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About Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland ScreechNewfoundland Screech rum is one of the best selling dark rums in Canada. Long before any liquor board was created, salt fish was shipped to the West Indies in exchange for rum. The fish became the national dish of Jamaicans and the rum became the traditional drink of Newfoundlanders. Its part of the scenery and it’s a true taste of Newfoundland.
The rough and ready crews from the rugged island of Newfoundland of years ago knew there was smooth and delicious rum waiting for them at the end of their wind-wept journey to sell salt dried codfish. As far back as the 1700s they brought back Jamaican rum which was later called “screech.” It soon became a Newfoundland favourite and has stayed so for generations.
Screech is sold in liquor stores in Newfoundland and also outside the province. The imported rum is blended and bottled by the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, which unlike its counterparts in other provinces has retained its bottling business.
Before the liquor corporation was created to take alcohol under its wing, Jamaican rum was a mainstay of the Newfoundland diet. When the Government took control of the traditional liquor business in the early 20th century, it began selling the rum in an unlabelled bottle. The product might have remained permanently nameless except for the influx of American servicemen to Newfoundland during World War II.
As the story goes, the commanding officer of the original American detachment was having his first taste of Newfoundland hospitality and, imitating the custom of his host, downed his drink in one gulp. The officer’s blood-curdling howl, when he regained his breath, brought the sympathetic and curious from miles around rushing to the house to find out what was going on. The first to arrive was a garrulous old American sergeant who pounded on the door and demanded, "What the cripes was that ungodly screech?"
The Newfoundlander who answered the door replied simply, "The Screech? Tis the rum, me son."
So a legend was born. Word of the incident spread so other American servicemen, determined to try this mysterious "Screech," found its effects as devastating as the name implies, adopted it as their favourite.
Newfoundland Screech-InFirst time visitors to Newfoundland may be submitted to a “Screeching-In” ceremony which entitles them to become an honorary Newfoundlander. This is intended to be a fun time and the ceremony is usually thoroughly enjoyed by both the visitors and anyone who happens to be watching.
Accounts of Screeching-In ceremonies vary slightly depending on the personalities involved and the materials on hand but the idea is all pretty much the same.
A Newfoundlander is selected as Master of Ceremonies who is familiar with the history of Newfoundland and, preferably, capable of playing the accordion or guitar. The MC introduces the candidates to the Newfoundland tradition and some Newfoundland customs and songs, especially “I’se da Boy”. While this is going on the candidates are encouraged to eat some of our famous bologna and hard tack washed down with Screech and coke. Meanwhile, the MC might poke a little fun at the candidate for their ignorance of Newfoundland customs and traditions or even their accent.
The candidates then, in turn:
---dons a sou’wester and dances a little jig as instructed by the MC
---downs a shot of Screech (unmixed) after repeating “thru the teeth and over the gums, look out stomach, here she comes"
---recites “Long may your big jib draw me ol’ cocky!”
---kisses a raw cod fish
The MC then asks if the candidate is a Newfoundlander to which the correct reply is, “dee’d I is me ole trout and long may yore big jib draw”. When answered correctly and after a sprinkling of salt water the candidate is tapped on both shoulders with an oar from a fishing boat and declared an Honourary Newfoundlander.
Once the ceremony is over each candidate is given a copy of the Royal Order of Screechers certificate which declares that he/she is enrolled in the Order.
Buy Newfoundland Books: enjoy Newfoundland Screech
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