Destination with traditions
Almost all destinations have their own traditions, Galapagos is not an exception. Traditions elevate the experience beyond the usual and immerses us in the culture and history of distant lands.
Crossing the Equator
One of Galapagos traditions is crossing the equator at sea throughout a cruise. This belief goes back to the days of whalers and pirates. The origins of commemorating crossing the equator are fiercely disputed. According to legend, the British Navy initiated the rites 400 years ago. The tradition spread throughout the world in the following decades. Darwin, Dampier, whalers, and pirates honored the ritual by participating in a late-night initiation.
In order to commemorate, the Navy as well as commercial ships, and tour operators around the world hold celebration events and traditions. The ceremony has evolved since its inception, however the essence has not.
People who still need to pass the equator are typically gathered throughout the ship and brought before a trial. The time-honored tradition has separate programs based on the staff, and the characters that have evolved with the years passing which are usually represented by stand-ins.
Going Back
All through Darwin’s time, the ritual served as some kind of victimization. Griffins were compelled to endure becoming baptized in the sea, shaving their heads, and other undesirable travails carried out by knowledgeable crew mates to put the new new members to the test. Darwin’s ceremony was held aboard The Beagle on February 17, 1832, when the early naturalist was only 23 years old. In his diaries, he described the experience like so:
“We’ve crossed the Equator, and I’ve had the unpleasant experience of being shaved. We poor griffins. Two and thirty in number, were gathered on the lower deck around 9 a.m. today. We were in the dark and very hot because the hatchways were battened down”.
“They then lathered pitch and paint on my face and mouth, scraping some of it away with a roughened iron hoop. A signal was given, and I was thrown head over heels into the water, where two men greeted me and ducked me. Finally, and happily, I escaped”.
On cruises
This tradition mainly performed by navals has inspired festivities when the line is reached. It’s a night that stands out among the wonders of the world of the islands. It is a tradition that commemorates the past without leaving behind the present!
