The rough food mystique: the evolution of Newfoundland food culture, 1945-1975

Abstract

The food culture of Newfoundland plays an important role in the daily life of its citizens. It helps instruct processes for celebrations, life cycle rituals and social gatherings. Food becomes imbued with a sense of culture and nationalistic pride. The foundations of Newfoundland’s food culture were based on themes of preservation, adoption and adaptation. These themes, along with the food they created, carried through into the twentieth century. As social, economic and political changes altered the social structure and outlook for many Newfoundlanders after Confederation, many sought symbolic means to connect with an idealized past and romantic view of life. Newfoundland food culture solidified around foods of necessity to create traditions infused with patriotism and nostalgia.