Sailors’ Baptism in Scandinavian Waters

Abstract

Cape Kullen on Oresund marks the boundary between the Baltic and the Kattegat. Those passing it for the first time were ‘baptised’ by ducking and had to pay a ransom to crew mates. The article traces the origins and history of this practice, which lasted into the twentieth century; compares it with Crossing the Line ceremonies; and records many other similar rituals in Scandinavian waters.

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Filed under: Baltic | Medieval | Other (Early Modern) | Other (Nineteenth C) | Other (Eighteenth C) | Other (Twentieth C)
Subjects include: Manpower & Life at Sea | Miscellaneous