The “Screech In” Ceremony
Ingredients:
- 1 victim (a foreign one)
- 1 native Newfoundlander or more (only ones allowed to perform the ceremony)
- A real fish (preferably a cod – but any whole fish will do – just make sure it’s dead).
- A Sou’Wester (or pink woolly hat?)
- A bottle of Screech Rum
Method:
- The ceremony host has the victim stand in front of a group of witnesses while wearing the Sou’Wester (does a pink woolly hat count?). The host holds up the fish for the victim to kiss it… on the lips (gruesome!).
- The host and witnesses have the final say on whether the kiss is sufficient to continue. Sometimes 2 or more kisses may have to be administered.
- Next, the host pours a generous shot of Screech. This is handed to the victim and he or she has to repeat the following, before drinking, and while holding the glass high:
“Long may your big jib draw” - The victim is then presented with a “Screech In” Certificate – in recognition of their achievement – and welcomed into “The Royal Order of Screechers”.