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Celebrating the crossing of the Equator
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Celebrating the crossing of the Equator
Scene on a Royal Navy ship. It is the custom on board ship to indulge in merrymaking when crossing the Equator -- in fancy dress if its your first time. Date: circa 1845
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14268622
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1845 Celebrating Celebration Chariot Crossing Custom Deck Equator Fancy Merrymaking Neptune Rigging Sailors Trident
EDITORS COMMENTS
Celebrating the Crossing of the Equator: A Scene on a Royal Navy Ship, Circa 1845 The crossing of the Equator, a significant milestone for sailors during long voyages, was marked with merrymaking and festivities on board Royal Navy ships in the 1840s. This vintage print from Mary Evans Prints Online captures the jovial atmosphere of such an occasion. Sailors, dressed in colorful and fantastical costumes, gather on the deck of the ship. Some wear elaborate headgear, while others don animal masks or carry props, such as tridents and chariots, symbolizing the king of the sea, Neptune. The rigging above them is adorned with streamers and bunting, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere. The Equator, represented by a chalked line on the deck, is the boundary between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Crossing it marked a change in climate and weather conditions for the sailors, and the custom of crossing the line ceremony was a way to mark this transition and celebrate the end of the harsh tropical conditions they had faced. First-time crossers, known as "pollywogs," were subjected to various pranks and rituals, including being doused in water, shaved, or forced to perform menial tasks. Only after completing these tasks and paying a tribute to Neptune could they be considered "shellbacks" and join in the merrymaking. This print offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and customs of life at sea during the Victorian era. The intricate details of the sailors' costumes, the ship's rigging, and the lively expressions on their faces bring the scene to life, transporting us back in time to experience the excitement and camaraderie of a Royal Navy ship crossing the Equator.
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