I am no longer a Pollywog! I have crossed the line. I am now a Shellback. OOOOK, what in the world am I talking about? Why in the world would I get excited about becoming a turtle?
I have made my first crossing of the equator by sea! It doesn’t count if by air or land. There is an official ceremony or an initiation rite by all navies that commemorates a sailor’s first crossing of the equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at sea. Sailors who had already crossed the equator were nicknamed Shellbacks, or sons of Neptune; those who had not, were referred to as Pollywogs.
After crossing the line, Pollywogs receive a subpoena to appear before King Neptune and his court including Davy Jones, her Highness Amphitrite and other dignitaries represented by high ranking seamen. Once the ceremony is completed, a Pollywog receives a certificate declaring his new status.
We had a fun filled ceremony on the pool deck. It was great fun. A stiff wind was blowing pretty hard, but it didn’t stop the passengers from crowding the deck. The temperatures were mild and the sun was shining. The captain blew the ships horn when we passed the equator. Davy Jones and King Neptune officiated, and crew members were tried, found guilty, then were sentenced and thrown in the pool. The Pollywogs were then commanded to walk the line and kiss the fish (it was a real one – stinky, too). At that point, we officially became shellbacks.
P.S. Michael was stuck playing bridge and did not attend the ceremony. Does that mean he is still a Pollywog?
I have made my first crossing of the equator by sea! It doesn’t count if by air or land. There is an official ceremony or an initiation rite by all navies that commemorates a sailor’s first crossing of the equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at sea. Sailors who had already crossed the equator were nicknamed Shellbacks, or sons of Neptune; those who had not, were referred to as Pollywogs.After crossing the line, Pollywogs receive a subpoena to appear before King Neptune and his court including Davy Jones, her Highness Amphitrite and other dignitaries represented by high ranking seamen. Once the ceremony is completed, a Pollywog receives a certificate declaring his new status.
We had a fun filled ceremony on the pool deck. It was great fun. A stiff wind was blowing pretty hard, but it didn’t stop the passengers from crowding the deck. The temperatures were mild and the sun was shining. The captain blew the ships horn when we passed the equator. Davy Jones and King Neptune officiated, and crew members were tried, found guilty, then were sentenced and thrown in the pool. The Pollywogs were then commanded to walk the line and kiss the fish (it was a real one – stinky, too). At that point, we officially became shellbacks. P.S. Michael was stuck playing bridge and did not attend the ceremony. Does that mean he is still a Pollywog?
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