| The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing of the Equator. The tradition may have originated as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough voyages. Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are common in the Navy and are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. Original photograph. Measures about 4 x 5 inches. |
