Every destination has traditions that make exploring them an experience that takes us out of the ordinary and into the culture and history of faraway places.
In the Galapagos, one of these is crossing the equator at sea during a cruise. Keep reading for more about this coming of age event that dates back to the times of whalers and pirates.
pirates.
There is much debate about the origins of celebrating crossing the equator. Some say that the British Navy started the ritual 400 years ago.
In the decades that followed the tradition was adopted around the world. Darwin, Dampier, whalers, and pirates respected the lighthearted ritual with a celebration that lasted well into the night.
Today navys, commercial ships, and cruise lines worldwide …show more content…
The ceremony has evolved since the early days, but the spirit of the proceedings has remained the same.
Traditionally, those who have yet to cross the equator are gathered from across the ship and put before a festive court. The age old ritual has different scripts depending on the crew, and the cast and characters has changed along with the times. Most casts have stand-ins for the original characters. Those who haven’t crossed the equator are called “Polliwogs,” (originally “griffins”; after their initiation become “Shellbacks,” and are officially welcomed into The House of Neptune. Here are some of the characters of the ceremony.
King Neptune acts as master of ceremonies and preceding judge, assisted by Dave Jones. His court included a queen and other royal figures; animals, demons, and a jury.
Later versions would include King Rex, a royal doctor scribe, and six barbers; two devils, half a dozen bears, and a slew of policemen.
During Darwin’s time, the ritual was a hazing of sorts. Griffins were forced to endure being baptized in the ocean, shaving, and all sorts of unpleasant ordeals undertaken by experienced shipmates to test the mettle of the new recruits. Darwin’s ceremony took place on February 17, 1832 aboard The Beagle. He wrote in his diaries of the experience,
In the Galapagos, one of these is crossing the equator at sea during a cruise. Keep reading for more about this coming of age event that dates back to the times of whalers and pirates.
pirates.
There is much debate about the origins of celebrating crossing the equator. Some say that the British Navy started the ritual 400 years ago.
In the decades that followed the tradition was adopted around the world. Darwin, Dampier, whalers, and pirates respected the lighthearted ritual with a celebration that lasted well into the night.
Today navys, commercial ships, and cruise lines worldwide …show more content…
The ceremony has evolved since the early days, but the spirit of the proceedings has remained the same.
Traditionally, those who have yet to cross the equator are gathered from across the ship and put before a festive court. The age old ritual has different scripts depending on the crew, and the cast and characters has changed along with the times. Most casts have stand-ins for the original characters. Those who haven’t crossed the equator are called “Polliwogs,” (originally “griffins”; after their initiation become “Shellbacks,” and are officially welcomed into The House of Neptune. Here are some of the characters of the ceremony.
King Neptune acts as master of ceremonies and preceding judge, assisted by Dave Jones. His court included a queen and other royal figures; animals, demons, and a jury.
Later versions would include King Rex, a royal doctor scribe, and six barbers; two devils, half a dozen bears, and a slew of policemen.
During Darwin’s time, the ritual was a hazing of sorts. Griffins were forced to endure being baptized in the ocean, shaving, and all sorts of unpleasant ordeals undertaken by experienced shipmates to test the mettle of the new recruits. Darwin’s ceremony took place on February 17, 1832 aboard The Beagle. He wrote in his diaries of the experience,