tales-of-Fogo-Island

Bits and PiecesDrifting AwayOne day in the fall of the year, John Doyle and his father left Tilting in an openboat. They were going 'in the bay' for a load of staves. Staves were used tomake barrels. While at sea, they ran into some bad weather and drifted offcourse. After quite a while, a ship bound for England picked them up.Meanwhile, on Fogo Island, their family believed the two men had drowned.The men stayed in England for the winter and were treated very well. TheBritish authorities gave them food and clothing and made sure they werecomfortable.John Doyle and his father waited for the first ship to Fogo in the spring. Thenone day, they finally made it back to the Island. Just before dark, the two menwalked up the path to their house. Their families knew nothing of their returnuntil they appeared in the doorway. Imagine the look on their faces!MummeringIn most communities, 'mummering' or 'going out in the jannies', was a verypopular Christmas tradition. This involved dressing in strange clothes andvisiting friends and neighbors. Jannies would often sing a song or dance a jigand would not lift their veils until their names were guessed.After a lunch of cake and syrup, they would continue visitingother homes.Today, the practice of welcoming masked strangers into yourhome can be an invitation for trouble. The fact that 'jannies'were welcomed without worry shows that people were honestand could be trusted. Many people wish that this way of lifehad never changed.A 'young janny'