Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. After breakfast, which is made too spicy for the Pollywogs to eat, the accused appear before King Neptune, who sits in judgment. 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Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are of the author only. 2022 by Kin & Kingdoms Books. 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. WebEquator crossing certificate. 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. 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. During the ceremony, the Pollywogs undergo a number of increasingly embarrassing ordeals (wearing clothing inside out and backwards; crawling on hands and knees on nonskid-coated decks; being swatted with short lengths of firehose; being locked in stocks & pillories and pelted with mushy fruit; being locked in a water coffin of salt-water and bright green sea dye [fluorescent sodium salt]; crawling through chutes or large tubs of rotting garbage; kissing the Royal Baby's belly coated with axle grease, hair chopping, etc. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. 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. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. 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!). 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. My fellow Pollywogs and I put on various grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a piscatorial pash. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. By the end of WW II, the United States Navy had added nearly 1,200 major combatant vessels to its combined fleet. Little did I know what was to happen! The Navy is chock full of myth and tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's 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. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. %PDF-1.3 The scepter is laid forth to mark this moment of truth. It was also called crossing the line. 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. 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. 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. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of 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. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. Much like a wedding, one experiences the joy of it just once, thus becoming a spectator for the all the others to come! Perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire to maintain the ritual unchanged. 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. A Queen represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task. Dancing, song, skits or poetry count among the merriment. 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 is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. [citation needed]. Made to kissan axle-greased Royal Babys Belly. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. % He actually told me that he had never agreed to humiliating or painful trials for the new comers because the strength of a real seafarer stays in his heart, his wisdom and his kindness and these qualities can not be tested through silly, humiliating or painful ordeals.. It looks like a trout, but the bloke who goes in for the full tongue action is definitely a groper. <> A feast is prepared at night for dinner with thorough fanfare. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. This ceremony is still practised onboard numerous ships today. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. I am one of the disappointed. ae. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. 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. 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. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. US Navy at War 1941-1945: Official Report to the Secretary of the Navy. When the ceremonies were first conducted, they were physically challenging and could even be painful or embarrassing to the Sailors. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, too, received a summons to appear before the sea god and pay his respects. 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 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. Perhaps the most famous scientist to be initiated was Charles Darwin, who wrote about it in his diary. In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Reflecting the popularity of tattoos among sailors, some people choose to get tattoos to mark that they have participated in a ceremony, such as an image of a shellback turtle or King Neptune. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? The Pollywogs are accused of various atrocities and crimes against humanity, including pushing in at the buffet, singing karaoke out of tune and dancing without rhythm. 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. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. 2023 Atlas Obscura. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. However, most lenders have similar criteria. 12 0 obj Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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 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. Honorable Shellbacks or Sons of Neptune was the namegiven to a sailor who has already crossed the equator. Thanks for reading and watching my BLINK. 1. realtor.com is hosting and helping to administer and promote the sweepstakes. [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. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. One of the men onboard are made to dress up as King Neptune, with the Trident scepter in hand and a crown for the glorious head! t a terrible thing it would be if a Navy man became gay. 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. My wife did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me. In this case, the whole ceremony can turn into a complete nightmare for the young seamen who would rather forget about the event than recording it in hundreds of photos and movies. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony-All About it. Pollywogs or Slimy Pollywogs were those who have not yet crossed the line. 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. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. 11 0 obj 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. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Taking liberties with the piscatorial subjects of His Majesty Neptunus Rex. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition 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. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. While now its as much a spectacle as it is a test, the line-crossing ceremony reportedly has its roots in practicality. (July 14): NNS130704-01. Throughout history, line-crossing ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous hazing rituals. 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). The most common joke played on younger members of the crew on the day of their first voyage ceremonyis the task of throwing a bucket full of water on the windward. But their businessis for me no problem. Read about: Joining Ship? 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. 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. 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. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Using a speaking trumpet he questioned Neptune, who would visit them the next morning. 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. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. 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. King, Ernest J., USN. 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. Titanic is the best movie that has happened to the world cinema. Pollywogs entertain the royal court with a talent show. What perhaps differentiates the research experience from the Navy one is the chance to bond with more people on the ship. An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. The Line Crossing Ceremony might just be the most interesting of today's naval traditions. [citation needed] Pollywogs (midshipmen and anyone else who had not crossed) ascended a ladder from the forecastle to the superstructure deck of the ship. ), largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. And yes, mostly I am welcomed on board. The crew was in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. People hear a knock on their door and they know it has begun. 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. NH 106226. She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the ship was involved. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. 1400 Forum Blvd. most of the others were treated much worse, dirty mixtures being put in their mouths & rubbed on their faces. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. KISS THE FISH!" Fortunately no head shaving but the foul mixture was foul in the extreme. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. King Neptune is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones. Lets know your experience in the comments below or mail us at info@marineinsight.com. However, the essence of it will remain the same. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. 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. It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. The ship's artist, Augustus Earle, made a sketch of the scene.[5]. For a while, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies from even happening. Other milestones such as crossing the Antarctic Circle and deep sea diving have also been adopted in this tradition. 1,200 major combatant vessels to its combined fleet know your experience in energy! 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