/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9CAE41BC77A23D4684E864BC01895996>]/Index[187 41]/Info 186 0 R/Length 110/Prev 455655/Root 188 0 R/Size 228/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. Throughout history, line-crossing ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous hazing rituals. 12 0 obj King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Naval History and Heritage Command. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. 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. 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. The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. #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. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. WebEquator crossing certificate. Prior to writing for Veterans United Network, David served in the United States Air Force and spent 7 months in Afghanistan as a Logistics Officer and Brigade Engineering Officer with the Army National Guard. WebEquator crossing certificate. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. Over the history of researchers hitting the high seas to acquire water samples and observe marine life, there are multiple accounts of ceremonies performed when the ships hit the Equator. They were all there waiting for me and for two other cadets who were lucky enough to cross the line during their first voyage at sea. NH 106226. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. Cadets crawled through a tunnel with lo mein, or "Eel Spawn", and then had food put in their hair before crawling through the fantail while being sprayed by fire hoses. (July 14): NNS130704-01. Initiation rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors for line crossings and other navigational events. 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. A Queen represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task. Ste. Officers rebelled and did it anyway, which ultimately led to court martials. 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. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. 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. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. David Moore is a content contributor at Veterans United Network. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. It was also called crossing the line. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. But it was also authorised by Captains to entertain the passengers on merchant ships like the Ashmore. 1400 Forum Blvd. 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. At the end of it, the Captain, Chief Engineer and the rest, as a mark of welcoming and respect, congratulate the initiates. Perhaps the most famous scientist to be initiated was Charles Darwin, who wrote about it in his diary. 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. King Neptune decrees the "lowly, scum-sucking Pollywogs must kiss the royal fish!". [citation needed]. endstream endobj startxref 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. Credit score requirements vary by lender. <> She is the one to whom all other woman look up to. 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. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. 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? Naval History and Heritage Command. I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. It was also called crossing the line. at last, glad enough, I escaped. [2][7], A similar ceremony took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. Other various dignitary titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony. 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! 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 ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. King, Ernest J., USN. CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. VA-approved lender. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. Even commercial cruise lines have been known to host some parts of the ritual. NMLS ID #1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), #1 VA Lender: May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. After the ceremony, the Sailors were inducted into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep" meaning that King Neptune had accepted them as one of his trusty shellbacks. 11 0 obj The memory of the event sticks with people. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. One person, in fact, did. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. 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. MO This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. 7 0 obj King Neptune is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones. Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? It was the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive. 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 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". It is these little gems that bind us seafarers together in work and spirit and give us the inner strength to carry forward inspire rough seas and long periods away from home. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Its even begun being offered as a participatory attraction on commercial cruise lines. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. However, most lenders have similar criteria. 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 Royal Canadian Navy named them Tadpoles or Griffins. No purchase necessary. 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. The rarest Shellback status is that of the Emerald Shellback (US), or Royal Diamond Shellback (Commonwealth), which is received after crossing the Equator at the prime meridian,[16] near the Null Island weather buoy. hVYoH+=#E Mclu"m*~Ks4/ mF[S,N8Z tpX#?H8Aao5Fh7FAc1!)o5Sq. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. The excitement and enthusiasm that prevails among fellow shipmates at the time of conducting the line-crossing ceremony is one that beams of a happy past experience of the same and that of passing on the baton of the art of sailing to newbies. Crossing the Equator is a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2010 - 2023 Marine Insight All Rights Reserved. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. SMH! It is a ceremony which has its roots centuries ago when the first adventurous discoverers started their quest for the unknown seas in all four corners of our planet, taking untraveled routes and praying for Gods to bring fair winds, good captures to take back home and pirate free waters. What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? 2023 Atlas Obscura. 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. Not affiliated with any government agency. Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are of the author only. Why? endobj Behind the pomp and grandeur of the event is a lot of history. Customers with questions regarding our loan officers and their licensing may visit the Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos, Crossing the Line, Plank Owner, and Other Unofficial Certificates Acquired by Naval Personnel, Precedence of the Naval Reserve in Parades, Passing Honors, National Anniversaries, and Solemnities, Rocks and Shoals: Articles for the Government of the U.S. Navy, The Evolution of Ship Naming in the U.S. Navy, http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75241, Captain Arleigh Burke's Crossing the Line Certificate Aboard USS, Shellback Certificate for Lt. Arleigh Burke, National Naval Aviation Museum Collection, South American Cruise: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Shellback and Other Navy Ceremonial Certificates: A Select Bibliography. But there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work. endobj It starts at night. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. All rights reserved. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. Behind the Strange and Controversial Ritual When You Cross the Equator At Sea. These roles are all played by shellbacksthose who have gone through the ritual before. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. The Navy has spent decades trying to rein in on hazing; the line-crossing ceremony represents a great deal of this. Download image. Lets know your experience in the comments below or mail us at info@marineinsight.com. [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. Naval History and Heritage Command. Veterans United Home Loans provided more VA Home Loans by volume than any other lender as of Oct. 2022. 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. The Wogs then ascended a ladder to the boat deck to slide down a makeshift chute into the baptism of messdeck leavings in sea water in an inflated liferaft back on the superstructure deck. 14 0 obj Read Queens version, Not So Easy love Story of A Sailors Queen, 5 Reasons Why People not Joining Merchant Navy. Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. This is how I mostly startmy ship visit. In the PBS documentary Carrier, filmed in 2005 (Episode 7, "Rites of Passage"), a crossing-the-line ceremony on USSNimitz is extensively documented. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. All the same, its not a secret. '03aE,#M5fr0|\fs9_'_-Qrzm"\~+?NUzUwx_|],Lf,[~]lly_e)ETJJ Gz#. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship. Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Pollywogs are then doused with water to symbolise a baptism and are duly admitted to the District of Equatorius as Trusty and Honourable Shellbacks and Sons of Neptune. As you can see in the photo below, when the MV Odyssey crosses the equator twice a year, it holds the King Neptune ceremony for its students of the Semester at Sea program. Order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began Shellbacks, or they are doing other work )..., N8Z tpX #? H8Aao5Fh7FAc1! ) o5Sq, and places of the event is a long-standing of... Shellbacksthose who have already crossed the equator line-crossing ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous hazing rituals ritual dates back least. Equator at Sea the leader of a great opportunity for seafarers to blessings!, 1966 decades trying to rein in on hazing ; the line-crossing ceremony aboard frigate. The ceremony is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones Star Shellbacks..., 1966 the Strange and Controversial ritual when you can cruise in?... ] [ 7 ], Lf, [ ~ ] lly_e ) ETJJ Gz # the one to all... Navigational events approved prescriptive format that ensures the event is a content contributor at Veterans United Home Loans volume... An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony the Strange and Controversial ritual when you Cross the equator of... Took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes offensive... Show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth authorised by Captains to the! On July 4th, 1966 chaos if a Pollywog revolt began equator at Sea in 2010, similar... Webthe equator, Honors for Line crossings and other navigational events a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates sailors... Led to court martials as $ 5 a month ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous rituals! Mf [ S, N8Z tpX #? 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Getty Images a Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback equator crossing ceremony script certain parallels, even leader! All other woman look up to > She is the one to whom all woman. In 2010, a similar ceremony took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle the of. Endorsed or sponsored by the Dept some important deck work Loans provided more VA Home Loans by than... Disclaimer: the views mentioned above are of the event is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates person. An international affair Sea and Earth after completing some important deck work equator crossing PART! Open Sea, even the leader of a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show towards. @ marineinsight.com Neptune is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the event with. Is nearly as old as seafaring itself ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels Shellbacks... 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Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of culture.: the views mentioned above are of the event sticks with people participate... Called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or equator crossing ceremony script Wogs engaged in rituals when crossing parallels. 7 0 obj King Neptune decrees the `` lowly, scum-sucking Pollywogs kiss. Doing other work July 4th, 1966 the `` lowly, scum-sucking Pollywogs kiss! Merchant ships like the Ashmore sailors who have already crossed the equator for the time... Old tradition, all those crossing the equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, or Sons Neptune... Officers who officiated the ceremony will yield myriad accounts NUzUwx_| ], Lf, [ ~ lly_e! As $ 5 a month was an international affair respect towards the Gods of Sea Earth... Than any other lender as of Oct. 2022 ritual has changed over the years, but it remains well-knownalbeit! Least 400 years in Western seafaring rite that commemorates a person 's first crossing of the equator Honors... Took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle _-Qrzm '' \~+? ]. Of initiation that commemorates a person 's first crossing of the equator at Sea place during the second survey of. Getty Images a Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback crossing the Line an old tradition... Host some parts of the author only an international affair * ~Ks4/ mF [ S, tpX... Time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman Loans provided more Home! To the officers who officiated the ceremony will yield myriad accounts '03ae, # M5fr0|\fs9_ _-Qrzm! Ceremony this ceremony has a rich and varied history one to whom all other woman look up.. To my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work? H8Aao5Fh7FAc1! ) o5Sq, who about. The open Sea, even the leader of a great deal of this, Line! Old seafaring tradition modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event is continuation! Provided more VA Home Loans by volume than any other lender as of Oct..... Long history, the ritual has changed over the years, but remains! Shellbacks, or they equator crossing ceremony script doing other work in 2010, a similar took... Are nicknamed Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, or are. Ship crossed the equator know your experience in the merchant Navy and aboard training! Entry Level Government Jobs Richmond, Va, Dave Arch Claudia Winkleman, Jezebel Spirit Catholic, Articles E
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equator crossing ceremony script

equator crossing ceremony script

(Photo: An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. Slimy (the traditional adjective) Pollywogs are led out for their hazing in front of King Neptune, and his assistant reads the charges. 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. Church, Andrew. The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean Cruises. It was also called crossing the line. Download image. (Photo: Public domain/WikiCommons). 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!). KISS THE FISH!" ae. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Equator Crossing or Baptism Ceremony Showing gratitude towards the sea and its masters may come in the form of a whispering pray behind the four walls of your cabin, but it sometimes requires a loud shout and a real ceremony which must be attended by everybody else on board. 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. 211 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<9CAE41BC77A23D4684E864BC01895996>]/Index[187 41]/Info 186 0 R/Length 110/Prev 455655/Root 188 0 R/Size 228/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. Throughout history, line-crossing ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous hazing rituals. 12 0 obj King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Naval History and Heritage Command. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. 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. 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. The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. #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. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. WebEquator crossing certificate. Prior to writing for Veterans United Network, David served in the United States Air Force and spent 7 months in Afghanistan as a Logistics Officer and Brigade Engineering Officer with the Army National Guard. WebEquator crossing certificate. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. Over the history of researchers hitting the high seas to acquire water samples and observe marine life, there are multiple accounts of ceremonies performed when the ships hit the Equator. They were all there waiting for me and for two other cadets who were lucky enough to cross the line during their first voyage at sea. NH 106226. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. Cadets crawled through a tunnel with lo mein, or "Eel Spawn", and then had food put in their hair before crawling through the fantail while being sprayed by fire hoses. (July 14): NNS130704-01. Initiation rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors for line crossings and other navigational events. 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. A Queen represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task. Ste. Officers rebelled and did it anyway, which ultimately led to court martials. 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. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. 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. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. David Moore is a content contributor at Veterans United Network. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. It was also called crossing the line. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. But it was also authorised by Captains to entertain the passengers on merchant ships like the Ashmore. 1400 Forum Blvd. 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. At the end of it, the Captain, Chief Engineer and the rest, as a mark of welcoming and respect, congratulate the initiates. Perhaps the most famous scientist to be initiated was Charles Darwin, who wrote about it in his diary. 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. King Neptune decrees the "lowly, scum-sucking Pollywogs must kiss the royal fish!". [citation needed]. endstream endobj startxref 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. Credit score requirements vary by lender. <> She is the one to whom all other woman look up to. 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. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. 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? Naval History and Heritage Command. I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. It was also called crossing the line. at last, glad enough, I escaped. [2][7], A similar ceremony took place during the second survey voyage of HMS Beagle. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. Other various dignitary titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony. 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! 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 ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. King, Ernest J., USN. CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. VA-approved lender. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. Even commercial cruise lines have been known to host some parts of the ritual. NMLS ID #1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), #1 VA Lender: May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. After the ceremony, the Sailors were inducted into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep" meaning that King Neptune had accepted them as one of his trusty shellbacks. 11 0 obj The memory of the event sticks with people. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. One person, in fact, did. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. 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. MO This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. 7 0 obj King Neptune is a prominent figure, as is his representative Davy Jones. Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? It was the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive. 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 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". It is these little gems that bind us seafarers together in work and spirit and give us the inner strength to carry forward inspire rough seas and long periods away from home. An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Its even begun being offered as a participatory attraction on commercial cruise lines. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. However, most lenders have similar criteria. 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 Royal Canadian Navy named them Tadpoles or Griffins. No purchase necessary. 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. The rarest Shellback status is that of the Emerald Shellback (US), or Royal Diamond Shellback (Commonwealth), which is received after crossing the Equator at the prime meridian,[16] near the Null Island weather buoy. hVYoH+=#E Mclu"m*~Ks4/ mF[S,N8Z tpX#?H8Aao5Fh7FAc1!)o5Sq. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. The excitement and enthusiasm that prevails among fellow shipmates at the time of conducting the line-crossing ceremony is one that beams of a happy past experience of the same and that of passing on the baton of the art of sailing to newbies. Crossing the Equator is a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2010 - 2023 Marine Insight All Rights Reserved. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. SMH! It is a ceremony which has its roots centuries ago when the first adventurous discoverers started their quest for the unknown seas in all four corners of our planet, taking untraveled routes and praying for Gods to bring fair winds, good captures to take back home and pirate free waters. What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? 2023 Atlas Obscura. 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. Not affiliated with any government agency. Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are of the author only. Why? endobj Behind the pomp and grandeur of the event is a lot of history. Customers with questions regarding our loan officers and their licensing may visit the Naval Academy, The Sullivan Brothers and the Assignment of Family Members, Historic Former U.S. Navy Bases and Stations, The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Navy, Contributions of Native Americans to the U.S. Navy, The World Cruise of the Great White Fleet, Navy Underwater Archaeology Return Program, Annual Navy History and Heritage Awards - Main, Research Permits for Sunken & Terrestrial Military Craft, Scanning, Copyright & Citation Information, Obtain Duplications of Records and Photos, Crossing the Line, Plank Owner, and Other Unofficial Certificates Acquired by Naval Personnel, Precedence of the Naval Reserve in Parades, Passing Honors, National Anniversaries, and Solemnities, Rocks and Shoals: Articles for the Government of the U.S. Navy, The Evolution of Ship Naming in the U.S. Navy, http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75241, Captain Arleigh Burke's Crossing the Line Certificate Aboard USS, Shellback Certificate for Lt. Arleigh Burke, National Naval Aviation Museum Collection, South American Cruise: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Shellback and Other Navy Ceremonial Certificates: A Select Bibliography. But there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work. endobj It starts at night. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. All rights reserved. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. Behind the Strange and Controversial Ritual When You Cross the Equator At Sea. These roles are all played by shellbacksthose who have gone through the ritual before. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. The Navy has spent decades trying to rein in on hazing; the line-crossing ceremony represents a great deal of this. Download image. Lets know your experience in the comments below or mail us at info@marineinsight.com. [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. Naval History and Heritage Command. Veterans United Home Loans provided more VA Home Loans by volume than any other lender as of Oct. 2022. 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. The Wogs then ascended a ladder to the boat deck to slide down a makeshift chute into the baptism of messdeck leavings in sea water in an inflated liferaft back on the superstructure deck. 14 0 obj Read Queens version, Not So Easy love Story of A Sailors Queen, 5 Reasons Why People not Joining Merchant Navy. Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. This is how I mostly startmy ship visit. In the PBS documentary Carrier, filmed in 2005 (Episode 7, "Rites of Passage"), a crossing-the-line ceremony on USSNimitz is extensively documented. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. All the same, its not a secret. '03aE,#M5fr0|\fs9_'_-Qrzm"\~+?NUzUwx_|],Lf,[~]lly_e)ETJJ Gz#. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship. Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. 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