UpAlong.org has scoured the Internet looking for a "Screech In" Certificate that could be used for holding a "Screech In" ceremony. We were not able to find any.

Therefore, we decided to design our own certificate and make it available for everyone who wants it to download (back in 2002, or so... originally done in 1994 and based on a copy of an original certificate).

Click to open in PDF format:

Our Version	NFLD Liquor Corporation Version	NFLD Liquor Corporation Version

Right-mouse-click and select "save target as..." if you want to download one, or all, or these.

The Origin of Screech

Legend has it that Demerara Rum, from the West Indies, was very popular in Newfoundland. It was brought in, bottled, and sold in an unlabeled bottle (everyone knew what it was).

During World War II, the Americans set up bases in Newfoundland. One night, an American serviceman was out drinking with some locals. Eager to try the traditional drink of the province, he took a shot of the unnamed rum.

When he was able to breathe again, the American let loose a loud noise that was later described as some sort of horrible "screech".

The name stuck.

(Nowadays, instead of the original West Indies rum, Jamaican rum is used, which is much less likely to make anyone actually screech.)

The “Screech In” Ceremony

Every Newfoundlander knows what a "Screech In" Ceremony is all about. It is the only way that those not lucky enough to be born a Newfoundlander can become as close as possible to being a Newfoundlander, without having to die and be reincarnated as a Newfoundlander.

Those who survive the ceremony will be forever known as HONORARY NEWFOUNDLANDERS.

Requirements for the ceremony:

1. The "Screech In" ceremony can only be preformed by a natural-born Newfoundlander.
2. A real fish (traditionally a cod, but, since these are hard to find, any whole fish will do)
3. A thick slice of "Newfie Steak" (baloney)
4. A Sou'Wester (rain gear option, but alway fun)
5. At least one bottle of Screech
6. A list of traditional Newfoundland words for the victim to try to repeat

(and don't forget to bring the credit cards so you can leave a nice tip for your bartender!)

The Ceremony:

The ceremony host (the natural-born Newfoundlander), will have the victim stand in front of a group of witnesses while wearing the Sou'Wester.

The host will then talk a bit about Newfoundland and Labrador and give a little bit of the history of the Screech In ceremony AND (important) what it means to become a Honorary Newfoundlander.

The host will next introduce the "Newfie Steak" by telling those present why baloney came to be know as "Newfie Steak" (in NFLD, one has to pay for it, but the lobster is free). A chunk of steak is presented to the victim and he or she is expected to eat it.

The host will then hold up the fish to the victim so that the victim can kiss the fish (on the lips). The host and witnesses have final say on whether the kiss is sufficient to continue. In rare cases, two or more kisses have to be administered.

Next, the host will gingerly pour (because it is so valiable that it is hard to part with) a full 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!"

After this, present the victim with the “Screech In” Certificate as proof of their adventure. Welcome them into the Royal Order of Screechers and let the party begin.

How to Drink Newfie Screech

Newfie Screech is powerful rum with a rich tradition. While it isn't quite as harsh as its name suggests, it is not very smooth either. Because it has a strong flavor, it can be enjoyed alone or mixed with other ingredients.

In particular, Newfie Screech blends well with:

• club soda
  
• coffee
  
• cola
  
• orange juice

Some also say that the taste of Newfie Screech improves if it sits in a glass and airs out for awhile before it is consumed.

Recipes for Popular Newfie Drinks

While Newfie Screech can be enjoyed straight, mixing it with a few other ingredients also produces some interesting results. If you're feeling adventures, try these Newfie Screech cocktail recipes.