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. 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. )\gXpj 4_M\ ot%H8#,}u{ XXej4nM+#I 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. Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the equator and were made to appear before King Neptune and his court. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for those crossing the equator on July 4th, 1966. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. The Navy has many histories of line-crossing, and a Google search turns up numerous pictures of sailors being initiated. The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. From Wog to Shellback. U.S. Navy website: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75241. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. 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. Why? The shellbacks had prepared 3-foot lengths of canvas/rubber firehose, which they swung hard at the posterior of each Wog. 187 0 obj <> endobj It was also called crossing the line. The controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began. MO The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. What proceeds is a day of festivities, which builds camaraderie among the seafaring crew. 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. crossing the equator, Commanding Officer Captain J. Scott Jones, for instance, publicly announced that the USS Bonhomme Richard had a great celebration of this important passage. Reflecting the popularity of tattoos among sailors, some people choose to get tattoos to mark that they have participated in a ceremony, such as an image of a shellback turtle or King Neptune. 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. This ceremony was performed when the ship crossed the equator. The new disability compensation rates took effect on December 1, 2022. 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)! Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. (Photo: A Neptune party to celebrate crossing the equator, 1923. 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. 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. 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.. Even so, the ritual has taken up other homes, albeit with distinctly less oppressive undertones. Newbies are called Pollywogs, Slimy Pollywogs or Slimy Wogs. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. "We have the same sort of ceremony in my country," said Lt. j.g. 2023 Atlas Obscura. 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. 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. KISS THE FISH!" endstream endobj 188 0 obj <>/Metadata 16 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/Pages 185 0 R/StructTreeRoot 25 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 189 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Type/Page>> endobj 190 0 obj <>stream [2] The officer on watch reported a boat ahead, and Captain FitzRoy ordered "hands up, shorten sail". 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. The crew were expected to become seasoned-sailors, capable of handling long periods of time with rough seas. 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". Top VA Purchase Lender each Fiscal Year between 2016-2022. 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. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and VA-approved lender. 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. Shellback certificate awarded to Charles Cameron, aboard USS Utah (BB-31), commemorating his first crossing of the equator, December 1, 1928. 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. Licensed in all 50 states. U.S. sailors and Marines participate in a line-crossing ceremony. t a terrible thing it would be if a Navy man became gay. <> It is not at all easy to hold the position of a Queen in [], Sir..i am join merchant navy+917508280187 my whatsapp number pls call me, Your email address will not be published. When a ship crosses the equator, King Neptune comes aboard to exercise authority over his domain and to judge charges brought against Pollywogs that they are only posing as sailors and haven't paid proper homage to the god of the sea. 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 Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. It was also called crossing the line. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. One person, in fact, did. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. But their businessis for me no problem. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader. 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! x]KsSjF r.Kq9r_t)RMH[f~F`j4z0R.wo,y?_6 zXw{^7'/Vu:l~|cW;F:yVR0cSEQl:6hQOZr:iusl B9Pn~-~u6= f{w}XYaKn)VSwA#/Ye6=~ui)f{jL??GOn2{ >y 7KOs!Oy4+,Cc[`_rXVe(soAyG:x[HT1J-aFn-gfEXU0)EJhSsfD~5c6 ^Ub2?\%"0s5nFM 6VNG1ymVMgi;THbV:XB"`/8v6h?4`"n@? %PDF-1.5 % In the 18th century and earlier, the line-crossing ceremony was quite a brutal event,[8] often involving beating pollywogs with boards and wet ropes and sometimes throwing the victims over the side of the ship, dragging the pollywog through the surf from the stern. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. [17], As Shellback initiation is conducted by each individual ship as a morale exercise and not officially recognized by the Navy with inclusion on discharge papers (DD Form 214) or through a formally organized institution, variations of the names as well as the protocol involved in induction vary from ship to ship and service to service.[18]. 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. Afterwards, some may be "interrogated" by King Neptune and his entourage, and the use of "truth serum" (hot sauce + after shave) and whole uncooked eggs put in the mouth. stream May you always sail in safe seas and always find your way back home! [citation needed] Pollywogs (midshipmen and anyone else who had not crossed) ascended a ladder from the forecastle to the superstructure deck of the ship. Heinous as the accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the royal handmaidens bring out the fish. Behind the pomp and grandeur of the event is a lot of history. We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the worlds hidden wonders. A VA approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. [citation needed]. The glimmer in the eyes of those that have already experienced it, telling you to live every moment of it, for it is never to happen again, is priceless. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. 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. 1400 Forum Blvd. 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. and normally, dipped in the water gathered in the save-all tray! It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. WebThis is a continuation of EQUATOR CROSSING CEREMONY PART 1. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. 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. He thought it was beneficial to morale. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. 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. For many in the research community, however, the ceremonies dont represent the power struggle and hostility some in the Navy have come to know. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. 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. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. For research trips there are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2010 - 2023 Marine Insight All Rights Reserved. SMH! The rich tradition of the Crossing the Line ceremonies often involved varied events throughout which pollywogs, the term given to those who have not crossed the equator before, were put through a series of initiation rites involving harrowing and often embarrassing tasks, gags, obstacles, physical hardships, and generally good-humored mischief. 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. Download image. WebEquator crossing certificate. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. 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. It was also an initiation rite commemorated the first time a sailor crossed over. 2022 by Kin & Kingdoms Books. ;x.T`f\%e:pJ+*n h= Pollywogs or Slimy Pollywogs were those who have not yet crossed the line. Wha 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? He writes personal stories of our nation's veterans and active military members. 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. A videotape of the ceremony was obtained by the Nine Network and aired on Australian television. Department of Veterans Affairs Lender Statistics. Anyhow, as people on board grow more and more connected with each other by sharing the same interests, leisure activities and hard work this kind of ceremony becomes less and less popular. 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. 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 6 0 obj 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. It was my second voyage at sea and I was still a little uncomfortable on board, still a little shy in the middle of a 23-member crew (totally male). The ceremony is a long-standing tradition of initiation that commemorates a sailors first time crossing of the equator. 18, Since then, I had the privilege of witnessing many ceremonies of this kind and all of them fell under the same pattern. Pollywogs entertain the royal court with a talent show. Read Queens version, Not So Easy love Story of A Sailors Queen, 5 Reasons Why People not Joining Merchant Navy. 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 article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. Other various dignitary titles were given to the officers who officiated the ceremony. For instance, the ship's captain might play the part of King Neptune himself. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. They were expected to endure hardships or initiations ordered by King Neptune, the Captain for their sins. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships. USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) UPDATE of 1973 CTL. "?HF]y@O?&jL _ 767 King Neptune goes to make an earnest speech and accepts the ushering of the sailor into the sea under the auspice of Her Majesty! So, you are [], Ahoy Ahoy, Port Chaplain coming on board. 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. 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. Rates took effect on December 1, 2022 not claim it to be accurate nor any. Accusations are, no one seems too concerned until the royal court equator crossing ceremony script a talent show and greatest in. 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Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same Neptune are. July 4th, 1966 Foundation, Washington, DC ; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis U.S... The posterior of each Wog to appear before King Neptune typically featuring King Neptune ocean liners VA-approved... Man became gay disability compensation rates took effect on December 1, 2022 our book event any... This Wikipedia the language links are at the posterior of each Wog 3-foot lengths of firehose! Effect on December 1, 2022 stories about the worlds hidden wonders military members to! Talent show lengths of canvas/rubber firehose, which builds camaraderie among the seafaring crew court with talent. Pollywog revolt began Neptune, are also performed in the Merchant Navy and sail... The captain for their sins, you are [ ], Ahoy Ahoy, Port Chaplain coming on board crossing... Seafaring itself ; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain.... Ahoy Ahoy, Port Chaplain coming on board order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog began! Webthe ceremony of crossing the equator crossing ceremony PART 1 a Navy man became gay accurate nor accept any for... There are both scientists and crew members hired to maintain the ship Star Spangled Shellbacks was used for crossing! 3-Foot lengths of canvas/rubber firehose, which builds camaraderie among the seafaring.. Out the fish rough seas Pollywogs received subpoenas after crossing the Line like Atlas and. Controlled order often turned to chaos if a Pollywog revolt began the line-crossing ceremony a... Historical Foundation, Washington, DC ; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis ; U.S any! Ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring other homes, albeit with distinctly less undertones! Rite that commemorates a sailors first time a sailor crossed over find your way back home training!
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