WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. Honorable Shellbacks or Sons of Neptune was the namegiven to a sailor who has already crossed the equator. Initiation rite for first crossing of the equator, Honors for line crossings and other navigational events. 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. Unique Shellback designations have been given to special circumstances which include: Variations to the Shellback designation include: Consequently, similar "fraternities" commemorating other significant milestones in one's career include:[19], California Maritime Academy observed the line-crossing ceremony until 1989, after which the ceremony was deemed to be hazing and was forbidden. This power asymmetry played a role in the ritual, showcasing innate naval biases. (Photo: Public domain/WikiCommons). Y5 Qq;ye>f26&%`M*+*l]H'BNo):-"XE9{4j"Lg@) iV*BN^SBs\-L~N%$uEF7IQfs}`2m~)lMk'C/Cclf[#jFv5OT\S Sailors and Marines from the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru and Uruguay crossed the equator together aboard the USS New Orleans. The new disability compensation rates took effect on December 1, 2022. Made to kissan axle-greased Royal Babys Belly. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition Wha 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. Usually, the role of Neptune is played by an experienced sailor dressed up in a funny handmade costume with other crew members acting as imaginary creatures helping him to perform the ceremony and captain acting as a mediator between the two parts. 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. Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. This is typical of certificates awarded in the pre-WWII period. 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. When the ceremony is organized and supervised by intelligent and kind persons regardless of age, rank or nationality the event takes the form of a happy celebration in which all the crew has a great time. Youwill see old military footage from an actual King Neptune Ceremony. The Navy is chock full of myth and tradition, and what happens at sea even affects our language. 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. Fortunately no head shaving but the foul mixture was foul in the extreme. But line-crossing has expanded to other corners of seafaring culture, including the unlikely place of scientific research cruises. [citation needed] The Wogs are made very aware that it will be much harder on them if they do anything like this. Your email address will not be published. "It is interesting to see how similar our maritime cultures are to one another. 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. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. And yes, mostly I am welcomed on board. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. Sailors undergoing the ceremony were physically and verbally abused before being subjected to an act called "sump on the rump", where a dark liquid was daubed over each sailor's anus and genitalia. Many cases of unbelievable cruelty were reported especially in the years after the II World War and some maritime companies even banned these ceremonies on board their vessels. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. 18, Myriad approaches to conducting the ceremony will yield myriad accounts. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog receives a certificate[15] declaring his new status. Licensed in all 50 states. The researcher I spoke to remembered how on her trip two scientists were already in the order of shellback, so they joined the rest of the crew to help facilitate the days events. Much like a wedding, one experiences the joy of it just once, thus becoming a spectator for the all the others to come! WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. 187 0 obj <> endobj Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. Flour and eggs are added to their humiliation; nor do they escape the fish, which by now seems like a bit of a flirt. Taking liberties with the piscatorial subjects of His Majesty Neptunus Rex. Most modern navies have instituted regulations that prohibit physical attacks on sailors undergoing the line-crossing ceremony. May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! 6 0 obj King Neptune Ceremony This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. 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 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. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. Download image. 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. Titanic is the best movie that has happened to the world cinema. Baptism on the line, also called equatorial baptism, is an alternative initiation ritual sometimes performed as a ship crosses the Equator, involving water baptism of passengers or crew who have never crossed the Equator before. Naval History and Heritage Command. He writes personal stories of our nation's veterans and active military members. The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. 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. 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! Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. Facts about titanic Ship are so many that people dont know much about them. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. Other milestones such as crossing the Antarctic Circle and deep sea diving have also been adopted in this tradition. [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. It starts at night. 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. 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. 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. Why fly home from Bali when you can cruise in style? Not affiliated with any government agency. Perhaps the pride and secrecy stems from a desire to maintain the ritual unchanged. xWMo0W$NHP3lK[miP2c'g=VB"=d3q3oLP\.X~bSFK VA-approved lender. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean Cruises. 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). 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. 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? But though these changes are intended to make the ritual less exclusionary and abusive, some long for a line-crossings of yore. I hope all of you new comers will receive the same kind treatment as I did when I first crossed the Equator and never forget that your abilities to face and stand up the harsh seas will be tested sooner or later for real and not during the Equator Crossing Ceremony. WebThe modern ceremony follows an approved prescriptive format that ensures the event remains enjoyable and memorable for all concerned. 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. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? In 1995, a notorious line-crossing ceremony took place on the Royal Australian Navy submarine HMASOnslow. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. The crew was in the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. The charges brought against him: In 2010, a Line Crossing Ceremony was an international affair. The Royal Canadian Navy named them Tadpoles or Griffins. NMLS ID #1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), #1 VA Lender: For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. All rights reserved. 11 0 obj Photo: Getty Images A Pollywog makes the transition to Shellback. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. (July 14): NNS130704-01. 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. The memory of the event sticks with people. WebAlthough crossing the equator may seem like a routine event for any modern-day naval vessel, navies have celebrated the time-honored tradition for centuries. King Neptune's First Mate was called Davy Jones and the Second Mate was called Her Highness Amphitrite. Naval History and Heritage Command. Nowadays, the most common ceremonies always include at least two members of the crew willing to conduct the show, the fire hoses ready to splash, glasses of miraculous drinks, baptism certificates, a noisy and supportive crowd and a well deserved party afterwards. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. For the coming days, it is very easy to spot the sailors that have recently been through the ordeal, for their hair is either absolutely absent or styled as if rats had a feeding frenzy on them! 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. WebEquator crossing certificate. An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. Check out this weeks video at the bottom. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. One sailor was then sexually assaulted with a long stick before all sailors undergoing the ceremony were forced to jump overboard and tread water until permitted to climb back aboard the submarine. 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. Webthe equator, this ceremony has a rich and varied history. This ceremony is still practised onboard numerous ships today. Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. Cracking it open at once pertains to long luck and safe seas. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. By submitting your email you are agreeing to Nine Publishing's Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition It is very seldom to find an age-old tradition that is carried out with such gusto at shore. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. On Navy cruises everyone is considered a crew member, maintaining the ship in all ways needed. Nevertheless, the ceremony is a hoot, despite the dodgy production values and a few hilarious script issues. 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.. 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