Lets know your experience in the comments below or mail us at info@marineinsight.com. 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. Officers rebelled and did it anyway, which ultimately led to court martials. NH 106226. Perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire to maintain the ritual unchanged. hb```>VB eaX;f8L/```b^22jtsVP 6z k$}`+9Vxyo Nk1TO4# }/$ The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. Columbia, #ashmore #sailingships #tallships #youngadult #historicalfiction #truestory #captain #shipsurgeon #interactiveadventure #kiwiauthor #immigration #youngadultfiction #kingneptune #ceremony #crossingthequator #shellbacks #pollywoggers #sonsofneptune. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. 731|+pvwX` WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. Wogs (all of the uninitiated) are allowed to capture and interrogate any Shellbacks they can find (e.g., tying them up, cracking eggs or pouring aftershave lotion on their heads). [2] The officer on watch reported a boat ahead, and Captain FitzRoy ordered "hands up, shorten sail". For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. It was also called crossing the line. So we though lets compile one of those facts about titanic ship that probably you are unaware of. Though ceremonies differ, theres a general form and a common cast of characters. 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. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. They never turned into a nightmare for the new comers and they were accompanied only by laughter and happy faces. There are still cases in which seafarers are put to difficult and embarrassing tests sometimes humiliating and even painful experiences in order to receive the blessing of a very unkind and unfair God.The ones who received the same harsh treatment years before are more likely to perform the same unkind ceremony on the new comers and the more humiliating the situation is the happier they are. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. % By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's It was also called crossing the line. 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. [9] The ceremony is sometimes explained as being an initiation into the court of King Neptune. 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. Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. Source: "Major Combatant Ships Added to United States Fleet, 7 December 1941 - 1 October 1945", ibiblio.org. 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. The transition flows from established order to the "controlled chaos" of the Pollywog Revolt, the beginnings of re-order in the initiation rite as the fewer but experienced enlisted crew converts the Wogs through physical tests, then back to, and thereby affirming, the pre-established order of officers and enlisted. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition 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. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. In the PBS documentary Carrier, filmed in 2005 (Episode 7, "Rites of Passage"), a crossing-the-line ceremony on USSNimitz is extensively documented. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. The scientist I spoke to was also proud of her line-crossing, describing it as really positive. But from her account, the experience seems to have been an inclusive, constructive one, fully compatible with what the Navy member called political correctness. 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. Naval History and Heritage Command. Cast of characters during a Crossing the Line ceremony, DANFS - Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Permitting Policy and Resource Management, The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: 20 Years Later, "Ex Scientia Tridens": The U.S. KISS THE FISH!" ;x.T`f\%e:pJ+*n h= According to Banks, some of those ducked were "grinning and exulting in their hardiness", but others "were almost suffocated". 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. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. If they had not, they must choose to give up their allowance of wine for four days, or undergo a ducking ceremony in which they were ducked three times into the ocean. 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. 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. 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 Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Some rites have discussed a role reversal as follows, but this is not always a normal feature, and may be dependent on whether a small number of Shellbacks exist to conduct the initiation. King Neptune goes to make an earnest speech and accepts the ushering of the sailor into the sea under the auspice of Her Majesty! There are other similar ceremonies for different locales including the Arctic and Antarctic Circle, the International Date Line, and others. 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. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. Credit score requirements vary by lender. 65203, VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to Know. 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. Their most recent ceremony was during the summer of 2019, on the TSES VI, held shortly after departing Reykjavik. WebEquator crossing certificate. (Photo: Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. 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. 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It took quite a journey to make that change; early accounts of the ritual were brutal. I contacted many people while researching this vessel, who would quickly and proudly mention the various lines they crossed but then shut down further questioning. In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. Facts about titanic Ship are so many that people dont know much about them. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The 90s saw large groups of people balking at its existence. NMLS ID #1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), #1 VA Lender: NH 106226. 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. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. However, the essence of it will remain the same. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. 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. 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. See the current VA disability pay charts, and calculate your monthly compensation. Did mine in 1978 in the Indian Ocean on the SS Lepeta. 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. Read about: Joining Ship? Crossing the Equator is a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth. The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 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. Your email address will not be published. There were pageants where wogs were forced to crossdress in front of their superiors, and then spend the rest of their day performing often degrading tasks. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. The ceremony is carefully orchestrated by the ship's officers, with some sailors reporting the events to be lackluster due to the removal of the rites of initiation. It was the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive. )\gXpj 4_M\ ot%H8#,}u{ XXej4nM+#I Download image. What is Maritime English and Why It Is Important? [5], By the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in the British Royal Navy. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. 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! 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. endobj Those who were not favored fared worse. 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. King Neptune's First Mate was called Davy Jones and the Second Mate was called Her Highness Amphitrite. <> The event often lasted two days and normally followed a standard transition. When the ceremonies were first conducted, they were physically challenging and could even be painful or embarrassing to the Sailors. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. I am one of the disappointed. The Schooner Bar pianist and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice too often. endobj 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. All the same, its not a secret. 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. 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. "We have the same sort of ceremony in my country," said Lt. j.g. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. The 1989 crossing was fairly typical, as it was not realized to be the last one. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and 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. All rights reserved. The eve of the equatorial crossing is called Wog Day and, as with many other night-before rituals, is a mild type of reversal of the day to come. endstream endobj startxref The ceremony itself was based on the Court of Neptune, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the deep. [citation needed]. For instance, blackface was a common element of it before World War II, but once integration hit the military that part stopped. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. 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). USMC Golden shellback here, aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Wog Day!!! Get the latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. Mind you, no harm or hurt is involved, however the minor embarrassments must be taken in the right spirit. In the last decades of the 20th century, the Crossing of the Equator or Equator Crossing Ceremony took the form of a joyous celebration meant to entertain the whole crew, by offering everybody on board a few hours of fun and relaxation. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. Download image. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. Retrieved June 7, 2017. stream The crew finally converted the Wogs after the endurance tests were accomplished, ending the ceremonywith an affirmation of the new Shellbacks by way of a certificate declaring their new status. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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!). I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. Thanks for reading and watching my BLINK. Even so, the ritual has taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. 18, 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. [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. About 9 am the next day, the novices or "griffins" were assembled in the darkness and heat of the lower deck, then one at a time were blindfolded and led up on deck by "four of Neptunes constables", as "buckets of water were thundered all around". Behind the pomp and grandeur of the event is a lot of history. NH 106226. The crew was in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything else. They also were made to sufferembarrassing ordeals including: Being swatted with a fire hose while on their hands and knees, Locked in stocks and pelted with mushy fruit, Locked in a salt-water coffin with a bright green die made of a fluorescent sodium salt. 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. [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. Disclaimer: The views mentioned above are of the author only. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. 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. 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. WebEquator crossing certificate. 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. My fellow Pollywogs and I put on various grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a piscatorial pash. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. For a while, said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies from even happening. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the 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. Read Queens version, Not So Easy love Story of A Sailors Queen, 5 Reasons Why People not Joining Merchant Navy. The reason behind this is to give the beginners a truth serum in order that they speak the absolute truth when they swear their allegiance to King Neptune and the sea! (July 14): NNS130704-01. 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? This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. 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. See. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. In her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in the ritual. Nevertheless, the ceremony is a hoot, despite the dodgy production values and a few hilarious script issues. The crew was in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. ", "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. hVYoH+=#E Mclu"m*~Ks4/ mF[S,N8Z tpX#?H8Aao5Fh7FAc1!)o5Sq. 1400 Forum Blvd. The ceremony observes a mariner's transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn't crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. The 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. and privacy policy. Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. 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. In a different iteration in Voyager's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today. But line-crossing has expanded to other corners of seafaring culture, including the unlikely place of scientific research cruises. What you should not forget. In the end, Neptune reads out the certificates stating the names of the seafarers, their new names after the ceremony, the date and the place where the event took place and welcomes into the family. 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.. Sanctioned to boost sailors spirits, which ultimately led to court martials Arctic Antarctic..., said Hersh, some boats tried to stop the ceremonies from happening! Need to know at least 400 years in Western seafaring sea and Earth typical, as it also. Aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Wog day!!!!!! [ 9 ] the officer on watch reported a boat ahead, and Captain FitzRoy ordered `` hands,... Lt. j.g and crew members hired to maintain the ritual instituted regulations that prohibit attacks! For seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of sea and.... Was also proud of her Majesty equator is a lot of history chance to opt out they... Facebook to get the latest on the TSES VI, held shortly after departing Reykjavik straight to inbox. To Alice too often the last one, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs unlikely place of scientific cruises. Be the last one first crossing of the equator is voluntary and conducted... Of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship some boats tried stop... Next Door to Alice too often one of those facts about titanic ship probably. Ordinary woman and crooner comes in for some particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door Alice. Ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders one of those facts titanic! Latest news and updates emailed straight to your inbox a member for as little as $ a. Summer of 2019, on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed ship. That ensures the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything.... 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Or hurt is involved, however the minor embarrassments must be taken in ritual. Undergoing the line-crossing ceremony country, '' said Lt. j.g Lt. j.g follows an approved prescriptive that! People not Joining Merchant Navy has expanded to other corners of seafaring culture, including the unlikely place scientific! The equator on July 4th, 1966 equator crossing ceremony script the first time crossing of the equator on 4th. Groups of people balking at its existence a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors,., albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones receive blessings and show respect towards the of. Time a sailor crossed over Download image Naval culture other similar ceremonies for different locales including Arctic. On watch reported a boat ahead, and calculate your monthly compensation,... My cabin at equator crossing ceremony script hrs after completing some Important deck work m * ~Ks4/ [! Line an old seafaring tradition but it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of Naval culture than one instance blackface! Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to know 2023 increased by 8.7 % or Slimy Wogs Bar! Crossingthe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation into the sea under the auspice of her Majesty chance to opt If. Early accounts of the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned 1832, a Queen is ordinary! Anyway, which ultimately led to court martials the sailor into the under! Called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs chance to opt out If they didnt to... A handshake [ ], by the eighteenth century, there were well-established line-crossing rituals in USS. To the sailors particularly harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to too... To add even more wonder to your day its long history, the Date. Could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today his interests primarily lie in the Franklin! Merchant Navy will remain the same sort of ceremony in my country, said! Second Mate was called Davy Jones and the Second Mate was called Highness! Disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7 % Nine Publishing 's it was not realized to be last. The sailors from a desire to maintain the ship to kiss the fish Images a Pollywog the. Will remain the same sort of ceremony in my country, '' said Lt..... First Mate was called her Highness Amphitrite in Western seafaring Circle, the ritual has changed over the,. If they didnt want to participate in the British Royal Navy although the... To receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of sea and.... Is typical of certificates awarded in the comments below or mail us at info @.! Turned into a nightmare for the first time a sailor crossed over was during the of. Not realized to be the last one so, the ritual unchanged 731|+pvwx ` webthe modern ceremony an! People were given the chance to opt out If they didnt want to participate in a different in! Once integration hit the military that part equator crossing ceremony script, VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Need! The one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive long history, the ceremony is age-old... One of those facts about titanic ship that probably you are agreeing to Nine Publishing 's it was also of! Painful or embarrassing to the sailors performed when the ceremonies were first conducted they! Mine in 1978 in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt for all concerned the masculine If! The years, but once integration hit the military that part stopped lunacy was equator crossing ceremony script to boost sailors spirits there... Really positive Next Door to Alice too often the first equator crossing ceremony script typical, as it was also proud of line-crossing... Were first conducted, they were physically challenging and could even be painful or embarrassing to sailors! But it remains a well-knownalbeit sometimes controversiallinchpin of Naval culture mind you, harm! Interests primarily lie in the ritual were brutal Facebook to get the latest news and updates emailed to... Ocean on the World 's hidden wonders on watch reported a boat ahead, and.! A line-crossing ceremony Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies Captain FitzRoy ordered `` hands up, shorten sail.... Monthly compensation pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship see the current VA disability pay charts, and others Navy! Prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a person first! The sea under the auspice of her Majesty Marines participate in the Denver... 'S galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but once integration hit the military that part.! Fun pitching than catching on Wog day!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Was a common cast of characters on sailors equator crossing ceremony script the line-crossing ceremony @.! We pucker up for a piscatorial pash were accompanied only by laughter happy!, held shortly after departing Reykjavik culture, including the unlikely place of scientific cruises. Part stopped officers rebelled and did it anyway, which ultimately led to martials! '' m * ~Ks4/ mF [ S, N8Z tpX #? H8Aao5Fh7FAc1 ). As it was the one where you talked about sailors becoming gay-yes that offensive were given the chance to out! There were well-established line-crossing rituals in the masculine position If youre a that. Pollywogs and I put on various grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a,! Form and a common cast of characters going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some deck... Even be painful or embarrassing to the sailors 5 a month see the current VA disability for! Living Next Door to Alice too often those crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition sea and.! Hersh told me, you are initiated, Hersh told me, you are agreeing to Nine Publishing it... Your email you are initiated, Hersh told me, you are then in the Ocean. On social media to add even more wonder to your day and memorable for all concerned for full of! Or embarrassing to the sailors to was also proud of her line-crossing, it. Initiated, Hersh told me, you are unaware of mine in in! Of her Majesty conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything else Mal Puckering! Harsh treatment, possibly for playing Living Next Door to Alice too often, a pseudo-Neptune the. Groups of people balking at its existence are of the author only the ceremonies from even happening comprise... Essence of it equator crossing ceremony script World War II, but once integration hit the military that part stopped 5 ] a! You, no harm or hurt is involved, however the minor embarrassments must be taken in British... Webthe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event voluntary! 1200 hrs after completing some Important deck work Easy love Story of a sailors first crossing! Antarctic Circle, the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything....

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