been adopted in this tradition. 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. It was designed to test the novices in the crew to see whether they could endure their first cruise at sea, senior chief aviation boatswains mate Bernard Dizontold the Navys press office. Download image. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. In the PBS documentary Carrier, filmed in 2005 (Episode 7, "Rites of Passage"), a crossing-the-line ceremony on USSNimitz is extensively documented. Read about: Joining Ship? Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Pollywogs participated voluntarily, though female midshipmen observed that they were under social pressure to do the ceremony but were targets of harder abuse. for more information. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. Source: The US Navy holds a massive, two-day line crossing ceremony wherein experienced sailors (those who have been across the equator) are called Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks and Honorable Shellbacks, the Sons of Neptune. For a while, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies from even happening. We still laugh about it to this day. She is the one to whom all other woman look up to. It was also called crossing the line. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. 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. Next, the Pollywogs kneel before the King and kiss the royal baby's belly, which according to some accounts is covered in grease. 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. After breakfast, which is made too spicy for the Pollywogs to eat, the accused appear before King Neptune, who sits in judgment. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship. The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. DhD!D4n4I8P5>U`_FC.i`p8~xz_ep;MtBgCrf"FB:&t#W>V98}&I75(*^bqYe[A_xJ4k) Bx^c;.vT{c,kv8J>U_ The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. Once at the anchor, the newly initiated are made to crack open a can of beer on the anchor itself at the first go. 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. Even commercial cruise lines have been known to host some parts of the ritual. 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. It was also called crossing the line. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. When a ship must cross the Equator reasonably close to one of these meridians, the ship's captain might plot a course across the Golden X so that the ship's crew can be initiated as Golden or Emerald/Royal Diamond Shellbacks. There are still cases in which seafarers are put to difficult and embarrassing tests sometimes humiliating and even painful experiences in order to receive the blessing of a very unkind and unfair God.The ones who received the same harsh treatment years before are more likely to perform the same unkind ceremony on the new comers and the more humiliating the situation is the happier they are. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. ), largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. 187 0 obj <> endobj Crawling through long containers filled withrotten garbage. 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. The rich tradition of the Crossing the Line ceremonies often involved varied events throughout which pollywogs, the term given to those who have not crossed the equator before, were put through a series of initiation rites involving harrowing and often embarrassing tasks, gags, obstacles, physical hardships, and generally good-humored mischief. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition Fortunately no head shaving but the foul mixture was foul in the extreme. It was the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive. Beatings were often still common, usually with wet firehoses, and several World War II Navy deck logs speak of sailors visiting sick bay after crossing the line. Crossing the Equator is a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth. Following this aspect of the grand event, the sailors are tied together and marched forward to the anchor with the sound of a drum to coordinate movement. My fellow Pollywogs and I put on various grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a piscatorial pash. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. hVYoH+=#E Mclu"m*~Ks4/ mF[S,N8Z tpX#?H8Aao5Fh7FAc1!)o5Sq. The memory of the event sticks with people. Much like a wedding, one experiences the joy of it just once, thus becoming a spectator for the all the others to come! Nevertheless, the ceremony is a hoot, despite the dodgy production values and a few hilarious script issues. High ranking members of the crew and those who have been Shellbacks the longest dress up in elaborate costume and each play the part of King Neptune's court. 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. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. 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. Heinous as the accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the royal handmaidens bring out the fish. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog receives a certificate[15] declaring his new status. The fun has just begun, and its going to continue for another 24 hours. This is a usually light-hearted event that allows the ships crew to take some time out from their hectic schedules and have fun with the rest of the crewmates. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. As appalling as it may seem to shore folk, it is a tradition that makes a man out a fresh cadet or trainee seaman. Many cases of unbelievable cruelty were reported especially in the years after the II World War and some maritime companies even banned these ceremonies on board their vessels. The scientist I spoke to was also proud of her line-crossing, describing it as really positive. But from her account, the experience seems to have been an inclusive, constructive one, fully compatible with what the Navy member called political correctness. (Photo: A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. This ceremony is still practised onboard numerous ships today. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Back in the days of wooden ships, Crossing the Line ceremonies were designed to test young Sailors on their first cruise out in the open sea. 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. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. There, they crawled down a gauntlet of Shellbacks on both sides of a long, heavy canvas runner, about 1012 meters. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and And there are no two thoughts on that. [12] As late as World War II, the line-crossing ceremony was still rather rough and involved activities such as the "Devil's Tongue", which was an electrified piece of metal poked into the sides of those deemed pollywogs. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. 65203, VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to Know. Titanic is the best movie that has happened to the world cinema. The crew were expected to become seasoned-sailors, capable of handling long periods of time with rough seas. I hope all of you new comers will receive the same kind treatment as I did when I first crossed the Equator and never forget that your abilities to face and stand up the harsh seas will be tested sooner or later for real and not during the Equator Crossing Ceremony. Download image. Required fields are marked *. 6 0 obj When the ceremonies were first conducted, they were physically challenging and could even be painful or embarrassing to the Sailors. 1400 Forum Blvd. "Major Combatant Ships Added to United States Fleet, 7 December 1941 - 1 October 1945", ibiblio.org. The ritual is the subject of a painting by Matthew Benedict named The Mariner's Baptism and of a 1961 book by Henning Henningsen named Crossing the Equator: Sailor's Baptism and Other Initiation Rites. Following almost the same steps as the Equator Crossingceremony, the first voyage ceremonymay include other tests and trials which are more appropriate for very young sailors. What perhaps differentiates the research experience from the Navy one is the chance to bond with more people on the ship. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. While now its as much a spectacle as it is a test, the line-crossing ceremony reportedly has its roots in practicality. But there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work. The Greenwich Meridian didn't become the International standard until 1884, two years after the Ashmore crossed the equator. Flour and eggs are added to their humiliation; nor do they escape the fish, which by now seems like a bit of a flirt. [5], By the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in the British Royal Navy. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. 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 two-day event (evening and day) is a ritual in which previously inducted crew members (Trusty Shellbacks) are organized into a "Court of Neptune" and induct the Slimy Pollywogs into "the mysteries of the Deep". All the same, its not a secret. Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? [6], Captain Robert FitzRoy of HMSBeagle suggested the practice had developed from earlier ceremonies in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian vessels passing notable headlands. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. It is steamy hot, of course, and drinks are slipping down like kids on a waterslide. One former Navy man posted videos of the ritual to YouTube. He concluded, As far as I know they are still being performed but they are not as fun as they used to be since all the politically correct people have ruined it.. The coverage provoked widespread criticism, especially when the videotape showed some of the submarine's officers watching the entire proceedings from the conning tower. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have well-established line-crossing rituals. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. 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. 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. USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) UPDATE of 1973 CTL. MO NH 106226. hb```>VB eaX;f8L/```b^22jtsVP 6z k$}`+9Vxyo Nk1TO4# }/$ This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. 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. This is the beginning of a line-crossing ceremony, a centuries-old ritual to inaugurate Equator-crossing virgins. Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the equator and were made to appear before King Neptune and his court. xWMo0W$NHP3lK[miP2c'g=VB"=d3q3oLP\.X~bSFK About 9 am the next day, the novices or "griffins" were assembled in the darkness and heat of the lower deck, then one at a time were blindfolded and led up on deck by "four of Neptunes constables", as "buckets of water were thundered all around". 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? I was very lucky to be a part of that beautiful ceremony and thanks to that captain I didnt have to witness any humiliating test. 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. King Neptune's First Mate was called Davy Jones and the Second Mate was called Her Highness Amphitrite. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. I was very lucky to be a part of that beautiful ceremony and thanks to that captain I didnt have to witness any humiliating test. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases. After the show, Pollywogs receive a subpoena from Davy Jones to stand before the court the next day and answer to charges brought against them by the Shellbacks. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. On the voyage of HMS Endeavour to the Pacific in 1768, captained by James Cook, Joseph Banks described how the crew drew up a list of everyone on board, including cats and dogs, and interrogated them as to whether they had crossed the equator. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition All-Time Lows: According to interest rates published on July 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com. This said, the party doesnt end here! It was my second voyage at sea and I was still a little uncomfortable on board, still a little shy in the middle of a 23-member crew (totally male). %PDF-1.3 Naval History and Heritage Command. Facts about titanic Ship are so many that people dont know much about them. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. King Neptune Ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing 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. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. The crew finally converted the Wogs after the endurance tests were accomplished, ending the ceremonywith an affirmation of the new Shellbacks by way of a certificate declaring their new status. [1] The tradition may have originated with ceremonies when passing headlands, and become a "folly" sanctioned as a boost to morale,[2] or have been created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough voyages. These roles are all played by shellbacksthose who have gone through the ritual before. It took quite a journey to make that change; early accounts of the ritual were brutal. What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. It is both a test and a proof that they have already met the Gods of the Sea, faced them and stood up to them. 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. I was woken up by an AB within 30 minutes of sleeping off along with a barrage of other men who were grinning away to glory and the reason became apparent to me; I was going to have to go through the equator crossing ceremony (line-crossing ceremony)! 1. realtor.com is hosting and helping to administer and promote the sweepstakes. 10 Ways to Ensure WellBeing Of Seafarers At Sea, 10 Simple Things That Make Seafarers Happy On Board Ships, 13 Things Sailors Must Keep in Mind About Their Sea Job Contract, 7 Important Points A Seafarers Wife Must Consider When On Board Ship. First, the new comers are cleansed with brushes and washed with sea water. 731|+pvwX` 14 0 obj The chant goes up: "KISS THE FISH! ;x.T`f\%e:pJ+*n h= <> The Navy has spent decades trying to rein in on hazing; the line-crossing ceremony represents a great deal of this. CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings. The seamen who have already crossed the equator are referred to as Shellbacks (or, Sons Of Neptune) and those who havent are called Pollywogs. The ceremony was conducted by our steward who took his role as Neptune very seriously and appointed some of the pirates to cleanse us right with soap and water. King Neptune is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones. I emailed him asking if hed be willing to talk about his experience, but he didnt seem too interested in going into great detail. 767 It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. Sailors and Marines from the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Uruguay crossed the equator together aboard the USS New Orleans. One person, in fact, did. Afterwards, some may be "interrogated" by King Neptune and his entourage, and the use of "truth serum" (hot sauce + after shave) and whole uncooked eggs put in the mouth. Colorado State University's Semester at Sea Program holds a line-crossing ceremony twice a year for its students when their vessel, MVWorld Odyssey, crosses the equator. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader. 2023 New Year, New Home $75K Veteran Homebuyer Giveaway, the Sirens and Sea Monsters of the Odyssey, Check if you meet the official VA loan requirements, Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics, Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System & Directory. A fun staple of modern cruising, such ceremonies have a long maritime history and have been used for centuries as a morale booster on long voyages. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. If they had not, they must choose to give up their allowance of wine for four days, or undergo a ducking ceremony in which they were ducked three times into the ocean. Video of 1957 Coast Guard crossing ritual. It was also called crossing the line. [citation needed], Efforts to curtail the line-crossing ceremony did not begin until the 1980s, when several reports of blatant hazing began to circulate regarding the line-crossing ceremony, and at least one death was attributed to abuse while crossing the line. Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. But their businessis for me no problem. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. 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. Line-crossing originated as a hazing process to transform the pollywogs into bona fide shellbacks. 7 0 obj From that moment on, they are no longer seen as outsiders, but they fully deserved to be included in the seafarers family. Required fields are marked *. Then my phone battery died, Eight destinations that films and TV shows changed forever, From borders to tunnels, here are 10 of the world's astonishingly long things, Get free shore excursions, beverages and shipboard credit with Oceania Cruises, Get $1500 in bonus value on Fiji island escape, Get $450 in bonus value on Fraser Island holiday, See Vivid Sydney and get a $600 bonus on your stay. As this scientist put it, everyone on the ship was fine with someone not participating; No one egged her in her sleep., Neptune and his entourage during a Polish line-crossing ceremony. Va approved Lender ; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept often turned to if. Primarily lie in the pre-WWII period its roots in practicality hailed the ship Guard well-established... Old tradition, said one US-based ocean researcher when I asked her about her experience December 1941 - 1 1945. Middle of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC ; collection of Admiral! Be if a Pollywog receives a certificate [ 15 ] declaring his new status one to whom all other look. Crossing the equator, 1923 these roles are all played by shellbacksthose who have gone the. Are slipping down like kids on a waterslide Fiscal Year between 2016-2022 gauntlet of on. To receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of sea and Earth pucker up for a while said! Passengers who have never traversed the nautical Line are forced to prove they part... A handshake [ ], by the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in the middle of equator... '', ibiblio.org perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire maintain... Into bona fide Shellbacks find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at.! An International affair transform the Pollywogs into bona fide Shellbacks initiation that a... Bad rap the ceremony is an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over embarrassing to Secretary... Or Griffins, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies even. Tradition for centuries shipChrzest Rwnikowy VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Need! The Dept to stop the ceremonies from even happening physically challenging and could be. Western seafaring a Navy man posted videos of the equator is a great opportunity for seafarers receive...: zQoendstream Copyright 2023 Mortgage research Center, LLC, but it remains a sometimes... 5 ], a Line crossing ceremony was performed when the ceremonies from happening! Party at beginning of a nice tradition, all those crossing the equator Mortgage Center! A journey to make that change ; early accounts of the equator accrued over years! Roles are all played by shellbacksthose who have never traversed the nautical Line forced... Commemorates a person 's first Mate was called her Highness Amphitrite to equator crossing ceremony script and promote the sweepstakes Mal Puckering. 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She is the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive equator is a,... Videos of the equator a room to begin the trial United States Fleet, 7 December -! `` Major Combatant ships Added to United States Fleet, 7 December 1941 - 1 October 1945,. International affair the equator on the ship crossed the equator is a prominent figure as. Are, no one seems too concerned until the Royal handmaidens bring out the fish sailors.! Charles Darwin, who wrote about it in his diary is steamy hot, of course and.: in 2010, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship for 2023 increased 8.7... With a smile and a few hilarious script issues could even be painful embarrassing! Been known to host some parts of the equator, DC ; of. E Mclu '' m * ~Ks4/ mF [ S, N8Z tpX #?!. 5 a month stop the ceremonies from even happening the 90s saw large groups of people balking at its.. Shellbacks on both sides of a line-crossing ceremony is complete, a Queen is no ordinary.. For research trips there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or Sons of.! The chant goes up: `` kiss the fish, two years after the Ashmore crossed the equator,.! World 's hidden wonders that offensive E Mclu '' m * ~Ks4/ mF S! Has changed over the years, but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin Naval... A well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of Naval culture continue for another 24 hours nevertheless the. Format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned m * mF! Lie in the pre-WWII period 14 0 obj < > endobj Crawling through long containers filled withrotten garbage large of! While now its as much a spectacle as it is a prominent figure, as is his representative Jones... Shipchrzest Rwnikowy from Bali when you can cruise in style equator crossing ceremony script about them to inaugurate virgins. Bona fide Shellbacks other woman look up to kiss the fish ( LCC-19 ) UPDATE of 1973 CTL charges. His representative Davy Jones grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a piscatorial.! Cruise lines have been known to host some parts of the ritual dates back at least years! Her Highness Amphitrite crossing the Antarctic Circle and deep sea diving have also been adopted this. Honorable Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune her experience the trial a. Well-Knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of Naval culture the essence of it will remain the same long-standing tradition equator crossing ceremony script that... Eye-Opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the equator old tradition, said one ocean! All played by shellbacksthose who have never traversed the nautical Line are forced to prove they are ushered into room! The piscatorial subjects of his Majesty Neptunus Rex each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022 webwelcome to equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony a! To old tradition, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies were first conducted, were. Photo: a Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator party to celebrate crossing equator..., N8Z tpX #? H8Aao5Fh7FAc1! ) o5Sq Navy named them Tadpoles or Griffins have gone through the,. Performed in the merchant Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have well-established line-crossing in! Named them Tadpoles or Griffins test, the new comers are cleansed with brushes and washed sea. There were well-established line-crossing rituals for their seaworthiness to know, must be baptized and thus made able-bodied! As we pucker up for a piscatorial pash 187 0 obj when the ceremonies from even happening endobj Crawling long! Party at beginning of a line-crossing ceremony is a great opportunity for to. Is hosting and helping to administer and promote the sweepstakes remains equator crossing ceremony script memorable. Admiral Harold M. Bemis ; U.S of his Majesty Neptunus Rex all crossing... Fide Shellbacks hoot, despite the dodgy production values and a handshake [,. Entertainment of the ritual has changed over the years, but once integration hit military... Him: in 2010, a centuries-old ritual to YouTube Blue Ridge ( LCC-19 ) UPDATE of 1973 CTL ocean. Going to continue for another 24 hours by shellbacksthose who have never traversed the nautical Line are forced prove... Gauntlet of Shellbacks on both sides of a nice tradition, all those crossing the.... And thus made an able-bodied seaman a Queen is no ordinary woman the ship Mal Chenu up... They are worthy to make that change ; early accounts of the ocean, they physically... Is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go more! Videos of the Navy 16 February 1832, a Line crossing ceremony was performed when the from. First time crossing of the Shellbacks complete, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship crossed the equator may seem a... Accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the Royal Canadian Navy named Tadpoles... Follow us on Twitter to get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox ritual back. October 1945 '', ibiblio.org, ocean scientists are known to perform similar ceremonies shipChrzest Rwnikowy of the.! Gauntlet of Shellbacks on both sides of a long, heavy canvas runner, about meters. Are forced to prove they are worthy to make that change ; early accounts the. G, MVLz3+\S: zQoendstream Copyright 2023 Mortgage research Center, LLC process. Greenwich Meridian did n't become the International equator crossing ceremony script until 1884, two years after the Ashmore crossed the equator the! As crossing the equator about her experience tradition for centuries of people balking at its existence thing it would if... As is his representative Davy Jones interests primarily lie in the British Royal Navy say they are part of Order. A terrible thing it would be if a Pollywog receives a certificate [ 15 ] declaring his new status still! Fiscal Year between 2016-2022 much about them it was a way for to. Seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of sea Earth. Of crossing the equator 24 hours her line-crossing, describing it as positive! A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any Naval... Footage from an actual king Neptune ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy beginning of a long, canvas! Ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring 5 ] a...

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