How many of you out there are members of the
Ancient Order of the Deep?
I doubt very many. Not many people ever go to sea and not all of them get the chance to cross the equator. For those of us that do there is a ceremony that is entrenched in thousands of years of seafarer history. A secret to seafarers only even that the order existed until the era of modern communication.
I can see it now. Some old salt in a bar telling sea stories when some smart ass calls for pics.
The old timer breaks out an email of a polaroid from 1991 of him being flogged with a piece of fire hose while he yelled for flipper through a hawsehole on his hands and knees. Not his proudest moment for sure, but just that tiny glimpse into what may have been one of the longest days of his life verified and validated every sea story he had ever told in that bar. I for one, am glad for it.
At any rate, I do wear the shell upon my salt encrusted back, and designed the image above.
Recently I noticed it has been selling on one of my print on demand websites that charges way too much for stickers….and that seems to be what people want.
Since my midrange plans involve migrating to a POD set up where I have more price control, I thought this would be a great time to start using it some.
So now you can get that sticker for $2.50 with a white or clear background instead of the 4.50 the other site was charging. Hoodies are only $35 and tees at $25 for premiums…so hopefully people like them.
As is my policy, here is what I made the computer say about the whole matter.
The Shellback ceremony is a storied naval tradition steeped in history and maritime culture. This rite of passage is reserved for sailors who cross the Equator for the first time, marking their transformation from a “Pollywog” (a sailor who has never crossed the Equator) into a “Shellback,” also known as a “Son or Daughter of Neptune.” This event, which has taken place for centuries, is celebrated with elaborate rituals that blend humor, camaraderie, and respect for naval heritage. It serves as a unifying experience for sailors, building a sense of pride and belonging within the crew.
At the heart of the Shellback ceremony is the mythological figure of Neptunus Rex, the Roman god of the sea. Neptunus Rex presides over the initiation, symbolizing the sailors’ formal acceptance by the sea itself. The event typically begins with the gathering of all Pollywogs, who are summoned to appear before the “Royal Court” of King Neptune and his queen, Amphitrite. Senior Shellbacks, often dressed in creative and elaborate costumes, take on roles within this court, such as Davy Jones, Royal Scribe, and other sea-based characters. This theatrical aspect adds to the ceremony’s festivity and sense of tradition.
The initiation process can be playful and rigorous, with Pollywogs undergoing a series of tasks and challenges. These challenges often involve harmless pranks and humorous rituals meant to test the participants’ mettle. Examples include crawling through a gauntlet of obstacles, mock interrogations, and performing humorous skits. While the events are lighthearted, they are designed to foster teamwork, resilience, and the ability to handle stress under unique conditions. This playful yet challenging process helps to solidify bonds between sailors and instill a sense of respect for the seasoned Shellbacks who guide them.
One of the most revered aspects of the Shellback ceremony is the bestowal of the title itself. Once the Pollywogs complete their trials and earn the favor of King Neptune, they are declared Shellbacks. This transition is marked by cheers, certificates, and celebratory traditions. Some ceremonies even include the distribution of keepsakes, such as Shellback certificates or coins, to commemorate the occasion. These mementos serve as a badge of honor that sailors carry with them throughout their naval careers, signifying their entry into an exclusive brotherhood shared by mariners across generations.
The traditions surrounding the Shellback ceremony have evolved over time, but their core purpose remains unchanged: to honor the sea and cultivate a sense of unity among sailors. The experience is more than just an initiation; it is a rite that celebrates the courage, resilience, and camaraderie essential to life at sea. This ceremony embodies the spirit of naval service and strengthens the bonds between those who have experienced it, creating a legacy that is cherished and passed down through the years.
