"a formal visit from Neptune?"

[gibbs]

Greetings,

Am researching a sailing voyage that departed Salem, Mass., for India, circa 1790-1800. In his description of the journey, a crewman of this trade ship makes reference to what I assume must be an ancient maritime ritual or custom. The problem is, he veils his reference in euphemisms, leaving me unable to understand the nature of the tradition. Was it some kind of sailors' ritual that accompanied crossing the equator?

Here is the passage in question, with the pertinent text italicized:

It cannot be expected that I can recollect, or is it necessary for me to state every minute circumstance that attended me on this voyage, and I will only remark, that although a fresh hand, and totally unacquainted with seamanship, I succeeded in the performance of my duty beyond my expectations, and I believe not only to the satisfaction of my officers, but gained the esteem and good will of my shipmates on board--in proof of this, there is one circumstances that I ought not fail to mention--when about to cross the line, where sailors generally calculate to receive a formal visit from Neptune, the aged Monarch of the deep made his appearance as usual, and with little ceremony introduced himself on board, and while others (who had never before been honored with an interview with his majesty) were compelled to yield to the unpleasant severities of a custom prescribed by him, I was, by the intercession of my shipmates, so fortunate as to escape.

Any insight will be much appreciated.

[hitman]

There is a tradition or right of passage for sailors crossing the equator for the first time. This is a tradition that is carried out today onboard ship in our own navy. Sailors who have never crossed the line go through a series of trials (some have reffered to this as hazing) and after passage they are no longer newubie's I have forgotten the terms applied to each but that is the gist of it. So yes it is a cermony held aboard ship with a sailor playing the part of Neptune.

[Desert Pyrate]

Sailors who have crossed the equator are known as shellbacks. Sailors crossing the equator and the date line at the same time are called Golden Shellbacks.

[DocF225]

As a card carryin member of the Loyal Order of Shellbacks (Golden) the basic tradition is a day of what would be called by today's whiny cry babies Hazing. Each Ship/Crew has variations on the theme but a basic outline goes somethinglike this.

The Pollywogs (newbies) are aroused extremely early in the AM in as unpleasant manner as possible. I was hit in the "mush" with a fire hose stream at 0300. They are marched to the weather deck where the orders of the day are read. The OOD spells out what tasks will be required of the Pollywogs to sucessfully complete the initiation. Throughout the day they are subjected to various tasks and problems none being very pleasant. Remember, you're crossing the Equator so it's hot, damn hot, surface of the sun hot.

We had to climb to the top of the Radar mast, crawl through one of the garbage chutes. Stand a short (30 minute) "watch" as a radar dish (Stand holding a bed spring above your head swinging it back and forth repeating "I am a Radar, Beep Beep"). Attend a Banquet of Limberger Cheese, sardines and other rather unappetizing delicacies.

Face a "gauntlet" of fire hoses that had been soaking in salt water for 'bout a week. A few other tasks that were unremarkable.

The culmination of the day is an "audience" with Neptune himself. They got the hairiest guy in the crew to sit on a table in a crown with a trident. They smeared grease on his gut. The Pollywogs were then forced to kiss Neptunes Belly. Of course some rather large Bosun was standing behind us making sure we "properly" kissed Neptune.

The evening meal was Steak and beer that were brought in via helo.

[Captain Jim-sib]

Golly !!!

Ya think Prince Andy experienced that ritual when the Royal Navy went to the Fauklands (another conflict for oil) in the 1980's ? Read that Neptune paid him a visit on that voyage yet the details were lacking.

In me oil-field days, rituals (hazzing) took place for the newcomers to an offshore platform, regardless of position status (as it should be). Heard that OHSA now frowns on that now.

[the Royaliste]

Golly !!!

Ya think Prince Andy experienced that ritual when the Royal Navy went to the Fauklands (another conflict for oil) in the 1980's ? Read that Neptune paid him a visit on that voyage yet the details were lacking.

In me oil-field days, rituals (hazzing) took place for the newcomers to an offshore platform, regardless of position status (as it should be). Heard that OHSA now frowns on that now.

No dateline in the Atlantic to qualify for 'Golden' status :)

[gibbs]

I appreciate the insights. So, based on your posts, the ship reached the equator, where some members of the crew were subjected to a rite of passage in which one of the older hands assumed the role of Neptune to prevail over some hazing-like activities (although exactly what these were is a mystery). The crewman in question was spared the hazing because he was well-liked by the crew.

It seems to make sense now.

Thanks for your help.

g.

[Cap'nPern]

An added note being another shellback. You can't avoid the hazing it merely takes on a differen perspective such as being a mermaid in King Neptunes court. I have first hand knowledge unfortunately...

[MadMike]

Here's a quote from Esquemeling-

"Here I shall not omit to mention the ceremony which at this passage, and some other places, is used by the mariners, and by them is called Baptism, although it may seem either little to our purpose or of no use. The Master's Mate clothed himself with a ridiculous sort of garment that reached to his feet, and on his head he put a suitable cap, which was made burlesque. In his right hand he placed a naked wooden sword, and in his left a pot full of ink. His face was horribly blacked with soot, and his neck adorned with a collar of many little pieces of wood. Being thus

apparelled, he commanded to be called before him every one of them who never had passed that dangerous place before. And then causing them to kneel down in his presence, he made the sign of the Cross upon their foreheads with ink, and gave each one a stroke on the shoulders with his wooden sword. Meanwhile the standers-by cast a bucket of water upon every man's head; and this was the conclusion of the ceremony. But, that being ended, every one of the baptized is obliged to give a bottle of brandy for his offering, placing it near the main mast, and without speaking a word; even those who have no such liquor being not excused from this performance. In case the vessel never passed that way before, the Captain is obliged to distribute some wine among the mariners and other people in the ship.

But as for other gifts which the newly baptized frequently offer, they are divided among the old seamen, and of them they make a banquet among themselves."

Yours, &c.

Mike