Crossing the Line

Neptunus Rex and “Crossing the Line” Ceremonies.
In the US Navy, the ancient rituals have evolved into rites of passage for new and inexperienced sailors (known as pollywogs) who cross the Equator for the first time, ultimately becoming initiated into the Order of the Shellbacks (experienced sailors). Regardless of rank or service, officers and enlisted crewmembers who had never crossed the Equator must suffer through a grueling but vibrant initiation process in order to gain respect and join the realm of the more experienced shellbacks. During the 20th century, U.S. Navy ship's like aircraft carriers would become large ceremonial platforms.

Historically, mariners have been known to follow a long line of ancient traditions, many of these based on old superstitions. For instance, Neptune, the Roman god of the seas, was believed to summon storms and cause shipwrecks. During ancient times, sailors attempted to appease Neptune by performing rituals, some of which involved sacrificing oxen or goats. They believed it was necessary to perform these rites at specific locations, such as the crossing of the Equator. If all elements of the ceremony were not exact, Neptunus Rex would become irate, conjuring horrendous storms that would inevitably wipe out an entire ship’s crew. Centuries later, navies around the world would adopt the tradition of crossing the line ceremonies (without the sacrifice of animals, of course).