Screeched-In at Trapper John’s

Published March 2, 2010 at 7:00 am |

You’re probably wondering why I am kissing the rear-end of that stuffed animal. I wish I could tell you the reason why. All I can tell you is that it’s part of a fun ritual that I took part in while I was in St. John’s, Newfoundland. It’s called a “Screech-In”.

After a hard day’s work we went to Trapper John’s Museum N’ Pub. It’s located on George St., which was described to me as the Bourbon St., of Newfoundland (without the sex clubs). The street has an assortment of clubs and bars that invite you to warm up from the cold air outside.

For out-of-towners, Trapper John’s offers a ritual called the Screech-In. Screech is a brand of rum from Jamaica. Years ago, Canadian sailors would trade fish for rum. Known for it’s potency and ability for locals to down it with nary a grimace, Screech became the drink of choice. Visitors to Newfoundland were offered the then nameless drink as a symbol of hospitality. When an unaware American soldier downed his drink he screeched out loud, giving the drink it’s namesake.

Today, visitors can take part in their own Screech-In. The ceremony has a few guidelines in order to make you an official, honorary Newfoundlander…

The ceremony must be performed by a native Newfoundlander
Participants start by taking of a shot of Screech
Next a codfish or a puffin’s “arse” (ass), must be kissed
Finally, a few words must be recited

Here’s a YouTube video of my Screech-In.

You could tell by the look on my face that the rum was indeed potent. But it was a great moment; Surrounded by friends, curious onlookers and our host, Trapper Kelly. As they say, when in Rome… If you find yourself in St. John’s and have a night free, consider joining the club that’s 100,000 people strong and growing.

IMG 0031 300x225 Screeched In at Trapper Johns