Rite of Passage - CotL

For our second presentation, we were asked to discuss Rites of Passage from across the globe. I was granted a free choice and with it I chose to do the Crossing-of-the-Line ceremony.

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The Crossing-of-the-Line Ceremony is a naval tradition practiced worldwide by many navies. Prominent ones include the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, Russian Navy, British Navy and Dutch Navy. The first written record of it I came across was from 1799, though the ceremony is much different now. The ceremony is used as initiation for Pollywogs, sailors who have never crossed the equator. AKA, the Line. These Slimy Pollywogs (yes, this is origin of the Pokemon 'Pollywag'), are often new sailors and are hazed by the Trusty Shellbacks, sailors who have completed the ceremony. Crossing-of-the-Line is seen as necessary for morale during long periods at sea. It shows that the Pollywogs have the fortitude to be part of the crew. In the old days, the Pollywogs would be whipped with ropes, beaten, partially drowned, and sometimes towed behind the boat for a period of time. This did result in the drownings and a report of a man being bitten by a shark.

Over the past 200 years the initiation has become less drastic. Though deaths were still reported as a result up to World War II. However, over time, parts have stayed the same. Their has always been a sailor portraying King Neptune, his first-mate Davy Jones, and wife Amphitrite. These two hold court over the Pollywogs who are administered a 'truth-serum', often aftershave and tabasco sauce, and forced to do embarrassing acts. Though it varies ship to ship, common ones I found consisted of a bikini show, consisting of all male participants. Or going down a slide with the leftovers from the mess haul and lubricated with aftershave, and condiments. Whipped with rubber hoses to represent the history of flailing cords of rope. Another was the faking of a pirate boarding in which the Pollywogs are repelled with fire hoses and brooms. There are many great and humorous YouTube videos of these. However, the largest part of the ceremony and the part never forsaken is the Kissing of the Royal Belly.

Neptune's Court

And it is exactly that. A senior officer of the ship volunteers to be dressed in a diaper and coats his bare, sometimes hairy stomach in condiments, grease, and aftershave. (The Navy really has a thing for aftershave). In which every Slimy Pollywog must bury their face. I mean, nose deep in the gunk filled belly-button of their commander. Face rolling on a jolly tummy.

Afterwards, the Pollywogs have earned their post and seen as part of the crew and trustworthy sailor. Out there, saving the free world...