In any Newfoundland outport, such as Branch, many traditions were used and are still quiet effective today. One such tradition was a wake of a family member. Years ago when a loved one passed away it was the custom to wake the body for three nights, in the home of the dead. The first night was "in the name of the father," the second night was "of the Son," and the third night was of "the holy spirit," and the burial was "Amen." As recently as just a few years this tradition was held in Branch.

 

Every year when we were growing up in Branch, the young fellas would spend weeks cutting   boughs and gathering old tires for bomb fire night. Bonfire night was always known here in Branch as Halloween Night, and not observed on June 24th, as other communities on the Cape Shore. Every evening after school, you would see the young fellas going off with their axes and old bucksaws to gather up whatever they could get their hands to ignite the largest fire possible on Oct. 31st. They would also search the landfill for aerosol cans and anything they thought would give them a big bang. Huge piles of tires could be seen on the back of the beach for days before Halloween. It was always a competition to see who could have the biggest fire. It would burn all night and well into the next day.

A  Christmas Tradition!                                                                             Submitted By Marina (Power) GambinText Box: As I reminisce about growing up in Branch, in the 50’s, one Christmas tradition always comes to mind. A few weeks before the festive season, women would go all out painting and wallpapering. The two rooms that saw most of the redecorating were the kitchen and the parlour (or, as we called it, the front room). The smell of paint would hit your nostrils as soon as you opened someone’s porch door. Also, at this time of the year,  a new "oilcloth" tablecloth was a number one purchase. I distinctly remember the nice smell of the new oilcloth. How I loved the fresh odor that emanated from the table when it was covered with a new oilcloth. This oilcloth came in various colours, but the colour that stands out in my mind was a blue checkered one. I think the oilcloth came on a roll and had to be measured and cut as the customer requested. Paint and oilcloth! In the hustle and bustle that is now associated with Christmas, isn't it good to know that these two simple items can evoke such nice memories?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Traditions

Wake Tradition

Submitted By: Elaine McGrath

Bonfire Night—October 31

Submitted By: Elaine McGrath

Branch Come Home Year

August 9-19, 2007