Culture
Storytelling:
Story telling in South East Bight was very
popular. There were many great story
tellers, such as Pius Power Sr, and Pius Power Jr. People gathered at ones house and told stories
and recitations.
Singing:
Singing in South East Bight is still very
popular. Every now and then there is a
house party somewhere in the community. People like Ray Hepditch play the accordion and
others like Tobias
Pearson sing. They all gather at one's home or at the
school and have a wonderful time.
Wakes At Home:
About 10 years ago being waked at your own home was common. Now it is most
commonly done in a church, people
are no longer waked in their homes.
Church:
The people in South East Bight revolve around
the church. During Lent people
go to church each day for 40 days and pray. People still go to church even when the priest is not
in the community. The people in the community have Mass every Sunday and on special
occasions.
Baptism At Home:
Years ago, most people baptized their children at home rather then in
churches. The priest made house calls and people gathered at a persons home. Now
everyone is baptized at the church. For special reasons, the priest still makes house calls.
Shotgun Weddings:
When a couple got married and left the church they were greeted with a
blast of a shotgun which was fired high into the air. This has been a tradition for many
years. Some still use it,
while others don't.
Hunting:
People in the community rely on hunting in the
fall each year. They hunt
moose, rabbit, partridge, ruffed grouse, turr, duck, and other species. They rely on
this for food for the winter, and nothing is wasted.
Clothing:
Many years ago people spun there own wool and knitted their own clothes
for the cold Newfoundland winters. Now, people buy their own clothes while others knit
socks, gloves and sweaters.
Fairies/Ghosts:
Many years ago people believed that fairies and ghosts roamed the
community and other neighboring communities. They believed that some were helpful
while others would lead you astray. Today there is not much talk about haunted places
and spirits but the belief of
spirits is still there.