Crossing the Line

Equator-crossing ceremonies evolved from a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough voyages.  

Lithuanians coming to Australia by ship were initiated into this rite after crossing of the Equator.  The ceremony usually involved everyone onboard, King Neptune, dressing up and lots of water.   This memorable event was often acknowledged with a certificate.

Eighteen-year-old Renoldas Čėsna was on board the Castelbianco bound for Melbourne in 1949.  He travelled with his parents and sister, along with another 911 refugees from Eastern Europe: Balts, Polish, Yugoslavs, Ukrainians, Russians, Hungarians and Germans.  Renoldas kept a diary of his journey from Naples, Italy, to Australia.  This is his translated account of the equator crossing ceremony.

1949.III.7 Indian Ocean

We sailed across the equator.  For that occasion, a baptism was held. King Neptune carrying a pitchfork and a few princesses came and sat down at a table, covered with white tablecloths.  On the table was placed a large pot with soap-bubbled water, a bucket of water and two plates. On one plate was some sugar, the other held salt, a razor blade and a large brush.  

One lady was chosen from the crowd and placed on a chair.  They covered her face, eyes, nose and lips with red soap foam.   Then with a large razor, began to shave. After shaving, they washed the brush in water and wiped away the remaining foam.  At the end, they gave her sugar or salt. A Naval Officer was baptised, and photographs were taken with an IRO representative, senior waiter and a sailor.  A bucket of foam was poured over the head of a waiter, after which all those present were wet with a hose.  For the rest of the day, everyone on board sloshed each other with water.  There was an ensemble of men who would catch women and throw them into the children’s swimming pool.  Some men were also pushed in the children pool.   The weather was windy, windier than earlier. The sky was cloudy. 

Renoldas Čėsna’s diary and certificates of Equator crossings from the Australian Lithuanian Archive.