Crossing the Equator, HMS Beagle, 1832
Captain Fitzroy made sure the voyage of the Beagle were well documented. This illustration drawn by draftsman, Augustus Earle, the boisterous ceremonies of crossing the line (equator) on February 7, 1832. In the traditional initiation, seamen, including Charles Darwin, crossing the line for the firt time are led blindfolded to Neptune, then tarred and dunked in water. It is said that this custom had its origin in offerings to pacify the deities of the sea by mariners who thought that gods and goddesses controlled the elements
Picture No
13343452
Media ID
47780365
Size
3766px x 2936px
(2.4MB)
Credit
© Science Source / Mary Evans Picture Library
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1832 Augustus Beagle Crewmen Darwin Earle Equator Fitzroy Illustrator Initiation Rites Seamen
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