Crossing the Line: Naval Rituals on the Equator
By Margaret Green
Anthropology 452, Summer 2019
Abstract
Life for men who chose to make their living on the sea has always been full of danger, hardships, and depravations. These men have a long history of initiation ceremonies that reflects the values of cooperation and stoicism when faced with tribulations. As a ship crosses the equator the men on board who have never crossed this line are put through an initiation ceremony that will transform them from novice seamen into true sailors. These rituals help solidify the sailor’s identity; however, these traditions have changed in recent years as a result of scrutiny from the public.
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