 The
Newfoundland Screech in
In
Newfoundland, the people have a tradition of trying to make newcomers
feel welcome. To the extent of having a ceremony where the outsider
can attempt at becoming an honorary Newfoundlander. This tradition
is known as the "Screech-In". "Screech-Ins" have
an ancestry which goes quite a way back. It is a descendant of various
"initiation rites" which were performed by seamen who would
go seal fishing in the past. If there were any newcomers to the ship
they would have to prove themselves and their worthiness to be a part
of the crew.
The actual "Screech-In" is a very entertaining ceremony
where "wanna-be" Newfies get the opportunity to take pride
in a new culture. The "Screech-In" process can vary slightly
from screecher to screecher but for the most part, there is a common
process to become an honorary Newfie.
The 6 steps to the "Screech-In" are described below.
Step
1:
The "screechee" must kneel in front of the room with a
Newfoundland flag draped across his or her shoulders.
Step
2:
The "screecher" tells some jokes and gives
a brief lesson on the Newfoundland dialect.
Step
3:
Now that the "screechee" is at ease, he or she must devour
a piece of hard bread. Next comes the bologna, followed by a hearty
bite of caplin with a choice of either heads or tails.
Step
4:
After the snack comes the part which is the event's
namesake, a huge swig of Newfie Screech.
Step
5:
Next the "screechee" must kiss the almighty codfish.
Step
6:
Finally, the screechee is asked the million dollar question:
"Are you a Newf?"
and the required response must be repeated perfectly. The response is:
"deed I is me ol' cock. Long may your big jib draw."
If the sceechee is unable to repeat this response, more Screech
must be consumed until the line is said properly or the screechee
passes out.
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