What is the Neptune ritual?
One such tradition is the King Neptune ceremony when crossing the equator aboard ship. An experienced sailor dresses as Neptune; another cross-dresses as Queen Amphitrite, a third appears as Davy Jones. They form a kangaroo court to sit in judgment of those who have not yet crossed the equator.
What happens during a Shellback ceremony?
THE SHELLBACK CEREMONY dressed the “baby” in a diaper and smothered his belly in lard. The Pollywogs then were required to crawl on their hands and knees to the Royal Baby and eat a maraschino cherry out of his navel.
What is the ritual for crossing the equator?
Baptism on the line, also called equatorial baptism, is an alternative initiation ritual sometimes performed as a ship crosses the Equator, involving water baptism of passengers or crew who have never crossed the Equator before. The ceremony is sometimes explained as being an initiation into the court of King Neptune.
Does the Navy still do shellback initiation?
Crewmen aboard the destroyer USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD-968) participate in the traditional shellback initiation ceremony during exercise Unitas XXI. The shellback initiation takes place anytime a U.S. Navy ship crosses the equator.
Why is crossing the equator a big deal?
It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. When a ship crosses the equator, King Neptune comes aboard to exercise authority over his domain and to judge charges brought against Pollywogs that they are only posing as sailors and haven’t paid proper homage to the god of the sea.
What is the Blue Nose ceremony?
During the ceremony, Roosevelt Sailors completed an obstacle course laden with frigid tasks. An audience with Boreas Rex, the King of the North, is the culminating event. Once Boreas Rex deemed their frozen quest a success, Sailors are marked with a painted blue nose.
What’s a shell back?
Definition of shellback 1 : an old or veteran sailor. 2 : a person who has crossed the equator and been initiated in the traditional ceremony.
What is a Neptune party?
The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. The ceremony observes a mariner’s transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn’t crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness.
What happens in the Navy when you cross the equator?
What is a blue nose in the Navy?
The “Order of the Blue Nose” is a Navy tradition which dictates that when Sailors cross into the Arctic Circle, they enter the realm of Boreas Rex, King of the North. The only way to be accepted into the order is to successfully complete his list of challenges.
Who is Neptunus Rex?
The mythological god of the seas, Neptune or ‘Neptunus Rex’ (Ruler of the Deep) is the ‘Majesty’ to whom homage is paid. He is usually portrayed by a senior member of a ship’s company, often a Chief Petty Officer.