aboard cruise ships has been around as long as anyone can remember. The
festivities are marked by the appearance of King Neptune, Chief of the Water
Deities. The King Neptune Ceremony commemorates a sailor's first crossing of
the equator. Originally the test was created as a test for seasoned sailors
to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at
sea. Sailors who have already crossed the equator are nicknamed "Trusty
Shellbacks", often referred to as Sons of Neptune; those who have not are
nicknamed "Vile Pollywogs". Once the ceremony is complete, a Pollywog
receives a certificate declaring his new status. In the 19th century and
earlier, the line-crossing ceremony was quite a bit more dramatic, often
involving beating "pollywogs" with wet ropes."
It is quite the production, enjoyed much more by the spectators, tormentors
and judges than by the participants "Vile Pollywogs". The "Vile Pollywogs"
first go before King Neptune, his lovely Queen and the Mermaid Princess. The
charges are read and they are told to kiss the fish and go before the judges
to determine their punishment. When going before the judges, the choice is
dunk or bake. You might think "dunk" would be the less desirable verdict,
however, as you can see in the pictures of the three men who received a
verdict of "bake", having to sit in the sun covered in whipped cream may not
be such a great punishment. Because the "pollywogs" have had so much whipped
cream of various colors smeared on them prior to being pushed in the pool,
after the event, they have to drain and clean the swimming pool.
We are continuing to enjoy the Pacific sunshine. So far all we have had to
endure is our little five minute tropical shower last week. Good times!
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