"Crossing the Line" CeremonyKing Neptune (centre) and Queen Amphitrite (right), accompanied by their "royal court", preside over a post-war "crossing the line" ceremony.
A long-standing aspect of naval tradition and culture, these ceremonies served to initiate those who had never before crossed the equator, so that they could become "shellbacks". While this photograph shows a relatively calm scene, elements of the ceremony could often be rambunctious, with initiates subjected to various indignities including being smeared with soap and grease.
Naval Museum of Alberta
