Is the ceremony for sailors "crossing the line" (the equator) described in several of Patrick O´Brian's Aubrey/Maturin novels an actual tradition? Where can I find out more about the ceremony and the background?

by [deleted]

[deleted]

mimicofmodes

OP - You are welcome to leave this post up, but you may want to delete and repost the question to the current panel AMA on sailors and sailing. You might be more likely to get an answer, since all the relevant flairs are working in there right now!