Crossing the Equator at sea marks a time-honored tradition, initiated by navy captains across the world to boost morale and create camaraderie during long voyages. Thankfully, today the ceremony is more about celebration than hazing.
The ceremony was first recorded in 1529 which described a tough and challenging task for any cadet who had not yet “crossed the line.” Sailors were tested for their seaworthiness and endurance. During a ceremony aboard HMS Beagle in 1823, Captain Robert Fitzroy described the event as “a most beneficial influence upon the health of the sailors, as a diversion from boredom is often the best medicine.” Historically, these crossing ceremonies included many cruel and demeaning tasks, involving blindfolds, raw eggs, kissing live fish, shaving, tar, grease, and water immersion, performed on deck in front of the entire crew. Boredom sounds preferable to this kind of medicine!
In Roman Mythology, Neptune is the God of the Sea. During the crossing ceremony, a mariner pledges allegiance to Neptune transforming him from a Tadpole to a Shellback. High ranking members of the crew and those who have been Shellbacks the longest dress up in elaborate costumes and act as members of King Neptune’s court. The officer playing King Neptune presides over the assignment of tasks to the Tadpoles.
Even within Shellbacks, there are ranks which elevate one’s status. A Golden Shellback has crossed the Equator at the International Dateline (link to blog post). The most distinguished Shellback, the Emerald or Royal Diamond Shellback, has crossed the Equator at the Prime or Greenwich Meridian.
Several historical figures recorded their crossing ceremony participation in their diaries. Captain Fitzroy, playing King Neptune, initiated Charles Darwin on the HMS Beagle. President Franklin D. Roosevelt became a Shellback while aboard the USS Indianapolis.
I became a Shellback in 1980 while a college student on Semester at Sea in a ceremony which involved neither tar nor challenging tasks. I crossed the Equator several more times aboard luxury cruise ships. My only tasks involved sipping champagne while lowly Tadpoles kissed fish and got pushed into the pool. Don’t worry, the pool was drained and cleaned after the ceremony!
Yesterday on the Seven Seas Mariner, the ceremony was well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed by participants and bystanders. Welcome to our ranks, new Shellbacks!