The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 17, April 29, 2007, Article 15

STEPPING THE MAST IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

The Post and Courier of Charleston, SC published an article Thursday 
about another stepping the mast ceremony, this time involving an 1879 
silver coin and South Carolina state quarter.

"At the River Styx, the ferryman waits at the gates of the underworld, 
making sure those who pass have silver coins to pay their toll to 
Hades' kingdom.

"The Greek legend dates back to the days of Homer and Odysseus, but 
modern-day sailors know better than to mess with ancient maritime 
tradition or superstition.

"Before the Spirit of South Carolina's crew erected a 97-foot-long 
main mast into the ship's 150-ton frame Wednesday, the daughter of 
the ship's director placed a silver coin under the mast to protect 
sailors for generations to come."

"When the mast reached its hole, a crew of about 15 men circled it, 
shifting it in place to be locked down below.

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

NAVAL COIN CUSTOM IN THE NEWS: STEPPING THE SHIP'S MAST
esylum_v10n11a26.html

UPCOMING JAEGER ARTICLE ON STEPPING THE MAST
esylum_v10n12a19.html

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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