Would you like to become a Newfoundlander? Then Take the Shot and Kiss the Cod!

April 08, 2019

Would you like to become a Newfoundlander? Then Take the Shot and Kiss the Cod!

Heading to Newfoundland? Well practice your pucker, because you might just be asked to take part in a 'screech-in'!

Screech is a type of rum produced in Newfoundland, but was once the colloquial term for any cheap, high-alcohol spirit, including moonshine.  When you visit Newfoundland, you might be asked to participate in the 'screech-in' ceremony.  The ceremony is optional, but if you do it you're officially a Newfoundlander!

To take part in a 'screech-in', all you have to do is take the shot, recite the short speech, and kiss the cod.

Did I not mention the cod?

Cod fishing was an incredibly important industry in Newfoundland's history from the 15th century to the early 1990s.  The earliest travelers to what would later become Canada wrote about the abundance of cod, some going so far as to say they were so thick they could hardly row a boat through them, or were so abundant one could walk across them to land. The coast of Newfoundland was operated as a cod fishery for centuries, until over-fishing resulted in the collapse of the cod population and the fisheries were forced to shut down.  Cod remains popular for its mild flavour, low fat content and white flesh.  The liver of a cod can also be processed to make (what else) cod liver oil.

Not to mention, cod are incredibly ugly and perfect for kissin'!

Image from quiltsbyjen.ca

But once you've completed the screech-in, you are officially a Newfoundlander.  If you're lucky, you might even receive your honorary certificate to frame and show off to your friends back home!  And if you're really lucky, maybe someone at the bar will buy you another shot to wash down the taste of fish...




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Tail Slapping Canadian Facts!

All About Ice Wine!
All About Ice Wine!

July 04, 2025

Learn all about Canada's "liquid gold"- ice wine!

Continue Reading

What does "Elbows Up" mean?
What does "Elbows Up" mean?

June 12, 2025

What started as a hockey phrase signaling defense and readiness has evolved into a symbol of Canadian independence. The phrase “Elbows Up,” once used to warn players to defend themselves or fight back, gained new political significance after comedian Mike Myers donned a “Canada is not for sale” shirt on Saturday Night Live in February 2025, emphasizing national pride. Originally associated with hockey legend Gordie Howe, “Elbows Up” now serves as a rallying cry for Canadians standing up for their country. Explore how this spirited gesture has been transformed from rink-side defense to a powerful emblem of patriotism.

Continue Reading

Maritime Berries: Profiles, Facts, and More!
Maritime Berries: Profiles, Facts, and More!

May 26, 2025

Canada is home to many different kinds of unique treats- maple syrup normally comes to mind. What a lot of folks don’t know is that Canada’s peoples have lots of delicacies that can’t be found outside of North America. Many of them are berries.


In this article, you’ll be able to discover the hidden treasures of the Maritimes, their appearances, what they taste like, and some of the significance behind each one.

Continue Reading