Newfoundland Screech facts for kids
Newfoundland Screech is a type of rum that comes from Newfoundland, a province in Canada. It is a strong drink, containing 40% alcohol. The name "screech" was once a common nickname for any strong, inexpensive alcoholic drink. The company uses this traditional name for its rum to connect it with Newfoundland's history.
This rum is sold in stores in Newfoundland and in other places. It is mixed and bottled by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation. The rum itself is brought in from Jamaica. You can find Newfoundland Screech across Canada and even in some parts of New England in the United States.
The Screech-in Ceremony
Newfoundland Screech rum is famous for its role in a special tradition called the "screech-in." This ceremony is a fun way to welcome visitors to Newfoundland. People from outside Newfoundland are sometimes called "come from away" or "mainlanders."
The screech-in ceremony usually involves a small drink of screech rum, a short speech, and often, kissing a cod fish! These ceremonies often happen in homes or, more commonly, in pubs in towns like George Street, St. John's. Some well-known places for screech-ins include Trapper John's and Christian's Bar. You might even find screech-ins happening on tourist boat trips, like the Scademia, which sails through St. John's harbor.
What Happens During a Screech-in?
The exact steps of a screech-in can be a little different from one pub or community to another. However, it often starts with the person leading the ceremony introducing themselves. They will then ask the visitors if they would like to become a Newfoundlander. The correct and enthusiastic answer is "Yes b'y!"
Each person taking part is asked to say their name and where they are from. The leader might playfully joke about their accent or hometown. Then, everyone holds their small glass of Screech rum. They are asked, "Are ye a screecher?" or "Is you a Newfoundlander?" The proper reply they are taught is: "Indeed I is, me ol' cock! And long may yer big jib draw!" This old saying means, "Yes I am, my old friend, and may your sails always catch wind."
Kissing the Cod Fish
After the speeches, a cod fish is usually held up to each participant's lips. Then, they give the fish a kiss! Often, frozen fish are used, especially in the screech-ins on George Street. Sometimes, if available, a fresh fish might be used instead. After the ceremony, some pubs even give out special certificates to those who have become honorary Newfoundlanders.
Some screech-in traditions have extra fun steps. For example, some ceremonies ask the participant to eat a piece of "Newfie steak," which is a slice of bologna. Others might involve kissing the rear end of a rubber puffin toy. In some cases, people might stand in a bucket of salt water during the ceremony. They might also wear a Sou'wester hat while saying the special words and drinking the rum. When a group of people are being "screeched-in," the drinks and speeches are usually done all at once. It's important to know that only a person born in Newfoundland can officially lead a "proper" screech-in ceremony.
