The Equator, Atlantic Ocean
When crossing the Equator by sea, it is traditional to tease neophytes in a ritualistic way and thereby initiate them into the “club” of those who have been similarly hazed on previous voyages. Naturally, the first ship to do this was the second ship ever to sail across the Equator. On board were some sailors who’d been on the first crossing, and they were keen to lord it over the new guys. Over the years, some parts of the rituals were embellished and others were discarded until we are left with today’s version that requires novices to drink a foul concoction, kiss a dead fish, and be thrown into the swimming pool. A brief look at some of the key points in the evolution of the rituals clearly shows the trend of an increasing awareness of maritime safety: 1473 – novices no longer required to drink entire cask of rum before pledging an oath to King Neptune. 1595 – “fish kissing” rules changed to prohibit the use of live sharks; 1782 – first time mermaid is played by a real woman and not some overweight bosun in a clamshell brassiere; 1861 – those who have eaten within a half hour of the ritual are excused from the keel-hauling portion; 1909 – Vitamin C added to “foul concoction” to prevent scurvy. Pictured is one of the latest members to join this elite club, moments before Davey Jones lead him to his locker under the watchful gaze of King Neptune.
When crossing the Equator by sea, it is traditional to tease neophytes in a ritualistic way and thereby initiate them into the “club” of those who have been similarly hazed on previous voyages. Naturally, the first ship to do this was the second ship ever to sail across the Equator. On board were some sailors who’d been on the first crossing, and they were keen to lord it over the new guys. Over the years, some parts of the rituals were embellished and others were discarded until we are left with today’s version that requires novices to drink a foul concoction, kiss a dead fish, and be thrown into the swimming pool. A brief look at some of the key points in the evolution of the rituals clearly shows the trend of an increasing awareness of maritime safety: 1473 – novices no longer required to drink entire cask of rum before pledging an oath to King Neptune. 1595 – “fish kissing” rules changed to prohibit the use of live sharks; 1782 – first time mermaid is played by a real woman and not some overweight bosun in a clamshell brassiere; 1861 – those who have eaten within a half hour of the ritual are excused from the keel-hauling portion; 1909 – Vitamin C added to “foul concoction” to prevent scurvy. Pictured is one of the latest members to join this elite club, moments before Davey Jones lead him to his locker under the watchful gaze of King Neptune.
