His Imperial Majesty, Neptune of the Deep, his Queen and Seaweed Courts of multitudinous Mermaids, able aides and other swimmers on boarded Queen Victoria today.
This historical tradition dates back to the 14th century. Since it had been decided the world was round and not flat, the Spanish and Portuguese explorers ventured further south and west without fear of falling off the edge of the world. The excitement of sailing into the southern part of the world became a special event commemorated in a quasi religious/mythological play involving King Neptune and his court who were “crossing the line” for the first time. These initiations took on various forms, some of which were highly dangerous. “Pollywogs” would be coated in various nasty liquids found in the bulge of the ship and then suspended by their ankles and plunged into the sea. The modern day “Crossing the Line” ceremony has changed little for hundreds of years and in fact contains a speech by King Neptune that was originally made in 1393.
Today was our big “Crossing the Line Ceremony”. It was an extra big event because it was the first time the Queen Victoria had crossed the line as well as other various “Pollywogs”.
Yesterday they called for volunteers to be in the ceremony. Jeff went up to the meeting to find out about it. There were about 40 people there. Each person had to say something that they did that was bad while they were on the ship. The ship personnel then selected the people to be called up for judgment.
I arrived at the ceremony spot today an hour early by chance. The area around the Pavilion Pool was packed.
There was a lot of hoopla. I managed to worm myself into an excellent vantage point.
First came Queen Neptune, His Imperial Majesty Neptune of the Deep and The Judge.
Then Mermaids, Captain, Chief Engineer and Head of Housekeeping followed.
The “pollywogs “entered. Somehow there ended up to be more than 100 of them. They each kissed a fish which is part of the ceremony.
The ceremony followed with lots of speeches and the band playing.
Jeff's name was one of about five called. When they called, “Jeff B. come forward to hear your charges”, everyone roared. The judge read out about him sipping rum on Waikiki Beach and causing the ship to leave late and the crowd went wild booing! It was lots of fun. I was booing the loudest!
Then he got coated with the “nasty liquids” followed by a dunk in the pool!
He passed the test and is no longer a “pollywog”. He is now a “shellback!
(Note from Liz: There are some more great photos on Kazzie's blog, especially the before and after photos of Dad!)
It was great fun and a good way to spend the first hour after crossing into the Southern Hemisphere.
We turn the clock back another hour tonight.
5 comments:
Sounds like some traditions Pete encountered when he was on his overseas voyage... well at least Uncle Jeff didn't end up bald like Pete did ;)
Whatever is that stuff on Jeff I hope it's edible! Love the pictures!
Are those Dad's clothes or did the ship lend him some? I can't imagine all of that goo didn't stain.
This trip is showing me a side of Jeff I didn't know existed!! Looks like great fun - go Jeff.
Wow I have been following your trip and it sounds just awesome. Really love this Pollywog tradition. Glad you didn't have to walk the plank! Sounds like you are having a great time. What a great experience. We will be on the look out for some place to rent here. Love to have you guys back-even for a little while!
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