"Crossing the Line" Ceremony

Picture: Archive DSM

"Crossing the Line" Ceremony

The "Crossing the Line" ceremony also came as a welcome change on board, especially on the sailing ships.
For days beforehand, the sailors spent every free minute making preparations. Out of rags and colourful throwaways they created extravagant costumes for Neptune, his consort Thetis and the whole court retinue. On reaching the Equator they presided over the "baptism" of the youngest crew members and passengers on board. A day before the great event, the lookout reported "light ho!" and Triton's sonorous voice from the sea heralded the arrival of the royal guests – but in reality from a porthole below deck. The sailors had a completely free hand in preparing these games.
Then the entourage arrived right on time in their outlandish costumes: Triton with braided hair, Neptune with his trident, he and his consort Thetis both with long flowing blonde hair smelling strangely of hemp. Then there was the astronomer in his blue coat and the barber with his long razor. The bodyguards were made up of "Pollywogs" and "Shellbacks".
Sometimes the candidates for baptism were treated so roughly that the captain had to intervene. The ship boys were covered in the most horrible pastes, ducked in great barrels till they could neither hear nor see, and "embalmed" in tar or other preservatives before the barber came with his razor. But finally, they were presented with their endearingly decorated "Crossing the Line Certificate". To celebrate the occasion, special food was prepared. For example, fresh bread and fried herrings from tins, and beer and schnapps for the sailors. Nobody could get out of this ritual. Every seaman who has rounded Cape Horn knows it well and was forced to undergo the ceremony.

Picture: Archive DSM