Tag Archives: Screech

St. John’s Time, diddly music, the ballet, and more…

29 Saturday Oct 2011

Posted by in Culture, Discovery, Music, Newfoundland

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Night life is a bit different in St. John’s, Newfoundland. It starts late and ends in mid-early morning – 3-4 AM. (And that doesn’t even begin to describe kitchen parties which are a whole other thing.) Bands usually play until at least 3:00 AM, music seems to be coming out from every doorway, and people are out on the streets even later and safely so. Usually a wonderful time is had by all, save for those who indulged too much in Screech or some such other libation.There are also wonderful food trucks for the late-night munchies zombies.

So, I found myself in a pub that first evening talking with a local named Oscar. Oscar was a treasure trove of info all things Newfoundland. I had hit pay dirt already. Since St. John’s was to be my starting and finishing place for this trip and I would be there for about 4-5 nights, I wanted to know which places might be of interest and which were not worth walking into.

Oscar told me all about them: this place over here is a good one if you want to go dancing – the women will come up and ask you to dance!; that place has good music; that place has diddly music (his term for Newfoundland folk music which is really very good); that’s a good restaurant but a bit over-priced; that’s a hockey bar; that’s the ballet; etc. Whoa! The ballet? It didn’t look like any ballet I knew… not with Pink in the name. I was about to ask Oscar for clarification when he excused himself to go outside for a smoke.

When he returned, I pressed him on the ballet issue. I said, “Oscar, I’m not sure I understand about the ballet. It looks like something entirely different than that.”

His response, “Oh it is. We have only one or two and that’s what we call them.” Golden lakes in the early evening notwithstanding: with lady’s choice dance bars; diddly music and more; I had the feeling I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. I was now in Newfoundland.

Screeches in the night…doobie doobie doo.

25 Tuesday Oct 2011

Posted by in Culture, Discovery, Humor, Newfoundland

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There’s a saying that goes, “If you remember Woodstock, you probably weren’t there.” Now, I won’t say I don’t remember my first night in Newfoundland, I do, but there are one or two things I’m uncertain about. Well, only one thing. And that’s becoming an Honorary Newfoundlander.

How does one go about that you say? Well, it involves a ritual ceremony called a “Screech In.” Those who survive this ceremony will forever be known as Honorary Newfoundlanders. It goes something like this:

1. The “Screech In” can only be performed by a natural-born Newfoundlander. No pretenders allowed.

2. A real fish (traditionally a cod, but since these are hard to come by, any whole fish will suffice.)

3. A Sou’Wester – heavy duty fisherman’s rain gear, complete with head gear as well.

4. A bottle of Screech – a rather strong, inexpensive, some think vile, rum.

And now the fun begins, especially for the locals who good-naturedly enjoy visitors performing for them. The ceremony host, remember a natural-born Newfoundlander, will have the victim, wearing the Sou’Wester, stand in front of group of “witnesses” The host will then hold up the fish so the future honoree can kiss the fish on the lips! All watching will have the final decision on whether or not the kiss is sufficient to continue the festivity. Some times, multiple kisses are required!

Moving along, the host will pour a shot of Screech for the victim to hold on high before imbibing but not before reciting the following: “Long may your big jib draw.” Then a certificate may be issued to inform all that this person is indeed an Honorary Newfoundlander.

I was informed on my trip I was an Honorary Newfoundlander. I didn’t have a certificate, but I do remember having a “screeching” headache. Hmmm. More on the first night next post when I learn about the ballet.