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MISCELLANEOUS CUSTOMS
A SEAMAN LEAVING THE FORECASTLE TO GO AFT, EITHER FOR HIS TRICK AT
THE WHEEL OR OTHER WORK, GOES AFT ALONG THE LEESIDE OF THE VESSEL,
UNLESS HIS IMMEDIATE DUTY LIES TO THE WINDWARD.
A SEAMAN SUMMONED TO THE CAPTAIN'S CABIN REMOVED HIS CAP AND
DROPPED IT TO THE DECK JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
A MARINER ENTERING A NEW SHIP, OR EVEN AN OLD SHIP, FOR THE FIRST
TIME MAKES CERTAIN THAT HIS RIGHT FOOT IS THE FIRST TO TOUCH THE
DECK.
IT WAS A BREECH OF ETIQUETTE FOR A SEAMAN TO LOCK HIS SEA CHEST
WHILE ON BOARD HIS SHIP. OFFENDERS OFTEN FOUND, WHEN THEY
RETURNED TO THE FORECASTLE FROM THEIR WATCH ON DECK, THAT THE
COVER HAD BEEN NAILED DOWN.
IN THE BRITISH AND UNITED STATES NAVIES, A SCARF OF BLACK SILK IS
WORN, ORIGINALLY AS A MARK OF WARNING (MOURNING?) FOR THE DEATH
OF LORD NELSON.
IN THE ROYAL NAVY, OFFICERS WHO HAVE BEEN ROUND EITHER THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE OR CAPE HORN MAY PUT ONE FOOT ON THE WARDROOM TABLE;
BOTH CAPES CARRY THE RIGHT TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE TABLE.
BY NAVAL CUSTOM THE SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT IS ALWAYS THE LAST
INTO A BOAT AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
CAPTAIN LUMAS SAYS THAT HE HAS LEARNED THESE CUSTOMS THROUGH THE
YEARS THAT HE HAS BEEN SAILING, BOTH IN THE U.S. NAVY AND UP AT
MACKINAW ISLAND.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MACKINAW ISLAND
Keyword(s): British ; Captain ; Etiquette ; Language ; Lingo ; Naval ; Navy ; POSITION ; Seaman ; Ship ; Uniform ; United States
James Callow Keyword(s): DIRECTION ; LEFT ; POSITION ; RIGHT
NAVY
THE NAVY HAS AN OLD CUSTOM: THE FIRST TIME A SAILOR CROSSES THE
EQUATOR HE HAS TO APPEAR AT A MOCK TRIAL WHICH IS HELD BY KING
NEPTUNE
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. DRAMA -- Secular CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1972
U.S. NAVY RITUAL CUSTOM OF CROSSING THE EQUATOR
PREPARATIONS FOR "CROSSING THE LINE" ARE BEGUN A DAY OR TWO BEFORE
THE ACTUAL CROSSING. GROUPS OF SHELLBACKS GATHER TOGETHER AND MAKE PLANS
AND LAY-OUT SCHEMES FOR THE COMING EVENT, THAT THE SHELLBACKS HAIL WITH
GREAT JOVIALITY AND POLYWOGS AWAIT WITH CERTAIN TREPI- DATION. FROM THIS
MEETING OF THE SHELLBACKS, A ROYAL COURT IS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT NEPTUNE (POSEIDON),
THE MYTHICAL RULER OF THE RAGING MAIN, THE HIGH SEAS. THE COURT CONSISTS OF
SELECTED SALTY, SEAWORTHY, SHELLBACKS WHO MUST DISGUISE THEMSELVES IN COSTUMES.
USUALLY, THE OLDEST AND CRUSTIEST CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ON BOARD IS SELECTED TO PLAY
THE PART OF NEPTUNE AND HE IS FITTED WITH A CROWN, TRIDENT, AND APPROPRIATE REGALIA.
AND THE SECOND OLDEST AND CRUST- IEST C.P.O. ABOARD IS ASKED TO PLAY THE PART
OF DAVEY JONES. HE IS DRESSED AS A PIRATE AND SERVES AS THE PROSECUTING "SEA LAWYER"
WHEN AN OFFENDING POLYWOG APPEARS BEFORE THE ROYAL COURT. A QUEEN IS SELECTED FROM
AMONG THE SHELLBACKS, AND IS TRADITIONALLY THE MOST EFFEMINATE MEMBER OF THE CREW
(SAILORS HAVE A REFINED SENSE OF HUMOR). THE QUEEN PASSES JUDGEMENT ON THE POLYWOG,
WHO IS NEVER FOUND INNOCENT OF HIS CRIME. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL COURT ARE THE
ROYAL SCRIBE, THE ROYAL MASCOT, THE ROYAL BABY, AND THE ROYAL EXECUTIONER, WHOSE
VARIOUS FUNCTIONS WILL BE DISCUSSED LATER ON. THE ACTUAL CEREMONY BEGINS ON THE
MORNING OF THE CROSSING AND IT IS INTRODUCED AT REVILLE ON THE SHIPS P.A. SYSTEM,
MUCH LIKE THE FOLLOWING: "NOW REVILLE, REVILLE, ALL HANDS HEAVE-OUT AND TRICE-UP.
SWEEPERS, SWEEPERS, MAN YOUR BROOMS. A CLEAN SWEEP DOWN FORE-AND-AFT. RELIEVE
THE WATCH, RELIEVE THE LOOKOUTS, RELIEVE THE HELM AND LEE HELM. NOW, REVILLE.
AFTER THE BOSUN PIPES "ALL HANDS" THE O.O.D. COMES ON THE HORN AND TELLS THE CREW
THAT THE SHIP HAS TAKEN ON THE ROYAL COURT OF KING NEPTUNE AND HE INTRODUCES DAVEY JONES
TO THE SHIPS INTERCOM: "NOW ALL YE TRUE AND FAITHFUL SHELLBACKS, WHO ARE THE PRIDE OF
HIS MAJESTYS SEAS, KNOW YE THIS: THAT AMONG YE DWELLS THE SLIMY, LOATHSOME, SMELLY,
SCURVY, VILE, WRETCHED, PUTRID PRESENCE OF MANY AND SEVERAL UNCLEAN, WORTHLESS,
STINKING POLYWOGS. PREPARE YE, THEREFORE, TO MEET HIS ROYAL MAJESTY ON THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY.
ALL YE VILE POLYWOGS ARE NOW ORDERED TO MUSTER YOURSELVES BEFORE THE WORTHY SHELLBACKS AT
YOUR DIVISION QUARTERS." THIS WORD PASSED, POLYWOGS AND SHELLBACKS ALIKE MUSTER AT
MORNING QUARTERS. THE SHELLBACKS, DRESSED AS PIRATES, FORM A LINE FACING THE POLYWOGS, WHO ARE
DRESSED IN PRE-ASSIGNED COSTUMES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE THEM APPEAR RIDICULOUS. AT QUARTERS
THE POLY- WOGS ARE GIVEN SUMMONS TO APPEAR BEFORE THE ROYAL COURT. EACH SUMMONS HAS A TRUMPED-UP
CHARGE AGAINST THE GUILTY POLYWOG THAT HE MUST ANSWER BEFORE THE COURT. SOME EXAMPLES OF THESE CHARGED OFFENS-
ES ARE "WINKING AT THE ROYAL QUEEN," "TICKLING THE ROYAL BABY," OR "FAILURE TO DRINK AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT
OF SEA WATER IN HONOR OF NEPTUNE." WITH THE SUMMONS THE GUILTY POLYWOG IS ASSIGNED A CERTAIN DUTY TO PERFORM
FOR THE SHELLBACKS IN HIS DIVISION, SUCH AS SHINING SHOES, CARRYING CIGARETS, OR RUNNING FOR COFFEE. AFTER
QUARTERS, THE CREW, INCLUDING POLYWOGS, IS ALLOWED TO HAVE BREAKFAST. BREAKFAST FOR SHELLBACKS IS STEAK AND
EGGS, WHILE BREAKFAST FOR POLYWOGS IS COLD BEANS WITH TABAS SAUCE. THIS IS
FOLLOWED BY A COUPLE OF HOURS OF POLYWOG HAZING BY TASKMASTER
SHELLBACKS, WHO GENERALLY MAKE LIFE MISERABLE FOR THE "WOGS."
AROUND MID-MORNING, THE WORD IS PASSED FOR ALL POLYWOGS TO
MUSTER ON THE TORPEDO DECK IN THE UNIFORM OF THE DAY--SKIVVY SHORTS
WORN BACKWARD. THIS ACCOMPLISHED, THE POLYWOGS ARE HOSED-DOWN WITH
SALT WATER AND LEFT TO DRIP-DRY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THEY ARE THEN
LED, INDIVIDUALLY, TO THE HELICOPTER HANGER.
INSIDE THE HANGER THEY ARE MADE TO "WALK THE GAUNTLET." THE
POLYWOG IS MADE TO WALK BETWEEN TWO ROWS OF SHELLBACKS, WHO, WITH
BARBARIAN ZEAL, STRIKE HIM ON THE BUTT WITH A CUT SECTION OF OLD
FIRE-HOSE. HE IS TOLD TO PUT ONE HAND ON HIS KNEE AND THE OTHER ON
HIS SCROTUM (TO PROTECT HIM FROM MISPLACED STROKES OF THE HOSE.)
AS HE WALKS THROUGH THE GAUNTLET EACH SHELLBACK GIVES HIM A LASH.
IF HE WALKS THROUGH TOO QUICKLY HE IS INVITED TO WALK BACK THROUGH
THE LINE.
ONCE THROUGH THE GAUNTLET, THE SUMMONED POLYWOG IS INITIATED
IN YET OTHER INSPIRED WAYS. HE IS PAINTED WITH GREASE AND GRAPHITE,
THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SCRUB OFF. HE IS DUNKED IN GARBAGE AND FIN-
ALLY MADE TO KISS THE ROYAL BABY'S BELLY. IN THIS INSTANCE THE
ROYAL BABY WAS PLAYED BY A BOSUNS MATE THAT WEIGHED HEAVILY, AND
WHOSE MOST DISTINGUISHING FEATURE WAS HIS "BEER GUT." ON THIS
OBESELY PREHENSIBLE PROTRUSION A LAYER OF GREASE WAS APPLIED. AS
THE TIMOROUS AND BRUISED POLYWOG KNEALT TO TO KISS THE ROYAL BABY'S
BELLY, THE BABY GRABBED HIM BY THE EARS AND FORCED HIS FACE INTO
THE GREASE. THE RESULTANT SENSATION IS HARD TO DESCRIBE, BUT I CAN
TESTIFY, FROM FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE, THAT IT WAS REPULSIVE.
THE POLYWOG IS THEN FORCED TO BOW BEFORE THE KING AND QUEEN,
AND, WHILE THE ROYAL EXECUTIONER WORKS HIS FIRE-HOSE ON THE WOGS
EXPOSED BACKSIDE, THE ROYAL SCRIBE READS THE CHARGES. THE POLYWOG
IS ENCOURAGED TO DEFEND HIMSELF AGAINST THE CHARGES, BUT THE DEFENSE
IS USUALLY BRIEF IN ITS SUMMATION FOR THE ROYAL EXECUTIONER IS
STILL PERFORMING HIS OFFICE, WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE ROYAL
MASCOT. THE QUEEN PASSES JUDGEMENT--GUILTY--IMMEDIATELY AND THE
EXECUTIONER GIVES THE POLYWOG ONE LAST SCOURGE TO ENGENDER GOOD
BEHAVIOUR IN THE FUTURE.
AT THIS TIME NEPTUNE, WHO HAS REMAINED STOIC, TELLS THE POLY-
WOG TO "RISE AND PASS ON." HE IS THEN HANDED THE FOLLOWING CER-
TIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE BY THE VENERABLE DAVEY JONES:
IMPERIUM NEPTUNI REGIS
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: AND TO ALL POLYWOGS, MERMAIDS,
SEA SERPENTS, WHALES, PORPOISES, SHARKS, DOLPHINS, EELS, SKATES,
SUCKERS, CRABS, LOBSTERS, AND OTHER LIVING DENIZENS OF THE SEA
GREETING:
KNOW YE: THAT ON THE 15TH DAY OF JULY 1964, IN LATITUDE 00000
AND LONGITUDE 43 DEGREES 37 MINUTES EAST, THERE APPEARED WITHIN
OUR ROYAL DOMAIN THE U.S.S. FRED T. BERRY (DD-858) AT THE EQUATOR.
BE IT KNOWN
THAT THE SAID SHIP WITH OFFICERS AND CREW THEREOF, HAVE BEEN
EXAMINED AND PASSED ON BY OURSELVES AND OUR ROYAL STAFF. BE IT
ALSO KNOWN: BY ALL YE MEN WHO GO DOWN TO THE SEA AS WELL AS YE
LOWLY LANDLUBBERS WHO MAY BE HONORED BY HIS PRESENCE THAT
BLAINE LYN LANKFORD
HAVING BEEN FOUND QUALIFIED TO BE NUMBERED AS ONE OF OUR HONORED
SHELLBACKS AND HE HAS BEEN DULY INITIATED INTO THE SOLEMN MYSTER-
IES OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF SHELLBACKS.
BE IT FURTHER KNOWN: THAT BY VIRTUE OF THE POWER VESTED IN ME
I DO HEREBY COMMAND ALL MY SUBJECTS TO SHOW HONOR AND RESPECT TO
HIM WHEREVER HE MAY BE. DISOBEY THIS ORDER UNDER PENALTY OF OUR
ROYAL DISPLEASURE.
SIGNED--
DAVEY JONES,
HIS MAJESTY'S SCRIBE
NEPTUNUS REX,
RULER OF THE RAGING MAIN
F.B. SHRAKE, CDR, USN,
COMMANDING
AFTER ALL OF THE POLYWOGS HAVE BEEN INITIATED INTO THE FELLOW-
SHIP OF SHELLBACKS, THE CREW CLEANS UP, AS WELL AS POSSIBLE, AND
RETIRES TO THE GALLEY FOR A FITTING MEAL AND PARTY AFTERWARD.
THAT CONCLUDES THE CEREMONY BUT THE EFFECTS LAST FOR SOME TIME.
Submitter comment:
FOR AS FAR BACK AS ANYONE CAN REMEMBER, THE UNITED STATES NAVY HAS
CELEBRATED, WEATHER AND CIRCUMSTANCE PERMITTING, THE CEREMONY OF
CROSSING THE EQUATOR. THE PURPOSE OF THE CEREMONY IS TO INITIATE
NEOPHYTE SAILORS, KNOWN AS POLYWOGS, INTO THE REALM OF THE SALTIER
SAILORS, KNOWN AS SHELLBACKS. THE CEREMONY HAS VARIED LITTLE IN
200 YEARS AND IT IS CLASSIFIED BY THE FOLKLORIST IN THE CATEGORY
OF "RITE DE PASSAGE." THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION IS AN ACCOUNT OF A
PARTICULAR CROSSING IN WHICH THE COLLECTOR WAS A CREW MEMBER (POLY-
WOG) OF A NAVAL DESTROYER. THE CROSSING OCCURRED IN THE INDIAN
OCEAN, NEAR BARAWA, SOMALI REPUBLIC, IN JULY 1964.
Data entry tech comment: SHIVER ME TIMBERS!!!!!!
Where learned: DETROIT
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. PROSE NARRATIVE -- Legend CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
TRADITION
THE FRESHMEN AT THE CITADEL ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THEIR HAIR CUT
(ALMOST COMPLETELY SHAVED OFF) IN ORDER THAT THE UPPERCLASSMEN WILL
KNOW WHO TO TEACH AND DISIPLINE (PICK ON).
Submitter comment: INFORMANT IS A FRESHMAN AT THIS MILITARY INSTITUTION.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; CHARLESTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
TRADITION
ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRADITIONS IS WHEN THE SENIORS RECOGNIZE THE
FRESHMEN AT THE END OF THEIR FRESHMEN YEAR. AFTER GOING THROUGH A
YEAR OF HELL WITH THE SENIORS (AND JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES TOO) THEY
ARE READY TO BE RECOGNIZED. THE CEREMONY INVOLVES GOING TO THE
BEACH, WHERE THE FRESHMEN LINE UP ACROSS FROM THE SENIORS. ONE BY
ONE THE FRESHMEN STEP FORWARD AND CALL OUT TO A SENIOR (USUALLY THE
ONE THAT HAS BEEN THEIR BIG BROTHER THE PAST YEAR). AFTER EVERYONE
IS PAIRED OFF, A HUGE BRAWL TAKES PLACE. NOW THE PLEBES ARE TRUE
MEMBERS OF THE CITIDEL TRADITION.
Submitter comment:
INFORMANT IS A FRESHMAN AT THIS COLLEGE AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO
THIS CEREMONY.
Where learned: SOUTH CAROLINA ; CHARLESTON
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Maturity CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Measure of time Summer CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-00-1976
WETTING DOWN YOUR COMMISSION
WHENEVER YOU ARE PROMOTED, YOU ARE OBLIGED TO HOLD A
"WETTING_DOWN PARTY".
Where learned: NOT INCLUDED
Keyword(s): MILITARY ; PROMOTION
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Work Commerce Business CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 10-19-1965
NAVY CUSTOM
THE DAY BEFORE THE GUY LEFT FOR HOME, HE WAS SPRAYED WITH SHAVING
CREAM, MUSTARD AND KETCHUP AND MADE TO ROLL IN THE DUST OR DIRT.
THIS IS A NAVY CUSTOM, I DO NOT KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE DOES IT.
Where learned: DETROIT
Keyword(s): SEVERANCE RITUAL
| Subject headings: | Favorites CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing BELIEF -- Number |
SUNSHINES
YOU ARE OUR SUNSHINES,
OUR ONLY SUNSHINES
TRI SIGMA MEMBERS WE LOVE YOU
WE DO RESPECT YOU
ANYTHING YOU SAY WE'LL DO.
WE ARE YOUR PLEDGES
YOUR LOWLY PLEDGES.
RIGHT NOW WE'RE SILLY, GOOFY TOO.
BUT AFTER PLEDGING, NO LONGER FLEDGLINGS
WE'LL BE MEMBERS JUST LIKE YOU.
YOU GIVE DEMREITS
OH YES, DEMERITS
WHEN WE ARE BAD OR MISBEHAVE.
BUT SIGMA MEMBERS, WE DO NOT MIND IT.
YOU'RE OUR MASTERS, WE ARE SLAVES.
STILL YOU'RE OUR SUNSHINES
OUR ONLY SUNSHINES
TRI SIGMA MEMBERS WE LOVE YOU
WE DO RESPECT YOU,
WE WON'T NEGLECT YOU
ANYTHING YOU SAY WE'LL DO.
Submitter comment:
SONG OF SIGMA SIGMA
SIGMA BETA TAU CHAPTER
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FRATERNITY SONG ; SORORITY SONG
| Subject headings: | Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Admiration Praise Adulation Ballad Song Dance Game Music Verse -- Social reunion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: DATE NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR.
IN THE SERVICE, THE FIRST TIME YOU CROSS THE EQUATOR YOU MUST
RUN THE GAUNTLET AND EVERYONE BEATS ON YOU. YOU MUST DO THIS NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR RANK IS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Keyword(s): FIRST TIME ; MILITARY
| Subject headings: | 686 Properties attributed to specific numbers or numerals individually. CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 02-00-1970
CUSTOM OF A SCHOOL
AT OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, TO GET INTO THE J. M. B. FRATERNITY, THE
PLEDGE MUST GO INTO A LOCAL SHOPPING MALL AND FIND A GIRL WITH A
LEATHER WRANGLER PATCH ON HER JEANS AND TAKE IT OFF ANY WAY HE CAN.
Submitter comment: I THINK THAT THIS IS REALLY FUNNY, BUT I FEEL SORRY FOR THE GIRL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHGATE
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-00-1979
AIRCRAFT PILOT'S CUSTOM
WHEN A STUDENT PILOT LANDS AFTER HIS OR HER FIRST SOLO FLIGHT,
THE STUDENT'S SHIRT IS TORN OFF AND OFTEN THE STUDENT IS THROWN IN
THE MUD.
Where learned: COLORADO ; COLORADO SPRINGS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1977
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE INITIATION RITE
HOCKEY INITIATION IS A HAIRY SCENE. TRADITIONALLY, VETERAN
PLAYERS HOLD A ROOKIE DOWN, WHIP OUT A RAZOR BLADE AND SCRAPE THE
HAIR FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF HIS BODY.
USUALLY, THE HAIR REMOVED IS FROM THE CHEST OR OTHER, MORE PRIVATE
LOCATIONS USUALLY COVERED BY CLOTHING. BUT SOMETIMES IT'S MORE
VISIBLE. PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR AL COATES SAYS HIS MINOR LEAGUE
TEAMMATES ONCE TRIMMED OFF ONE OF HIS EYEBROWS. AND THE RECENT
TREND, PERHAPS A BACKLASH CREATED BY MODERN, MALE HAIRSTYLES, IS TO
CHOP HAIR FROM HEADS OF PLAYERS.
FOR DETROIT RED WINGS' ROOKIES MIKE FOLIGNO AND GLENN HICKS, THE
HAIRCUTS TOOK PLACE IN THE SHOWER AREA OF THE TEAM LOCKER ROOM,
LEAVING FOLIGNO WITH A SKULL THAT LOOKS LIKE THE ROUGH OF A
LOW-BUDGET GOLF COURSE AND LEAVING HICKS LOOKING LIKE A HARE KRISHNA
WITHOUT THE PONY TAIL.
"YOU KNOW, POLONICH, HE'S THE INSTIGATOR," SAID COACH BOBBY KROMM,
WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PRACTICE BUT WORRIED ABOUT IT GETTING OUT
OF CONTROL. HE DESCRIBED THE WAY IT HAPPENS.
"POLONICH IS NOT THE CUTEST-LOOKING GUY IN THE WORLD, YOU KNOW,
WITH HIS NOSE ALL OUT," KRO
SAID. "AND HE GETS THE BLEEPING LITTL
DUNCE HAT OVER HIS HEAD, WITH HIS BLEEPING TASSLE ON THE BACK, AND
HE'S WEARING ONE OF THESE WHITE BLEEPING APRONS, WITH BLOOD AND MEAT
AND EVERYTHING ON IT.
"AND HE'S GOT ALL THE INGREDIENTS. HE LOOKS LIKE A REAL LITTLE
BLEEPING BUTCHER. AND PERRY MILLER COMES WITH AN APRON AND A MASK
AND A HAMMER AND A KNIFE AND A HACKSAW."
THE ROUTINE THAT FOLLOWS IS SIMILAR TO A SURGICAL PREP AND IT
LEAVES THE LOCKER ROOM A MESS. OFTEN, THE PLAYER IS TRICKED INTO AN
AMBUSH. POLONICH WHO RECEIVED A MOHAWK HAIRCUT AS A JUNIOR, WAS
INITIATED WITH THE WINGS IN 1975 AFTER WALT MCKECKNIE CHALLENGED HIM
TO A WRESTLING MATCH.
AFTER MCKECHNIE PINNED POLONICH HE GAVE EVERYBODY THE SIGNAL.
BUGSY WATSON WAS THE GUY THAT DID IT. AS THE BUGSY WATSON OF HIS
ERA, POLONICH LAST WEEK GAVE THE SIGNAL FOR TEAMMATES TO OVERPOWER
FOLIGNO AND BIND HIM WITH A DOZEN ROLLS OF TAPE.
Submitter comment: QUOTED FROM A STORY BY DETROIT FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER JOE LAPOINTE
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
James Callow Keyword(s): SPORTS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 11-14-1979
EQUATOR CROSSING FESTIVAL OR RITE
WITH A SHORT PORT CALL IN SUBIC BAY WE PROCEEDED ON A SOUTHERLY
COURSE TO SULU AND CELEBES SEAS AND INTO THE STRAITS OF MAKASSAR,
NEARING THE EQUATOR. AT THIS POINT THE SHIP'S CREW TOOK A DAY OFF
FOR AN OLD TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY TO CELEBRATE THE CROSSING. ALL FIRST
TIMERS TO CROSS 0' LATITUDE ARE GIVEN THE ROYAL TREATMENT, BUT YOU
CAN LOOK BACK AT IT AND HAVE A FEW LAUGHS.
Submitter comment:
MY BROTHER IS A USMC PILOT ON THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER MIDWAY. I WISH I
KNEW WHAT THE ROYAL TREATMENT IS BUT THIS INITIATION RITE WAS LEFT T
THE IMAGINATION OF THE READER.
Where learned: INDIAN OCEAN
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- F535 CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
DORMITORY PRANK
ON MY HALLWAY WHENEVER IT WAS SOMEBODY'S BIRTHDAY SIX OF US WOULD
GRAB HIM AND THROW HIM INTO THE SHOWER. ACTUALLY WE WOULD USE ANY
EXCUSE TO THROW SOMEONE IN THE SHOWER. IF A BUNCH OF US WERE SITTIN
IN THE HALLWAY AND THINGS GOT BORING WE WOULD SILENTLY AGREE ON WHOM
WAS MOST DESERVING AND BEFORE HE KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING HE WOULD BE
HELPLESS. OUR FAVORITE TARGET WAS THE RESIDENT ADVISER ERNIE. I
WOULD NEVER GET THROWN IN BECAUSE I WAS TOO QUICK AND BIG AND THE
BLACK KID WASN'T THROWN IN BECAUSE NO ONE WANTED TO START A RIOT.
EVERYONE ELSE WAS THROWN IN THE SHOWER AT LEAST ONCE. SOME GUYS
WOULD LEAVE THEIR ROOM IN THE MORNING AND NOT COME BACK ALL DAY ON
THEIR BIRTHDAY TO AVOID THIS.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS FROM MY FRESHMAN YEAR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DURING
THE 1976 SCHOOL YEAR WHEN I LIVED ON FOURTH LEWIS FLOOR OF BURSLEY
HALL.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; BLOOMFIELD HILLS
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Private birthday or anniversary CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00-00-1976 ; 11-23-1979
INITIATION INTO THE CLAN
1 WHO WAS JOHNNY AT THE CHURCH?
2 THE KISSING OF THE BAG PIPES
3 THE SACRED THIMBLE
Submitter comment:
THIS FAMILY TRADITION GOES BACK AS FAR AS THE FAMILY
COMING OVER FROM NOVA SCOTIA ONLY PEOPLE WHO MARRY INTO THE CLAN
OR GOOD FRIENDS HAVE TO BE INITATED
THIS HAPPENS AT EACH REUNION IN SUMMER
THE CLAN IS THE ANGUS MACK CLAN
SCOTCH AND IRISH ARE THE BACKGROUND
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: CA02001980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE NASTY JOKE IS EMPTYING AN UNSUSPECTING PARTY'S TOOTHPASTE
TUBE AND REFILLING IT WITH URINE.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
THE DORMS AT AMHERST COLLEGE HAVE INDIVIDUAL POWER BOXES; A
FAVORITE PRANK IS TO SHUT OFF A PERSON'S POWER AT NIGHT, THEREBY
STOPPING HIS ALARM CLOCK AND MAKING HIM LATE FOR CLASS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE PRANK IS TO BLOW BABY POWDER INTO SOMEONE'S ROOM UNDER THE
DOOR, USING A HAND-HELD HAIR DRYER.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
A COMMON PRANK INVOLVES GETTING A PERSON OUT OF HIS ROOM,
LOCKING HIM OUT, AND HIDING HIS KEYS SO HE CAN'T RE-ENTER.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980
PRACTICAL JOKE
ONE PRANK INVOLVES A GROUP OF PEOPLE GAINING ENTRY TO A PERSON'S
ROOM WHILE THE PERSON IS THERE, AND REMOVING THE CONTENTS OF
THE ROOM, DESPITE THE OCCUPANT'S PROTESTS.
Submitter comment:
THIS ITEM WAS COLLECTED BY THE INFORMANT IN THE
FRESHMEN DORMS OF AMHERST COLLEGE IN AMHERST,
MASSACHUSETTS; IT WAS COLLECTED BY ME IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN.
Where learned: Massachusetts ; AMHERST
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Entertainment Diversion CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Initiation rite Hazing |
Date learned: 00001979-80 ; 03-00-1980