Bounty Day Celebration: A Norfolk Island Tradition

Bounty Day Celebration: A Norfolk Island Tradition - 

 Bounty Day is a significant annual celebration on Norfolk Island, commemorating the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders on June 8, 1856. The festivities showcase our distinctive cultural identity where this living tradition brings together Norfolk Island families in period costume for a day filled with ceremonies, processions and feasting.

Bounty Day (or as it is traditionally known as Anniversary Day) stands as more than just a historical commemoration—it represents a living connection to our Norfolk community’s unique cultural identity. For island families this celebration reinforces our distinct heritage and sense of belonging. This annual event serves as a cultural touchstone that helps preserve language, customs, and community values.

Unlike many historical reenactments worldwide that commemorate events from distant history, Bounty Day maintains an intimate connection to living memory. We trace our lineage directly to those who arrived in 1856, creating a personal direct connection in the celebration that transcends mere historical interest.

AUDIO>  Granny Quintal in 1956

Traditionally the style of dress for the women, was documented by Rachel Nebauer in her article in the booklet ‘Women as Agents for Change’ - CPA 2011 :

In early June 1856, apart from the Morayshire, H.M.S. Herald was at the Island doing surveying work......

They finally all disembarked on June 8th and Frederick Howard working on board the Herald had an opportunity to spend some time with the Pitcairners during the first few weeks of their arrival. He shared ‘I think the women never spoke without a smile’ which he took to be ‘a sign of a happy mind’.

Their petticoat is generally made of blue cotton drill and the upper thing which domes down within 18 inches of the ground, and shows the blue below, is of white cotton or calico and looks very well. They always go around with white pocket handkerchiefs round their necks which they sometimes tie round their heads in lieu of bonnets’.   

Once all participants have assembled, the formal procession begins its journey down Pier Street toward the Cenotaph. Community members walk together in family groups, often spanning multiple generations, creating a living tapestry of our genealogical heritage.

At the Cenotaph, the procession pauses for a solemn ceremony to honour Norfolk Islanders who served and died in wars.

The procession then continues to the cemetery, where families place wreaths and flowers on the graves of deceased loved ones. This poignant tradition connects current generations with their ancestors while local hymns fill the air.

Then, a little while later when everyone gathers for the Bounty lunch, our Norfolk Grace is sung:

AUDIO> Bubby Evans singing our Norfolk Grace

The communal feast which follows brings together traditional island cuisine that blends Polynesian influences and cooking techniques. Trestle tables groan under the weight of dishes prepared from family recipes passed down through generations, creating a culinary heritage as important as the historical commemoration itself.

Those of us who live in different places all around the world, Bounty Day is always recognised wherever you are - often with traditional meals cooked, guests and friends invited to join in to celebrate together.

AUDIO>> George 'Toofie' Christian composed a song: Homesick for NI

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

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Transcript

Bounty Day Celebration: A Norfolk Island Tradition

Welcome to Episode 31 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series.

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

>>> Audio: You have just heard a snippet of a song written by Tom McCoy:

Bounty Day (or Anniversary Day) is a significant annual celebration on Norfolk Island, commemorating the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders on the Morayshire on June 8, 1856. The festivities showcase our distinctive cultural identity where this living tradition brings together Norfolk Island families in period costume for a day filled with ceremonies, processions and feasting.

Bounty Day (or as it is traditionally known as Anniversary Day) stands as more than just a historical commemoration—it represents a living connection to our Norfolk community’s unique cultural identity. For island families this celebration reinforces our distinct heritage and sense of belonging. This annual event serves as a cultural touchstone that helps preserve language, customs, and community values.

Unlike many historical reenactments worldwide that commemorate events from distant history, Bounty Day maintains an intimate connection to living memory. We trace our lineage directly to those who arrived in 1856, creating a personal direct connection in the celebration that transcends mere historical interest.

AUDIO >>> Have a listen now to a recording captured in 1956 with Granny Quintal who wins a prize at the Bounty Ball:

Let’s explore some insights into Bounty Day as one of our most cherished annual events.

The day begins with families gathering at Kingston Pier dressed in period costume, as we commemorate the historic 1856 landing that begins here—the exact location where our ancestors first set foot onto their new homeland.

Traditionally the style of dress for the women, was documented by Rachel Nebauer in her article in the booklet ‘Women as Agents for Change’ - CPA 2011 :

'In early June 1856, apart from the Morayshire, H.M.S. Herald was at the Island doing surveying work, there was also a visiting whaling vessel on hand; both of which assisted in the disembarkation process. Arriving late in the afternoon of June 5th an early attempt was made to get some of the women ashore but the conditions prevented this occurring. They finally all disembarked on June 8th and Frederick Howard working on board the Herald had an opportunity to spend some time with the Pitcairners during the first few weeks of their arrival. He shared ‘I think the women never spoke without a smile’ which he took to be ‘a sign of a happy mind’.

Their petticoat is generally made of blue cotton drill and the upper thing which domes down within 18 inches of the ground, and shows the blue below, is of white cotton or calico and looks very well. They always go around with white pocket handkerchiefs round their necks which they sometimes tie round their heads in lieu of bonnets’. On Sundays they rigged up in their finest garb. He also commented on the fact that they were ‘lighter than the Samoan people and had very fine hair and eyes’. .

Each year, the morning's events are steeped in tradition, creating a powerful connection between present-day islanders, their families and our heritage.

A lighter is expertly navigated through the swell to dock alongside the pier, reenacting the original landing where they are greeted in a ceremonial welcome.

Once all participants have assembled, the formal procession begins its journey down Pier Street toward the Cenotaph. Community members walk together in family groups, often spanning multiple generations, creating a living tapestry of our genealogical heritage.

At the Cenotaph, the procession pauses for a solemn ceremony to honour Norfolk Islanders who served and died in wars. Wreaths are laid in remembrance, and the traditional "God Save the Queen" is sung—a practice that reflects the island's historical ties to Britain.

The procession then continues to the cemetery, where families place wreaths and flowers on the graves of deceased loved ones. This poignant tradition connects current generations with their ancestors while local hymns fill the air, including "In the Sweet By and By" and "The Pitcairn Anthem," their verses rising above the sound of waves breaking on Cemetery Beach.

Then, a little while later when everyone gathers for the Bounty lunch in the Compound, our Norfolk Grace is sung:

>> AUDIO Have a listen to the late Bubby Evans singing our Norfolk Grace:

The communal feast which follows brings together traditional island cuisine that blends Polynesian influences and cooking techniques. Trestle tables groan under the weight of dishes prepared from family recipes passed down through generations, creating a culinary heritage as important as the historical commemoration itself.

Dishes such as:
• Roast kumera and sweet tatie (sweet potatoes) anna
• Green plun (banana) fritters
• Roast sucking pig
• Mudda
• Pilhi
• Tahitian fish
• Hihi pies
• Coconut or lemon or passionfruit pies
fill the tables.

Those of us who live in different places all around the world, Bounty Day is always recognised wherever you are - often with traditional meals cooked, guests and friends invited to join in to celebrate together.

Beyond the period costumes and festive atmosphere lies a profound expression of community resilience and cultural continuity that has survived against considerable odds.

AUDIO>> George' Toofie' Christian composed a song: Homesick for NI - which is very applicable for those who cannot be on the island for Bounty Day.

If you are thinking of holidaying here on the island around the time of our Bounty Celebrations, please check with Norfolk Tourism  the exact date, as even though we celebrate Bounty Day on the 8th June, if by chance the 8 June of that calendar year lands on a Saturday or Sunday, then is it customary for the Monday of the week to be gazetted as a Public Holiday for the celebrations to take place.

Thanks so much for joining me this week!