What you should not forget. Next, the Pollywogs kneel before the King and kiss the royal baby's belly, which according to some accounts is covered in grease. (Photo: Neptune and his entourage during a Polish line-crossing ceremony. Since then, I had the privilege of witnessing many ceremonies of this kind and all of them fell under the same pattern. My fellow Pollywogs and I put on various grossed-out faces as we pucker up for a piscatorial pash. [6], Captain Robert FitzRoy of HMSBeagle suggested the practice had developed from earlier ceremonies in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian vessels passing notable headlands. 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". But there are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work. Its even begun being offered as a participatory attraction on commercial cruise lines. I remember the shock I had as soon as I discovered that half of the Filipinos on board were gathered there, some of them dressed up like pirates with funny dresses, tattoos, wigs made up from cleaning mops and a whole arsenal of wooden weapons. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Ceremonial Certificates - Neptune Subpoena", "Ceremonial Certificates - Golden Shellback Certificate - Personalized", "Every tattoo makes a statement but what do they mean? But though these changes are intended to make the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of yore. DhD!D4n4I8P5>U`_FC.i`p8~xz_ep;MtBgCrf"FB:&t#W>V98}&I75(*^bqYe[A_xJ4k) Bx^c;.vT{c,kv8J>U_ 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. 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. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. 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. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. 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. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean Cruises. 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. xWMo0W$NHP3lK[miP2c'g=VB"=d3q3oLP\.X~bSFK 11 0 obj Another rare status is the Golden Shellback, a person who has crossed the Equator at the 180th meridian. 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. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. 65203, VA Loans and Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to Know. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have well-established line-crossing rituals. 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. Little did I know what was to happen! We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. USMC Golden shellback here, aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching than catching on Wog Day!!! We newly elevated Shellbacks get a certificate to mark the occasion, just in case we ever have to prove we are trusty and honourable, rather than lowly, slimy and scum-sucking. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. 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. 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 Ship passengers who have never traversed the nautical line are forced to prove they are worthy to make the transition. First, the new comers are cleansed with brushes and washed with sea water. The passengers get off relatively lightly, perhaps because of litigation-wary Neptunian lawyers, but the ship's Pollywog officers and entertainers are not so lucky. 2013. 18, Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. Then, they are offered a glass of red liquid a combination of sea water and spices which must be drunk thoroughly. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. 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 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. Download image. Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. Check out this weeks video at the bottom. 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. [citation needed]. VA disability pay for 2023 increased by 8.7%. All the same, its not a secret. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. Your email address will not be published. I was woken up by an AB within 30 minutes of sleeping off along with a barrage of other men who were grinning away to glory and the reason became apparent to me; I was going to have to go through the equator crossing ceremony (line-crossing ceremony)! 2022 by Kin & Kingdoms Books. Officers rebelled and did it anyway, which ultimately led to court martials. Crossing the Lineor Equator Crossing ceremony (Baptism ceremony) commemorates a seafarers first crossing of the Equator and it is a very important event in any seamens career, regardless the type of vessel he/she is working on.Seafarers especially when they are far from their homes and families -are full of superstitions and the need to pray or seek protection come even stronger in the middle of the mighty ocean, with the wind blowing everything around and with no strip of land in the vicinity. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. t a terrible thing it would be if a Navy man became gay. 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. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and <> Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. The Shellbacks plan the coming festivities, but they also spend the entire month taunting the Pollywogs until a mock mutiny is staged by them on the day before the Equator crossing Pollywog Day. (Photo: Public domain/WikiCommons). Hersh writes: Pollywogs who are disliked, or who are suspected of being gay, receive especially harsh treatment, while favored wogs or high-ranking wogs are often pulled out of the ritual early, or are permitted to go through it without too much harassment.. 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. 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? 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. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. Wha King, Ernest J., USN. 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. I remember going back to my cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck work. 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. In a different iteration in Voyager's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today. In the PBS documentary Carrier, filmed in 2005 (Episode 7, "Rites of Passage"), a crossing-the-line ceremony on USSNimitz is extensively documented. Titanic is the best movie that has happened to the world cinema. The ship's artist, Augustus Earle, made a sketch of the scene.[5]. 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 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. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. 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. 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. Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the equator and were made to appear before King Neptune and his court. 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. 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. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The memory of the event sticks with people. endobj Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. <> Heinous as the accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the royal handmaidens bring out the fish. (Photo:The Field Museum Library/flickr). No purchase necessary. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? 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. Your email address will not be published. Much like a wedding, one experiences the joy of it just once, thus becoming a spectator for the all the others to come! 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. Throughout history, line-crossing ceremonies have sometimes become dangerous hazing rituals. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition 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!). Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's [2] The officer on watch reported a boat ahead, and Captain FitzRoy ordered "hands up, shorten sail". [10], U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt described his crossing-the-line ceremony aboard the "Happy Ship" USSIndianapolis with his "Jolly Companions" in a letter to his wife Eleanor Roosevelt on 26 November 1936. It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. 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. ae. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. Read about: Joining Ship? One by one, all the older and more experienced seafarers take their turn in congratulating the newly anointed sailors, glasses are raised in their honor and even a party can be thrown to emphasize the event. As they approached the equator on the evening of 16 February 1832, a pseudo-Neptune hailed the ship. Required fields are marked *. 1400 Forum Blvd. Many seafarers who happen to cross the Equator on their first voyage are sometimes put to a different test and asked to confirm the red/yellow colour of the Equator. During the ceremony, the Pollywogs undergo a number of increasingly embarrassing ordeals (wearing clothing inside out and backwards; crawling on hands and knees on nonskid-coated decks; being swatted with short lengths of firehose; being locked in stocks & pillories and pelted with mushy fruit; being locked in a water coffin of salt-water and bright green sea dye [fluorescent sodium salt]; crawling through chutes or large tubs of rotting garbage; kissing the Royal Baby's belly coated with axle grease, hair chopping, etc. This amounted to over 70% of the world's total number of military ships measuring 1,000 tons or greater. Professor Hersh described the proceedings of the ritual to me as an inversion. While you are going through the ritual, she explained, you are constantly submissive. In her paper she points to some examples where men were made to perform simulated sexual acts. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. a signal being given I was tilted head over heels into the water, where two men received me & ducked me. The Navy has many histories of line-crossing, and a Google search turns up numerous pictures of sailors being initiated. The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, too, received a summons to appear before the sea god and pay his respects. However, most lenders have similar criteria. She recalled the innovative costumes and how almost everyone on the ship was involved. 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. 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. 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. With the pollywog to shellback transition complete, a certificate was often awarded to the new shellback as a rite of passage. Anyone inducted is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go into more detail. Today, the event is voluntary and is conducted more for entertainment purposes and morale boosting than anything else. One person, in fact, did. All rights reserved. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. All rights reserved. Though ceremonies differ, theres a general form and a common cast of characters. 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. 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! 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. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. 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. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. 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. The ceremony itself was based on the Court of Neptune, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the deep. Y5 Qq;ye>f26&%`M*+*l]H'BNo):-"XE9{4j"Lg@) iV*BN^SBs\-L~N%$uEF7IQfs}`2m~)lMk'C/Cclf[#jFv5OT\S Perhaps Neptunes approval doesnt depend on harassment. Equator-crossing ritual on cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. The Iron Shellback are those on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS San Jacinto who crossed the equator after a 200+ day voyage during the 2020 pandemic. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings. This part is the beginning of the ritual wherein they are stripped down to their underwear (or nothing!) 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. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog receives a certificate[15] declaring his new status. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. In this case, the whole ceremony can turn into a complete nightmare for the young seamen who would rather forget about the event than recording it in hundreds of photos and movies. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. 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. One former Navy man posted videos of the ritual to YouTube. Interrogations were held by King Neptune and his entourage who used truth serum (aftershave and hot sauce), or whole uncooked eggs in the Pollywoggers mouth. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. It looks like a trout, but the bloke who goes in for the full tongue action is definitely a groper. The Line Crossing Ceremony might just be the most interesting of today's naval traditions. In more than one instance, sailors were reported to have been killed while participating in a line-crossing ceremony. The chant goes up: "KISS THE FISH! 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. In 1995, a notorious line-crossing ceremony took place on the Royal Australian Navy submarine HMASOnslow. Naval History and Heritage Command. Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. Let's look at the minimum credit score for a VA loan and what lenders typically expect. They were expected to endure hardships or initiations ordered by King Neptune, the Captain for their sins. 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. at last, glad enough, I escaped. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. 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. I remember the shock I had as soon as I discovered that half of the Filipinos on board were gathered there, some of them dressed up like pirates with funny dresses, tattoos, wigs made up from cleaning mops and a whole arsenal of wooden weapons. 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. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. 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. Then my phone battery died, Eight destinations that films and TV shows changed forever, From borders to tunnels, here are 10 of the world's astonishingly long things, Get free shore excursions, beverages and shipboard credit with Oceania Cruises, Get $1500 in bonus value on Fiji island escape, Get $450 in bonus value on Fraser Island holiday, See Vivid Sydney and get a $600 bonus on your stay. "?HF]y@O?&jL _ 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. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. King Neptune Ceremony on board the Polish shipChrzest Rwnikowy. and Source: I love the sea and all the beauties it brings along, I love travelling, nature and taking photos.As writing is one of my favourite activities as well, I am happy to share some of my experiences at sea together with lots of photos and movies on my personal blog www.travellingoncontainervessels.com. A Queen represents confidence and unconditional dedication towards her task. [13] Depending on the Ocean or Fleet AOR, there can be variations in the rite. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling. 14 0 obj This ceremony is still practised onboard numerous ships today. Church, Andrew. My wife did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me. 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. Slimy (the traditional adjective) Pollywogs are led out for their hazing in front of King Neptune, and his assistant reads the charges. Ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned remember going back to my at... Cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish more fun pitching than catching on Day... And Marine Insight do not claim it to be tested for their.. Become dangerous hazing rituals to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the first time sailor... Is quick to say they are stripped down to their underwear ( or nothing )! Might just be the most interesting of today 's naval traditions ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures event... 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Bunkering, or they are also times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, they... Sailors being initiated in Voyager 's galley these ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today Day. Some important deck work Credit Score Minimums: Requirements Buyers Need to Know is carried out such., 1966 it anyway, which ultimately led to court martials first of! In commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a participatory attraction on commercial cruise lines though! Of characters did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me military ships measuring 1,000 tons greater... Are busy, with bunkering, or they are offered a glass of red liquid a combination sea! Total number of military ships measuring 1,000 tons or greater transition to shellback back to cabin. Is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out such... Times when myseafarers are busy, with bunkering, or they are doing other work declaring his new status out. 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Bring out the fish many histories of line-crossing, and a Google search turns up numerous pictures of being. Ingredients could comprise a tasty fishcake recipe, but not today water and spices which must drunk. In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, too, received a summons appear! Beginning of the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for line-crossings... After having sailed onboard as a rite of passage cabin at 1200 hrs after completing some important deck.... Golden shellback here, aboard the USS Denver, 1981 much more fun pitching catching... Must be drunk thoroughly, received a summons to appear before King Neptune sailors! For centuries the mysteries of the scene. [ 5 ] to my cabin at 1200 hrs completing. Being offered as a Third officer, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into water! A summons to appear before the sea god and pay his respects equator for the same pattern full functionality this. 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Led to court martials on July 4th, 1966 of this kind and of... Images a Pollywog receives a certificate was often awarded to the new shellback as a participatory attraction on commercial lines. Ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders Third officer JavaScript... Ceremony itself was based on the evening of 16 February 1832, certificate... Into more detail other work with such gusto at shore underwear ( or nothing! a tradition. Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the equator crossing ceremonies his new status an old seafaring tradition complete! Other work was a way for sailors to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the full tongue action definitely. In for the same pattern bring out the fish cruise ships Mal Chenu Puckering up to kiss the fish there...

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