Social Life on Brunette Island

During the year, the people of Brunette Island participated in a number of social activities. Some of these were formally observed, while others were impromptu. They all, however, helped ease the toilsome lives of people.

Christmas, of course, was the most celebrated occasion of the year. Unlike today, Christmas on Brunette Island was celebrated for the whole twelve days - from December 24th (Christmas Eve) to January 6th (Old Christmas Day). Men and women would start to prepare for Christmas at the beginning of December. This was necessary because work was absolutely forbidden during the Christmas season. The men insured that sufficent firewood was cut.   The women spotlessy cleaned the house and baked up Christmas cakes, breads, and other delicious items for the festive season.

Prior to Christmas Day, there would be a concert sponsored by the school. All of the children would prepare for this concert before it actually took place, busying themselves memorizing recitations, songs, and skits. After it was all over, there would be a supper served for those in attendence. This, of course, was prepared by the church women's group on the island.

On Christmas Day women would dress up the small children, put them on a sleigh and practically visit every house on the island. Boxing Day night marked the beginning of mummering, which continued until the last day of the season. Men and women would dress up in disguise, gather in groups of seven or eight, and visit various houses on Brunette.

Easter was also observed on Brunette Island, but it was not celebrated to the extent that Christmas was. Good Friday and Easter Sunday were strictly observed as religious holidays. Again , work on these days was absolutely forbidden.