equator crossing ceremony scriptequator crossing ceremony script

'03aE,#M5fr0|\fs9_'_-Qrzm"\~+?NUzUwx_|],Lf,[~]lly_e)ETJJ Gz#. 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 An illustration of an 1816 line-crossing ceremony aboard the frigate Mduse. ), largely for the entertainment of the Shellbacks. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite that commemorates a sailors first crossing of the Equator. 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. [citation needed]. Juan Pablo Rosato of the Argentine navy. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Mortgage Research Center, LLC. One former Navy man posted videos of the ritual to YouTube. <> The ceremony itself was based on the Court of Neptune, where Shellbacks inducted the Pollywoggers into the mysteries of the deep. 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. King Neptune goes to make an earnest speech and accepts the ushering of the sailor into the sea under the auspice of Her Majesty! The crew were expected to become seasoned-sailors, capable of handling long periods of time with rough seas. 11 0 obj 12 0 obj (Photo: Public domain/WikiCommons). Because I know with a smile and a handshake [], A Queen is no ordinary woman. The chant goes up: "KISS THE FISH! 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. 187 0 obj <> endobj Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. 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. 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. The seamen who have already crossed the equator are referred to as Shellbacks (or, Sons Of Neptune) and those who havent are called Pollywogs. Those who have not crossed are nicknamed Pollywogs, or Slimy Pollywogs, or sometimes simply Slimy Wogs. Other people often show up, including a surgeon, a barber, people dressed as bears, and a judge. Your email address will not be published. (July 14): NNS130704-01. 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. Thanks for reading and watching my BLINK. It looks like a trout, but the bloke who goes in for the full tongue action is definitely a groper. CALCULATE: Calculate your VA Loan savings. Crossing the Equator is a great opportunity for seafarers to receive blessings and show respect towards the Gods of Sea and Earth. Equator-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. What proceeds is a day of festivities, which builds camaraderie among the seafaring crew. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. For instance, the ship's captain might play the part of King Neptune himself. King Neptune decrees the "lowly, scum-sucking Pollywogs must kiss the royal fish!". But it was also authorised by Captains to entertain the passengers on merchant ships like the. endobj Required fields are marked *. In her experience, people were given the chance to opt out if they didnt want to participate in the ritual. After the show, Pollywogs receive a subpoena from Davy Jones to stand before the court the next day and answer to charges brought against them by the Shellbacks. After breakfast, which is made too spicy for the Pollywogs to eat, the accused appear before King Neptune, who sits in judgment. One person, in fact, did. Line-crossing Ceremony: Homophobic or Homoerotic? Made to kissan axle-greased Royal Babys Belly. 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. Crossing the Line is nearly as old as seafaring itself; even in antiquity sailors engaged in rituals when crossing certain parallels. 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. WebThe ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. <> 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. Those credulous enough to run forward to see Neptune "were received with the watery honours which it is customary to bestow". 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. Maine 's commanding officer greets King Neptune and Royal Party at beginning of equator crossing ceremonies. stream Anything else the Shellbacks could think of. On the open sea, even the leader of a great nation must answer to King Neptune. My wife did hers on SS Acavus in 1980 when she sailed with me. 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. 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. This is how #EQUATOR_CROSSING_CEREMONY is celebrated onboard. p}FEDKS'G,MVLz3+\S:zQoendstream Beatings were often still common, usually with wet firehoses, and several World War II Navy deck logs speak of sailors visiting sick bay after crossing the line. WebThe ceremony of Crossing the Line an old seafaring tradition. It was also an initiation rite commemoratedthe first time a sailor crossed over. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. [citation needed]. 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. 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. 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. He thought it was beneficial to morale. Anyone inducted is quick to say they are part of this Order, but resistant to go into more detail. 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. This line-crossing lunacy was sanctioned to boost sailors spirits. %PDF-1.5 % Honorable Shellbacks or Sons of Neptune was the namegiven to a sailor who has already crossed 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. 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. Download image. Hersh mentioned how the ceremony morphed as more people entered the Navy. 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. 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). hVYoH+=#E Mclu"m*~Ks4/ mF[S,N8Z tpX#?H8Aao5Fh7FAc1!)o5Sq. 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! Offer subject to change without notice. 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. 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). An eye-opening journey through the history, culture, and places of the culinary world. Even commercial cruise lines have been known to host some parts of the ritual. Our modern practice is believed to have evolved from Viking rituals, executed upon crossing the 30th parallel, a tradition Following this aspect of the grand event, the sailors are tied together and marched forward to the anchor with the sound of a drum to coordinate movement. 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. Sign up for our newsletter and enter to win the second edition of our book. "It is interesting to see how similar our maritime cultures are to one another. According to old tradition, all those crossing the equator for the first time, must be baptized and thus made an able-bodied seaman. NH 106226. The Equator Crossing Ceremony is an age-old tradition to commemorate a seafarer crossing the equator for the first time. 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. )\gXpj 4_M\ ot%H8#,}u{ XXej4nM+#I 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. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation, Washington, DC; collection of Rear Admiral Harold M. Bemis; U.S. It was also called crossing the line. Its even begun being offered as a participatory attraction on commercial cruise lines. WebWelcome to Equator CrossingThe line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. The Navy has spent decades trying to rein in on hazing; the line-crossing ceremony represents a great deal of this. 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