Empire of the Torrid Zone, December 28, 1855, handwritten do - Lot 30

Empire of the Torrid Zone, December 28, 1855, handwritten document. This exceptional document is a humorous military christening certificate dated December 28, 1855, issued aboard the French Navy corvette "Le Catinat". It attests to the christening of Mr. Savatier, a lieutenant in the Marine Infantry, in the solemn and traditional setting of the Legion's Patroness. The deed is signed by the Legion's Archbishop, the current Commandant and several officers. It bears two official seals: a circular "Empire de la Constellation" seal and an "A l'Image & Sceau de la Légion de la Frégate militaire Catinat" seal. The document mentions that this ceremony was performed "in all forms, with the pomp that this ceremony requires and according to the rite and canons of our religion." Some wear, stains and folds. 1 p., in-4° format. 1855. Historical background: L'Empire de la zone torride refers to the French Navy's ancient maritime traditions, particularly those linked to baptisms of passage. These ceremonies were initiation rites performed when sailors crossed the Equator or other symbolic zones. The corvette "Le Catinat", mentioned in the document, was a ship in the French fleet, used for military and exploration missions in the 19th century. Sea baptism was part of maritime customs, where sailors crossing a specific area for the first time would receive a symbolic baptism, often overseen by officers playing the role of fictional religious figures, such as "the Archbishop of the Legion."