Oct 3
Crossing the line on a ship means crossing the equator. There is usually a ceremony which is traditional for all vessels. It refers to a belief in the god Neptune or Poseidon and his willingness to let (or not) a ship continue on it’s journey. A ceremony takes place whereby King Neptune is asked to grant safe passage to the ship and her crew.
On the Queen Elizabeth we had such a ceremony involving a judge and King Neptune and his mermaid wife. Those who have not crossed the line before are submitted for judgement and punishment. The procedure is to have the victim kiss a fish and then submit to being covered in colorful gunk. They are required to jump in the pool and swim the length to be absolved by Neptune and allowed to cross. Thanks goodness I have already received Neptune’s’ blessing having crossed many times before!
