If you are not fortunate enough to come from Newfoundland but are fortunate enough to visit Newfoundland you will probably be invited to become an honorary Newfoundlander, or Newfie.

This involves being "Screeched in".

Screech is a type of rum once smuggled in from Jamaica. Now sold at 40% alcohol per volume, it was at one time available at 80% or stronger.

The ritual for being "Screeched in" involves a Newfoundlander leading you through the ceremony which includes dressing in sou'wester rain gear, eating a piece of "Newfie Steak" (aka baloney), kissing a cod (usually a dead one) and taking a shot of Screech after reciting the following:

"From the waters of the Avalon, to the shores of Labrador,
We've always stuck together, with a Rant and with a Roar.
To those who've never been, soon they'll understand,
From coast to coast, we raise a toast, We love thee Newfoundland!"

The Master of Ceremonies will then ask -"Is ye a screecher?"

To which you should answer - "Deed I is, me ol' cock! And long may yer big jib draw!"

You are thereupon an honorary Newfie and can be issued the certificate you see here. You are then entitled to leave the province in search of work, draw pogey after fishing season closes and long to be "down home" on a Saturday night in whatever industrial or oil town you end up working in. You will also find yourself becoming more open, honest, hospitable and humorous than ever before.

So raise a glass (of Screech) to 'em - God bless Newfoundland.