Object ID
1998.42.6
Object Name
Photograph
Object Collection
George's Collection (is part of)
Date Created
1945
Object Entities
Sotos, George (is related to)
Related Items
Photograph, 1998.42.1
Photograph, 1998.42.2.A
Photograph, 1998.42.2.B
Photograph, 1998.42.3
Photograph, 1998.42.4
Photograph, 1998.42.5
Photograph, 1998.42.7
Photograph, 1998.42.8
Photograph, 1998.42.9
Photograph, 1998.42.10
Photograph, 1998.42.11
Photograph, 1998.42.12
Photograph, 1998.42.13.A
Photograph, 1998.42.13.B
Photograph, 1998.42.14
Photograph, 1998.42.15.A
Photograph, 1998.42.15.B
Photograph, 1998.42.16
Diary, 1998.42.17.1-4
Photograph, 1998.42.2.A
Photograph, 1998.42.2.B
Photograph, 1998.42.3
Photograph, 1998.42.4
Photograph, 1998.42.5
Photograph, 1998.42.7
Photograph, 1998.42.8
Photograph, 1998.42.9
Photograph, 1998.42.10
Photograph, 1998.42.11
Photograph, 1998.42.12
Photograph, 1998.42.13.A
Photograph, 1998.42.13.B
Photograph, 1998.42.14
Photograph, 1998.42.15.A
Photograph, 1998.42.15.B
Photograph, 1998.42.16
Diary, 1998.42.17.1-4
Object Description
Lieutenant Commander George P. Sotos, Commanding Officer of the USS Willis (DE 395) sitting atop a barrel, right side of image, during the "Crossing the Line (Equator)" ceremony aboard the ship. Sailor dressed as King Neptune seen at back left corner with trident and fake beard.
Origin
The ceremony of Crossing the Line is an initiation rite in the Royal Navy, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, and other navies that commemorates a sailor's first crossing of the Equator. Originally, the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long rough times at sea. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed (Trusty) Shellbacks, often referred to as Sons of Neptune; those who have not are nicknamed (Slimy) Pollywogs.
Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships.
Equator-crossing ceremonies, typically featuring King Neptune, are also sometimes carried out for passengers' entertainment on civilian ocean liners and cruise ships. They are also performed in the merchant navy and aboard sail training ships.
Rights and Reproduction
The content on this site is made available for research and education purposes only. The use of these materials may be restricted by law or the donor.
Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.
For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Any other use, such as exhibition, publication, or commercial use, is not allowed except by written permission in accordance with the NHM Image Rights and Reproduction Policy.
For questions on image rights and reproduction, please contact nhmcollections@hellenicmuseum.org
Citation
Photograph, 1945, George's Collection, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/3887. Accessed 04/24/24.