Order Of Neptune-The Fun Begins
Line-Crossing ceremony is a ritual in which inducted crew members are organized into a " Court of Neptune " and induct the Slimy Pollywogs into "the mysteries of the Deep".
Equator Crossing, Amapá, Brazil Thursday, March 2, 2017
Celebrating the sailing over the O Paralllel is a time-honored maritime tradition. Equator crossing ceremonies is a ritual to inaugurate Equator crossing virgins.
When a ship crosses the Equator, King Neptune comes aboard to exercise authority over his domain and judge charges brought against Polliwogs. The Captain and his high ranking officers play the part of King Neptune's court.
Sailors who have already crossed the equator are called Shellback or trusted sons of Neptune. First timers are called Polliwogs. It is a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness. The polliwogs are accused of various crimes like stealing chocolates, replacing the beds with hammocks, etc. The script are always hilarious.
Davy Jones and his team of pirates guards the Polliwogs. They are then dragged to come in to appear before King Neptune and his court. King Neptune decrees the lowly, scum sucking Polliwogs must kiss the Royal fish largely for entertainment of the Shellbacks and the passengers of course.
“Kiss the Fish”'the chant goes. Queen Amphitrite also makes her judgment and orders the Polliwogs be given some harsh treatment by being lathered by Tritons. The Tritons will soused them and half covered and half drowned the Polliwogs with colored meringue. Then after such rude handling, with meringue, are then asked to sit and bake while other are sent to sink.
Once the ceremony is complete one becomes the sailor the Golden Shellback and received his Crossing the Equator certificate. It is a real spectacle with lots of fun and laughter !
