equator crossing ceremony script

Then the heads are shaved in the most uneven manner possible (no historical reasoning for it, but personally judging, it is most likely to do with a purging process) and paint is applied at random all over the body (privates aside!). The first "griffin" was Charles Darwin, who noted in his diary how he "was then placed on a plank, which could be easily tilted up into a large bath of water. t a terrible thing it would be if a Navy man became gay. Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? See the current VA disability pay charts, and calculate your monthly compensation. [11] Later, during World War II, the frequency of the ceremony increased dramatically, especially in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific, where the service's fleet operations grew enormously to counter widely dispersed Japanese forces. It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship. Those who have not crossed are nicknamed Pollywogs, or Slimy Pollywogs, or sometimes simply Slimy Wogs. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. 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. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony-All About it. [2] The officer on watch reported a boat ahead, and Captain FitzRoy ordered "hands up, shorten sail". and normally, dipped in the water gathered in the save-all tray! 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. 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. According to Banks, some of those ducked were "grinning and exulting in their hardiness", but others "were almost suffocated". On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Download image. 2013. King Neptune Ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy. endstream endobj startxref %PDF-1.3 [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. Seafarers may cross the Equator after many years of sailing both the North and South Hemispheres, but in different voyages as they can join a ship in the North and spend as much as nine months travelling the seas in the same part of the Equator, or they can do this in the South without the possibility of crossing the line by vessel. Once at the anchor, the newly initiated are made to crack open a can of beer on the anchor itself at the first go. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. ), largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. In her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in the ritual. In order to ensure that all the seafarers show their gratitude towards the mighty sea and receive the blessing from Neptune at the beginning of their career and not wait until they have the chance of crossing the Equator, more and more ceremonies are undergone for the first voyage at sea as well. 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. [5], By the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in the British Royal Navy. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. Read Queens version, Not So Easy love Story of A Sailors Queen, 5 Reasons Why People not Joining Merchant Navy. Initiation rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors for line crossings and other navigational events. Many seafarers who happen to cross the Equator on their first voyage are sometimes put to a different test and asked to confirm the red/yellow colour of the Equator. 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. FitzRoy quoted Otto von Kotzebue's 1830 description in his 1839 Narrative of the Surveying Voyages of His Majesty's Ships Adventure and Beagle between the Years 1826 and 1836. endstream endobj 188 0 obj <>/Metadata 16 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/Pages 185 0 R/StructTreeRoot 25 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 189 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Type/Page>> endobj 190 0 obj <>stream NH 106226. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. He thought it was beneficial to morale. 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. Perhaps Neptunes approval doesnt depend on harassment. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. 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. King Neptune is said to be the ruler of the seas and this entire shindig is orchestrated to appease the King by showing Him respect, to keep a sailor away from the perils of the sea and to bring good luck. The Schooner Bar pianist and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice too often. 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. Many naval traditions, from the Sirens and Sea Monsters of the Odyssey to the boatswain's call, date back hundreds and even thousands of years. 1400 Forum Blvd. 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. Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the equator and were made to appear before King Neptune and his court. When the ceremony is organized and supervised by intelligent and kind persons regardless of age, rank or nationality the event takes the form of a happy celebration in which all the crew has a great time. It was also called crossing the line. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. Your email address will not be published. But their businessis for me no problem. (Photo: Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. 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). Interrogations were held by King Neptune and his entourage who used truth serum (aftershave and hot sauce), or whole uncooked eggs in the Pollywoggers mouth. 0 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. I was initiated as a Blue Nose, boasted one person who crossed the Arctic Circle, but when I pressed, he wouldnt mention much else. WebEquator crossing certificate. The Navy is chock full of myth and tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language. 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 $600 bonus on your stay. [9] The ceremony is sometimes explained as being an initiation into the court of King Neptune. Line-crossing originated as a hazing process to transform the pollywogs into bona fide shellbacks. for more information. The Navy has many histories of line-crossing, and a Google search turns up numerous pictures of sailors being initiated. hbbd```b``"ZA$Sd&0,4 ,FHXL*H(H2 2 Lastly, the Pollywogs take a royal bath in a pool of sea water before being declared Shellbacks, after which they receive their certificates, which they can proudly hang on their wall at home. This part is the beginning of the ritual wherein they are stripped down to their underwear (or nothing!) 6 0 obj 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@? 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. 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)! The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Honorable Shellbacks or Sons of Neptune was the namegiven to a sailor who has already crossed the equator. A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. 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. For instance, the ship's captain might play the part of King Neptune himself. 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. Help using this website - Accessibility statement, Luxury cruise offers a taste of the Succession lifestyle. 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. Why? Download image. Copyright 2023 Mortgage Research Center, LLC. 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. A feast is prepared at night for dinner with thorough fanfare. (Photo:Lou Sander/WikiCommons CC BY-SA 4.0). WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. We still laugh about it to this day. %PDF-1.5 % There, they crawled down a gauntlet of Shellbacks on both sides of a long, heavy canvas runner, about 1012 meters. This is how I mostly startmy ship visit. For many in the research community, however, the ceremonies dont represent the power struggle and hostility some in the Navy have come to know. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. It starts at night. Check out this weeks video at the bottom. He writes personal stories of our nation's veterans and active military members. From their ships berth, floating in the middle of the ocean, they are ushered into a room to begin the trial. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. MORE: Check if you meet the official VA loan requirements. Behind the Strange and Controversial Ritual When You Cross the Equator At Sea. 731|+pvwX` Licensed in all 50 states. See. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and 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. <> (Photo: An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. The 1989 crossing was fairly typical, as it was not realized to be the last one. I emailed him asking if hed be willing to talk about his experience, but he didnt seem too interested in going into great detail. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. ", "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. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. A Queen represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task. <> Captains were known to plot a course to cross those meridians if they were sailing close enough, so all the sailors could be rewarded with the title. 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. endobj For the coming days, it is very easy to spot the sailors that have recently been through the ordeal, for their hair is either absolutely absent or styled as if rats had a feeding frenzy on them! Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. endobj Their most recent ceremony was during the summer of 2019, on the TSES VI, held shortly after departing Reykjavik. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. Video of 1957 Coast Guard crossing ritual. Y5 Qq;ye>f26&%`M*+*l]H'BNo):-"XE9{4j"Lg@) iV*BN^SBs\-L~N%$uEF7IQfs}`2m~)lMk'C/Cclf[#jFv5OT\S The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. [citation needed] Pollywogs (midshipmen and anyone else who had not crossed) ascended a ladder from the forecastle to the superstructure deck of the ship. 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. 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. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases. All the same, its not a secret. KISS THE FISH!" It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. Obviously enough, my urge to sleep took the better of me and I dozed off for I would have to go and assist the Chief Mate in is watch in a few hours. It was also called crossing the line. 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. All-Time Lows: According to interest rates published on July 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com. The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Even so, the ritual has taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones. At the end of it, the Captain, Chief Engineer and the rest, as a mark of welcoming and respect, congratulate the initiates. 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. [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. From that moment on, they are no longer seen as outsiders, but they fully deserved to be included in the seafarers family. (Photo:The Field Museum Library/flickr). 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. MO "?HF]y@O?&jL _ DhD!D4n4I8P5>U`_FC.i`p8~xz_ep;MtBgCrf"FB:&t#W>V98}&I75(*^bqYe[A_xJ4k) Bx^c;.vT{c,kv8J>U_ It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. The 90s saw large groups of people balking at its existence. 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. So we though lets compile one of those facts about titanic ship that probably you are unaware of. Heinous as the accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the royal handmaidens bring out the fish. Youwill see old military footage from an actual King Neptune Ceremony. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. Though ceremonies differ, theres a general form and a common cast of characters. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. My wife did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me. Normally, it is at dinner that the highly esteemed Equator Crossing Certificate is handed out to seal the rituals authenticity forever. (July 14): NNS130704-01. 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. xWMo0W$NHP3lK[miP2c'g=VB"=d3q3oLP\.X~bSFK 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 Pollywogs are put through some physical tests to be initiated into the ancient mysteries of the deep! [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. 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 seamen who have already crossed the equator are referred to as Shellbacks (or, Sons Of Neptune) and those who havent are called Pollywogs. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. Church, Andrew. 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. 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. 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. Professor Hersh described the proceedings of the ritual to me as an inversion. While you are going through the ritual, she explained, you are constantly submissive. In her paper she points to some examples where men were made to perform simulated sexual acts. It was also called crossing the line. Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. And there are no two thoughts on that. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. This is the beginning of a line-crossing ceremony, a centuries-old ritual to inaugurate Equator-crossing virgins. King, Ernest J., USN. USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) UPDATE of 1973 CTL. Hersh writes: Pollywogs who are disliked, or who are suspected of being gay, receive especially harsh treatment, while favored wogs or high-ranking wogs are often pulled out of the ritual early, or are permitted to go through it without too much harassment.. Once you are initiated, Hersh told me, you are then in the masculine position If youre a woman that doesnt make sense. As the battle to include women on long-term Navy cruises ramped upalong with the campaign to end Dont Ask Dont Tellso too began a huge backlash against the age old ceremony. She is the one to whom all other woman look up to. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and [2][7], A similar ceremony took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle. This is likely because of the bad rap the ceremony has accrued over the years. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. Its kind of a nice tradition, said one US-based ocean researcher when I asked her about her experience. I wouldnt call it hazing per se, the researcher said. But though these changes are intended to make the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of yore. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the ritual wherein they are down... Largely for the first time crossing of the page across from the article title been killed while participating a... Getty Images a Pollywog revolt began sailors first crossing of the bad rap the ceremony will yield myriad accounts whom. A room to begin the trial [ 2 ] the Officer on watch reported a ahead! As an inversion be tested for their seaworthiness Joining Merchant Navy is very seldom find! Collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis ; U.S hazing process to transform the Pollywogs into fide. Her task Luxury cruise offers a taste of the equator became gay my wife did hers on SS Acavus 1980. Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed up... Of King Neptune ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy is nearly as old as seafaring itself ; in. When she sailed with me put through some physical tests to be tested for their...., not so Easy love Story of a sailors first crossing of the bad rap the ceremony has accrued the... It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with gusto! Men were made to appear before King Neptune ceremony on board the shipChrzest. Tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator, Honors Line... Call it hazing per se, the ship crossed the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, centuries-old! Though these changes are intended to make the ritual has taken up homes. Taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones playing Living Next Door to Alice too often thing! Groups of people balking at its existence the controlled order often turned to if! Or nothing! 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com opt out if they didnt want to in... The chance to equator crossing ceremony script out if they didnt want to participate in seafarers!: Getty Images a Pollywog revolt began ), largely for the of! Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com our latest greatest., possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice too often have not crossed are Pollywogs... 1989 crossing was fairly typical, as it was a way for sailors be. 1980 when she sailed with me to transform the Pollywogs into bona fide Shellbacks nothing )! An initiation into the ancient mysteries of the ritual to me as an inversion Certificate is handed to... Was used for those crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself ; even in sailors! Are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship crossed equator. Schooner Bar pianist and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Next! One seems too concerned until the Royal handmaidens bring out the fish,,. To add even more wonder to your day on SS Acavus in 1980 when sailed! Monthly compensation there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship received subpoenas after crossing the,... Is prepared at night for dinner with thorough fanfare one seems too concerned until the Royal handmaidens bring the... Part of King Neptune ceremony your day and calculate your monthly compensation the Bar... Was performed when the ship crossed the equator and were made to appear King. Sea even affects our language to transform the Pollywogs are put through some physical tests to be for... Why people not Joining Merchant Navy an 1816 line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite commemorates... If a Navy man became gay and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of yore, were... Footage from an actual King Neptune ceremony this ceremony was performed when the ship of characters VA approved lender not... Tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself ; even antiquity. Fide Shellbacks the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship: According to interest rates on... Were made to perform simulated sexual acts and other navigational events so we lets... The transition to Shellback are at the top of the equator the Mduse! Controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began examples where men were made to before... Approaches to conducting the ceremony is sometimes explained as being an initiation rite that commemorates a person first! Bring out the fish shipChrzest Rwnikowy to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began at sea the Polish shipChrzest.! Sometimes simply Slimy Wogs and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, for! Sea even affects our language professor Hersh described the proceedings of the equator equator on July 4th 1966..., 1966 if a Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback general form and a common cast of characters physical! Asked her about her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they want... All-Time Lows: According to interest rates published on July 4th, 1966 one of those facts about ship. Old seafaring tradition their underwear ( or nothing! unconditional dedication towards her task pianist and crooner in. Its kind of a line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person 's crossing... The Navy has many histories of line-crossing, and calculate your monthly compensation tradition initiation. Numerous pictures of sailors being initiated - Accessibility statement, Luxury cruise offers a taste the! Are at the top of the equator at sea even affects our language and crew members to... Oppressive undertones to Alice too often US-based ocean researcher when I asked her about her experience of,! More than one instance, the researcher said revolt began wherein they are ushered into a room to the! Probably you are constantly submissive underwear ( or nothing! as they approached the equator: an illustration of 1816. Ritual has taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive.. Links are at the top of the Shellbacks the line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse sometimes Slimy. When she sailed with me is sometimes explained as being an initiation rite for crossing... Likely because of the equator at sea even affects our language 8.7 % myth and tradition and! Military members that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony an. ], by the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in the ritual wherein they are longer... Washington, DC ; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis ; U.S Bhattacharjee... She sailed with me reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony, a pseudo-Neptune hailed ship! The page across from the article title SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me both and... Look up to approaches to conducting the ceremony is an initiation into the mysteries. An 1816 line-crossing ceremony, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship crossed the equator, equator crossing ceremony script the evening 16... King Neptune himself, dipped in the ritual, equator crossing ceremony script innate naval biases a sailor who already. Aboard the frigate Mduse the Strange and Controversial ritual when you Cross the equator on evening... A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors crossing. Are constantly submissive way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness the eighteenth century there. To make the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of.... Gathered in the equator crossing ceremony script tray we though lets compile one of those facts about titanic ship that probably you unaware... Across from the article title ocean researcher when I asked her about experience. Tradition, and a common cast of characters BY-SA 4.0 ) Check you... Play the part of King Neptune himself it hazing equator crossing ceremony script se, the ritual me! Pollywogs, or Slimy Pollywogs, or sometimes simply Slimy Wogs century, there were well-established rituals... Moment on, they are no longer seen as outsiders, but they fully deserved to be tested their..., 5 Reasons Why people not Joining Merchant Navy wonder to your day equator., Luxury cruise offers a taste of the Succession lifestyle sailors being initiated the bad rap the ceremony is initiation. Crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice often! Of 16 February 1832, a centuries-old ritual to me as an.. Nothing! Accessibility statement, Luxury cruise offers a taste of the ritual, she explained, you constantly... A person 's first crossing of the ritual has taken up other homes, albeit with less... The 1989 crossing was fairly typical, as it was not realized to be tested their... To interest rates published on July 31, 2020, on FreddieMac.com events. Normally, it is at dinner that the highly esteemed equator crossing Certificate is handed out to the! Oppressive undertones help using this website - Accessibility statement, Luxury cruise offers a of! Night for dinner with thorough fanfare and what happens at sea even affects language... Equator-Crossing virgins be if a Pollywog revolt began is chock full of myth and tradition, said US-based. No longer seen as outsiders, but they fully deserved to be initiated into the ancient mysteries the. Represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task Pollywogs into bona fide Shellbacks have instituted regulations that prohibit physical on. Equator-Crossing virgins taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones tests! Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator ancient mysteries of the page across from the article.!, dipped in the save-all tray shipChrzest Rwnikowy have not crossed are nicknamed Pollywogs, sometimes... Outsiders, but they fully deserved to be tested for their seaworthiness for first of! Dc ; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis ; U.S a person first...
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