CROSSING THE EQUATOR February 7, 2008
Crossing the Line Ceremony
This ancient tradition of a Crossing the Line Ceremony is intended to commemorate a sailor’s first crossing of the equator. The ceremony undoubtedly owes its origin to ancient pagan rites connected with propitiation of the Greek sea god Poseidon, known to Roman as Neptune. Sailors who had already “crossed the line” are nicknamed Shellbacks, and those who haven’t are known as Pollywogs. Basically the ceremony consists of the Pollywogs being subject to humiliating ordeals largely for the entertainment of the on looking Shellbacks and King Neptune’s court.
These pictures are of the procession of the King Neptune and the Pollywogs “ordeal” undergone to everyone’s amusement. The ordeal is simply being doused by jello, spagetti, whipped cream, etc. and then rinsed off in the nearby swimming pool. All of this is taken in good sprit and fun for all.
