We had our blue nose initiation yesterday for crossing the Arctic Circle (N 66°32’) into the Realm of the Arctic, the Northern Domain of the Polar Bear*. I won’t say much about it, just that we pollywogs-turned-blue noses came out of it sodden cold. What happens in the Arctic stays in the Arctic.
We will be getting sweet sweet certificates like this to commemorate the moment:
Example certificate by Tiffany Publishing
* It’s a Navy/maritime tradition to have initiation rites for certain geographic accomplishments such as crossing the Equator, crossing the Antarctic Circle, circumnavigating the world, sailing on all seven seas, etc. I myself have crossed the Arctic Circle multiple times, and the 180° line twice, but this was my first real ceremony.