#8 - Pollywog or Shellback?

So yesterday was Fanning Island. Today is Monday (I think).  I’m sure it’s Tuesday somewhere.  But I looked at the ship’s Daily Herald newsletter and they confirmed it is Monday which means today we crossed the equator.  That is a big deal here on the ship.  The passengers were all split into two groups.  You are either a Pollywog (someone who is crossing the equator for the first time) or a Shellback (someone who has previously crossed the equator).  

There is an elaborate initiation rite that commemorates your crossing of the equator for the first time.  Fortunately, Jeff and I have crossed the equator before so we could just kick back and enjoy watching the Pollywogs.  The Captain announced that King Neptune was boarding the ship and all Pollywogs were to appear before him for the appropriate hazing.  

Pollywog passengers, as well as various crew members, were accused of committing heinous crimes, such as ordering a second dessert at dinner, or being the most fit person at the early morning aerobics session, or singing out of tune.  Then in the tradition of the initiation, each person had to climb into the empty hot tub out on the deck where they were slimed by several crew members with a concoction that looked like whipped cream mixed with lime pudding.  Not Jello, but pudding, so it stuck to you and slid down your body rather than bounced off you.  But wait.  It gets better.  

King Neptune then ordered that every Pollywog must kiss the big, smelly fish being held by one of his minions.  This is a real fish about 2-3 feet long with the head on and its mouth agape, just longing to be kissed.  It kind of looked like it was still alive.  Maybe something the chef will turn into dinner tonight.  “Pan roasted stinky fish, with tamarind ginger glaze and a side of braised, sautéed fish eyeballs.”  Here’s looking at ya, kid.  I’ll be having the steak tonight.  

Anyhow, all the other passengers who are on deck watching this King Neptune spectacle begin  to chant in unison “Kiss the Fish... Kiss the Fish!”  Once a Pollywog has succumbed to this sliming and kissed this fish, he or she is granted the status of Shellback. 

Apparently this tradition/ritual began with the Navy over 400 years ago.  And many sailors have gone through this ordeal.  I guess if you’ve been at sea for several months with a bunch of guys, the fish might almost look attractive.  Pucker up baby!