The unique Screech-in Ceremony of Newfoundland

Salt cod drying in the wind.

Newfoundland was built by fishermen. French, Portuguese, and English have been visiting the island since the 15th century to fish for cod. It started as a seasonal work, every summer. Soon, a British company set up a permanent fishing base on the island. Others followed, with each bay and cove becoming a fish processing plant.

The fishermen would go out at sea for days and brave the bitter cold, piercing winds, icy rain, and blinding fog. The catch was what their families depended on. The only other food sources were root vegetables, berries, and game.

Rum was an important part of fishermen's lives. Rum helped them deal with long times at sea, difficult living conditions, freezing cold, and hard work.

Newfoundland was part of the British Empire until 1948. So during WW2, the USA received permission from Britain to set up army bases in Newfoundland. After referendums were held, it was decided that Newfoundland would join Canada.

This is when the Screech tradition started.

The legend says that an American serviceman walked into a bar and asked for a shot of rum. After downing the strong rum, he let out a howl. A superior officer asked what that noise was. A local answered- "The screech? 'Tis the rum, me son". More servicemen began to take to this rum, and it quickly became the most popular beverage. And so this rum gained the name of Screech rum. It became part of the Screech-in ceremony designed for those who "come from away", to give them an honorary Newfoundlander status.

Screech rum is Jamaican rum, bottled in Newfoundland. It has been imported into Newfoundland since the early 1800s. It was part of a salt fish trade between Newfoundland and Caribbean islands. Newfoundland would send lumber and salt fish to these islands, and in return, they would get rum and molasses.

Molasses is a thick syrup made from sugar cane. It was and still is used in baking. If you visit Newfoundland, try toutons (fried dough) with molasses on top, a popular local treat.

During the stationing of US army bases, Newfoundland was introduced to new technologies, like cinema and new vehicles. As an island, it had been pretty isolated from US culture, and even from the rest of Canadian culture.

The newcomers even looked down on the way of life of Newfoundlanders. They had preserved their thick accents still strong since being brought over from Ireland, the traditional lifestyle centered around fishing, and being content with a peaceful, rural life.

But Newfoundlanders also looked down on people who "came from away". They are protective of their ways and traditions, yet at the same time, can engage in self-deprecating humor. The Screech-in ceremony is a very exaggerated and funny approach to what the outsiders thought about the locals.

The Screech-in ceremony is only done for outsiders, the people who "come from away" or Canadian "mainlanders".

The most popular place to do your ceremony is Christian's Pub, located on George Street, St. John's, Newfoundland. It can also be done by a local when going fishing or at a party. All you need are Screech Rum, bologna (a cured meat), and a codfish to kiss.

If you want to look into setting up a Screech-in, check out Christian's Pub.

Here are the steps of a Screech-in ceremony:

The ceremony master, always a local, starts the ceremony by asking everyone to introduce themselves while making jokes. Then the master asks them if they want to become a Newfoundlander. The proper response is "Yes, b'y!". This is a very popular saying, used in every situation. The meaning is given by the context and intonation. It can be said as an agreement, surprise, disbelief, a sarcastic response, and more.

Next, the participants are asked "Are ye a screecher? " and instructed to respond with "Indeed I is, me ol'cock! And long may yer big jib draw!". The response means "Yes I am, my friend! And may your sails always catch wind!".

Next, the ceremony involves everyone having a bite of the local bologna. Then, a round of Screech shots is passed around, to gain courage for the next part.

The most important part is kissing a fish. It can be fresh, but Christian's Bar has a frozen one. The fish is held by the ceremony master, so everyone can take turns and place a kiss on it. Just close your eyes and give the fish a peck on its cheek.

After completing all these challenges, you may become an honorary Newfoundlander. You even receive a certificate confirming your status. You can then continue the party and enjoy your time in Newfoundland.

I suggest ending your day with a fancy dinner at the Fish Exchange, where you can enjoy a plate of cod cheeks again, this time with tartar sauce.

Did you experience a fun ceremony in a new country? Share your thoughts in the comments.