Why do they call it a Shellback?
The ritual dates back at least 400 years in Western seafaring. The ceremony observes a mariner’s transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn’t crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness.
What does shellback mean in the Navy?
The shellback is simple enough: A sailor on official duty “crosses the line” of the equator. A golden shellback is more impressive; it means they’ve crossed the International Date Line. Even rarer, crossing at the Prime Meridian grants you access into the Order of the Emerald Shellback.
What is a diamond shellback?
Another rare status is the Golden Shellback, a person who has crossed the Equator at the 180th meridian (International Date Line). The rarest Shellback status is that of the Emerald Shellback (USA), or Royal Diamond Shellback (Commonwealth), which is received after crossing the Equator at the prime meridian.
What is a shellback tattoo?
Shellback Turtle Tattoos Like a ship at full mast, a shellback tattoo showed a sailor’s experience at sea. Once a sailor crossed the equator, he earned the right to get a turtle inked on his body. The longer someone had spent at sea, the more tattoos they could show off.
What is the difference between a pollywog and Shellback?
Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed Shellbacks, Trusty Shellbacks, Honorable Shellbacks, or Sons of Neptune. Those who have not crossed are nicknamed Pollywogs, or Slimy Pollywogs, or sometimes simply Slimy Wogs.
Why did sailors get anchor tattoos?
Anchors became a popular tattoo design during the 18th century. The meaning behind the anchor derives from a sailor’s desire for stability at sea. In turbulent and changing waters, the anchor would keep sailors steady on board the ship and ground them in the same way a real anchor does a vessel.
What is golden Dragoned?
The Domain of the Golden Dragon is an unofficial but highly coveted award of the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. It is given to crew members of ships which cross the International Date Line.
What is a Shellback and why is it important?
What is a Shellback? A Shellback is the recipient of a Line-crossing Ceremony. Popular in the American, British, Dutch, Australian, and Russian Navies, it marks the moment when a sailor crosses the equator. Though the ceremony’s events are largely kept secret from the participants, there are many events that have been banned outright.
What is a Shellback ceremony?
The ceremony observes a mariner’s transformation from slimy Pollywog, a seaman who hasn’t crossed the equator, to trusty Shellback, also called a Son or Daughter of Neptune. It was a way for sailors to be tested for their seaworthiness.
What are the different types of Shellback?
There are also two different kinds of Shellback: your normal, run-of-the-mill Shellback, who crossed the equator aboard a warship, and a Golden Shellback, who has crossed both the prime meridian and the equator at the same time. Being a shellback is a point of pride and honor among sailors.
How does the crew of a Shellback ship dress up?
High ranking members of the crew and those who have been Shellbacks the longest dress up in elaborate costume and each play the part of King Neptune’s court. For instance, the ship’s captain might play the part of King Neptune himself. What proceeds is a day of festivities, which builds camaraderie among the seafaring crew.