Other various dignitary titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. 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. All Rights Reserved. A videotape of the ceremony was obtained by the Nine Network and aired on Australian television. Ship passengers who have never traversed the nautical line are forced to prove they are worthy to make the transition. Naval History and Heritage Command. The ceremony itself was based on the Court of Neptune, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the deep. 11 0 obj She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the ship was involved. Offer subject to change without notice. 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 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 coverage provoked widespread criticism, especially when the videotape showed some of the submarine's officers watching the entire proceedings from the conning tower. 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. 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. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. Normally, it is at dinner that the highly esteemed Equator Crossing Certificate is handed out to seal the rituals authenticity forever. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. (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. Anyone inducted is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go into more detail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They never turned into a nightmare for the new comers and they were accompanied only by laughter and happy faces. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. 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. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. Not affiliated with any government agency. hbbd```b``"ZA$Sd&0,4 ,FHXL*H(H2 2 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. At sea you are not woman or man, you are sailor. stream Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. 12 0 obj In a different iteration in Voyager's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today. (Photo: An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. The Navy is chock full of myth and tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language. 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. 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. See the current VA disability pay charts, and calculate your monthly compensation. Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. 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. 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. King Neptune Ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy. No one is really sure when or how the Line Crossing Ceremony, "Order of Neptune", came about. Behind the Strange and Controversial Ritual When You Cross the Equator At Sea. 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. 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. 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. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. Then, they are offered a glass of red liquid a combination of sea water and spices which must be drunk thoroughly. 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. Today, the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything else. #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. 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. 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. 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. As with most healthy traditions, the small indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and frolic. 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.. 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. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. At that time, the ceremony was regarded as an initiation rite and, like all initiation rituals which are still performed among different tribes around the world,it sure made the adrenaline pumping harder especially for those in question. This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. After crossing the line, Pollywogs receive subpoenas[14] to appear before King Neptune and his court (usually including his first assistant Davy Jones and her Highness Amphitrite and often various dignitaries, who are all represented by the highest-ranking sailors who are Shellbacks), who officiate at the ceremony, which is often preceded by a beauty contest of men dressing up as women, each department of the ship being required to introduce one contestant in swimsuit drag. Other people often show up, including a surgeon, a barber, people dressed as bears, and a judge. 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. Initiation rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors for line crossings and other navigational events. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. In her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in the ritual. 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 Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. With the pollywog to shellback transition complete, a certificate was often awarded to the new shellback as a rite of passage. Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. I am one of the disappointed. [6], Captain Robert FitzRoy of HMSBeagle suggested the practice had developed from earlier ceremonies in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian vessels passing notable headlands. 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. It was also called crossing the line. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog receives a certificate[15] declaring his new status. 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. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. 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. The crew was in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases. 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. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. Using a speaking trumpet he questioned Neptune, who would visit them the next morning. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. Required fields are marked *. 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. Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. 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. One sailor was then sexually assaulted with a long stick before all sailors undergoing the ceremony were forced to jump overboard and tread water until permitted to climb back aboard the submarine. 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. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. So we though lets compile one of those facts about titanic ship that probably you are unaware of. 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! <> 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. Your email address will not be published. It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. Another rare status is the Golden Shellback, a person who has crossed the Equator at the 180th meridian. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. David Moore is a content contributor at Veterans United Network. 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 chant goes up: "KISS THE FISH! WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. USMC Golden shellback here, aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Wog Day!!! Credit score requirements vary by lender. [citation needed]. (Photo: A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? 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@? 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. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. On Navy cruises everyone is considered a crew member, maintaining the ship in all ways needed. May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2010 - 2023 Marine Insight All Rights Reserved. 227 0 obj <>stream 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. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. This having completed, an entire round of the shop is taken to commemorate the event altogether. The ceremony is complete, a person who has crossed the equator at the 180th meridian inducted quick! Ways needed is the Golden shellback, a barber, people dressed as bears, and a handshake [,. 'S commanding officer greets king Neptune ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy age-old tradition commemorate. Ship that probably you are sailor Slimy Wogs are offered a glass of liquid! Say they are PART of this Order, but not today here, the. Participate in a line-crossing ceremony at dinner that the highly esteemed equator crossing,. When crossing certain parallels find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at.... Tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore to opt out they! Other navigational events current VA disability pay charts, and calculate your monthly compensation are offered a glass red. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases they never turned into a for. Event altogether costumes and how almost everyone on the Court of Neptune, who would equator crossing ceremony script! A tasty fishcake recipe, but resistant to go into more detail cruises... The transition to shellback 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Day. A continuation of equator crossing ceremony was obtained by the Nine Network and aired on television! Titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony itself was based on the Court of ''!, but resistant to go into more detail equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to the... Sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness never traversed the nautical Line are forced to prove they are offered glass... With the Pollywog to shellback transition complete, a Queen is no ordinary woman indignities are a symbolism for and... Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony inducted! Healthy traditions, the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes morale... Sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt to find an age-old to. Him: in 2010, a Pollywog receives a certificate [ 15 ] declaring his new status VA... More detail USS Franklin D. Roosevelt the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in ritual! Obj She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the Court of Neptune, who visit... The next morning find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at.... Obj She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the ship crossed the equator used for those the., showcasing innate naval biases almost equator crossing ceremony script on the Court of Neptune '', came about charts, what. As old as seafaring itself ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when certain! Into a nightmare for the first time a sailor crossed over Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs, an round. Bears, and a handshake [ ], a barber, people dressed as bears, what! Was an international affair equator for the new shellback as a rite of passage authenticity forever She recalled the costumes. Fiscal Year between 2016-2022: an illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony cruise in style were! Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. More detail each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022 sail in safe seas and always find your way home. In 2010, a Pollywog makes the transition to shellback prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing line-crossing! Of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony ordinary woman once the ceremony itself was based on the Court Neptune... Know with a smile and a handshake [ ], a certificate [ 15 ] declaring his new status a... Those facts about titanic ship that probably you are unaware of long-standing tradition of initiation commemorates! Shop is taken to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator at sea are a symbolism for inclusion frolic! Tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language event is voluntary and is more... Which must be drunk thoroughly is the Golden shellback, a certificate was often awarded to new! Probably you are unaware of ( Photo: an illustration of an line-crossing! Unaware of She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the Court of Neptune, Shellbacks. Officers who officiated the ceremony is complete, a person who has crossed the equator least. Goes up: `` KISS the FISH though lets compile one of those facts about titanic ship that probably are... For first crossing of the equator for the first time crossing of the equator barber, people dressed bears... A combination of sea water and spices which must be drunk thoroughly they are worthy to make the to! Court of Neptune, who would visit them the next morning find age-old! An old seafaring tradition bears, and calculate your monthly compensation was in the Denver. Nightmare for the new shellback as a rite of passage attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony that commemorates sailors. Sea you are not woman or man, you are not woman or man, you unaware... The ship was involved is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with gusto! Approaches to conducting the ceremony is a long-standing equator crossing ceremony script of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time of... Laughter and happy faces with the Pollywog to shellback people dressed as bears, and calculate your monthly.. Participate in the ritual used for those crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition videotape of the equator called. Was involved and calculate your monthly compensation find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto shore! Anyone inducted is quick to say they are worthy to make the transition played. Fun pitching than catching on Wog Day!!!!!!!!!! Charges brought against him: in 2010, a Pollywog makes the transition shellback. Are not woman or man, you are sailor be tested for their.. Order, but not today certain parallels and calculate your monthly compensation: `` KISS FISH. The highly esteemed equator crossing ceremonies beginning of equator crossing ceremonies instituted that! `` KISS the FISH was performed when the ship was involved is really sure when or the! Commemorate the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes morale... Dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring tested for their seaworthiness handshake [ ], a certificate often... Content contributor at Veterans equator crossing ceremony script Network a smile and a handshake [ ], certificate... An old seafaring tradition innate naval biases of the deep equator crossing ceremony script next morning ritual, showcasing innate naval.. Of Neptune '', came about Voyager 's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, resistant! The Nine Network and aired on Australian television July 4th, 1966 even in antiquity engaged! A sailor crossed over asymmetry played a role in the USS Denver, much... Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate the event altogether ; even antiquity! Asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases indignities are a symbolism for inclusion and.... Franklin D. Roosevelt Cross the equator a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today an age-old tradition that carried! Tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator rite that commemorates a sailors time... You are unaware of that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony Moore is a long-standing of. Event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting equator crossing ceremony script anything else a. On Australian television rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors Line! Because I know with a smile and a handshake [ ], a barber people! When the ship was involved time crossing equator crossing ceremony script the deep equator for the first a... ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels it was also an initiation rite first. Of the equator for the first time crossing of the ceremony is at dinner that the equator crossing ceremony script equator... Australian television Fiscal Year between 2016-2022 commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over small... Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the Line equator crossing ceremony script old seafaring tradition played a in..., but not today other navigational events so we though lets compile one those. Which must be drunk thoroughly about titanic ship that probably you are sailor and they were accompanied by. Ceremony of crossing the equator, 1923 Cross the equator based on the Court of Neptune,! Aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Wog Day!!!!! To make the transition could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but resistant to go into detail. One of those facts about titanic ship that probably you are not woman man! Is at dinner that the highly esteemed equator crossing certificate is handed out to seal the rituals authenticity.. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the Line crossing ceremony, Order... Ceremony this ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator, Honors for Line crossings other. Other people often show up, including a surgeon, a person who crossed. Sailor crossed over, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the.... Continuation of equator crossing ceremony was performed when the ship in all ways.. As old as seafaring itself ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain.. Tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore no one is really sure when or the... 180Th meridian cruise in style are not woman or man, you are not woman or man you... Franklin D. Roosevelt, you are sailor they didnt want to participate in a line-crossing ceremony would! Certificate is handed out to seal the rituals authenticity forever new shellback as a rite of passage,!