In King Neptune's Court...The crossing the line ceremony

For hundreds of years, it has been a tradition in the Royal Navy, US Navy, and Marines to initiate those who cross the equator for the first time (polywogs) into King Neptune's court.  First, though, they have to prove their worthiness by undergoing several rituals.  Once accepted into King Neptune's Court, they become "shellbacks".  Because we crossed the equator at the prime meridian, there is a special status of "royal diamond shellback" (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line-crossing_ceremony for some fascinating history about the tradition.)

Soaked with "fish guts"

Kissing a fish

Kissing King Neptune's ring

Before

During

After!

Today we had the crossing the line ceremony on ship and it involved being soaked with "fish guts", kissing a fish, kissing the rings of King Neptune and his Queen, and being knighted by Davy Jones.  It is also traditional for initiates to have their hair cut off. Sooooo.....