Newfoundland - St. John's

Today is our last day in St. John's. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, exploring and learning more about the Newfoundland history.

We headed over to the St. John's farmers market today to check out the local wares and produce. The market runs all year round and the produce and wares can vary from season to season. This time of year the market is full of root vegetables, tomatoes and a variety of places selling local meats. Pretty good market if you live in the area and are in need of some produce. We did find a lady that was selling jams

and jellies from the local fruits.. I won't spoil the surprise on what we bring back.

After the market we did a bit of running around, did errands and took some time to get organized for our day of travel tomorrow. Today is a day to catch up on some rest and take advantage of having some time to relax before our busy next few days.

We have enjoyed our time in Newfoundland. I think that if a person was to come in the summer you could really enjoy the outdoors; all the beautiful landscapes and wildlife the island has to offer. Unfortunately, our time here has been rainy, cold and enough wind to blow your socks off. But I am glad we came, just the same.

Here are some Newfoundland sayings:

How ya gettin’ on : How’s it going?
Knows ya can’t go : You’ve got some energy.
Get on the go : To get going or to have a good time.
The arse is gone out of ‘er.: It’s all gone to hell.
Be there the once.: Be right there.
Go on in out of it.: Remove yourself from the situation.
Whatta y’at?: What are you doing? How’re you doing? What’s up? A proper response might be “Nuttin’ b’y.” or “This is it.
Who knit you?: Where are you from? Who are your parents? Usually uttered after you’ve done something foolish.
I dies at you.: I think you’re exceptionally funny.
“I’m gutfounded. Fire up a scoff.”: I’m hungry. Make me some food.

One Newfoundland tradition we did learn about was the "Mummers" during the holiday season. An old Christmas custom from England

and Ireland, mummering in a version of its modern form can be traced back in Newfoundland into the 19th century. Although it is unclear precisely when this tradition was brought to Newfoundland by the English and Irish, the earliest record dates back to 1819. The tradition varied, and continues to vary, from community to community. In the holiday season people in the village would get dressed up, covering their faces. They would go door to door and ask "any mummers lowed in?" If they are invited in they usually sing, dance or tell stories for food and drink. If the host guesses their identity the facial covering comes off and they have to move on, usually taking the host with them to the next house.

In 2009, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador's Intangible Cultural Heritage office established what would become an annual Mummers Festival, culminating in a Mummers Parade in St. John's. The success of the festival has influenced, in part, another revitalization and increase of interest in the tradition in the province.
A very interesting tradition.