Experiencing a Newfoundland Brand

Janice and I have now experienced how strong and pervasive a Newfoundland brand is first hand.  While in the Maritimes for the Atlantic Summit we were visited by the 'Mummers' with a 'Screeching In' ceremony.


Now this is a ceremony that brings many of the traditions of Newfoundland to bear on those who are being 'Screeched In'.  The provincial people have created a website and 'codified' the ceremony so that it can be delivered with many of the same elements no matter who is delivering it.  


The Mummers start off with a sing song rendition of the Islands history. This story ends and the respondents are plied with questions that show their knowledge or ignorance of local flavors and customs.  Of course each time an incorrect answer is given there is an element of punishment in the form of an obligatory swig of 'Newfie Screech'.  


While each ceremony seems to be offered with variation, other elements of our ceremony included tasting and identifying Newfie steak (bologna), pronouncing Newfie words and phrases (hazel, angus, robert's point,etc) and kissing the lips and arse of a freshly caught Codfish.  Needless to say, a few swigs of Screech were required along the way.


Finally, though we made it to the question:


'Is you a Newfie Screecher?'


Managed to respond with the correct answer:


'Indeed I is me old cock, and long may your big jib draw.'


Janice and I have certificates to prove we are now official Newfie Screechers!


All in all, this Screeching In ceremony kind of makes our Calgary White Hat ceremony look kind of bland.  So I'm now wondering if we should add some elements to our Calgary tradition.  Perhaps we could convince our visitors to kiss the lips and arse of a Richardson's Ground Squirrel.  We could also use Alberta Rye as punishment if they can't tell us what prairie oysters are or can't pronounce 'Calgary' correctly. 


With respect to the prairie dogs, it may be a little confusing.  We have lots, but that's because they always seem to be 'AWOL' from their responsibilities in the Saskatchewan army!