Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bermuda Shorts: Not Too Far Above the Knee
Most Bermudians consider the winter
months too cold for Bermuda shorts; but
by May, just about every businessman
along Front Street has traded in his trou-
sers for a pair. Bermuda shorts weren't
initially Bermudian; they originated when
the British army was sent to India. Later,
when British troops were stationed in
Bermuda, they were issued the shorts as
part of the military's tropical kit gear.
By the 1920s and 1930s, the shorts
had become quite fashionable,
although they were not considered
acceptable at dinner parties or at
church. Now suitable attire for busi-
nessmen, the shorts are worn with a
blazer, collared shirt, tie, and knee
socks. They shouldn't be more than
7.6cm (3 in.) above the knee, and they
must have a 7.6cm (3-in.) hem.
2
Life in the Onion Patch
GETTING TO KNOW THE “ONIONS”
Even though Bermuda isn't in the onion business the way it used to be, a born and
bred islander is still called an “Onion.” The term dates from the early 20th century,
when the export of Bermuda onions and Easter lilies to the U.S. mainland were the
island's major sources of income.
The “Onions”—a term that still carries a badge of pride—have their own lifestyle
and even their own vocabulary. For example, “Aunt Haggie's children” are frustrating,
stupid people; “married by 10 parsons” is a reference to a woman with huge breasts;
“backin' up” means gay. You don't vomit in Bermuda, you “Go Europe.” “Cockroach
killers” (a term you may also hear in the American Southwest) are pointy-toed shoes.
Although you'll rarely see it on local menus, the bream fish is called a “shit-bubbler.”
Residents of more troubled islands to the south often look with envy upon the
“Onions,” who have a much higher standard of living than Caribbean islanders do;
they also pay no personal income tax and suffer from only a 7% unemployment rate.
The literacy rate is high: An estimated 99% of females age 15 and older can read and
write, as can 98% of Bermudian males.
Today's 62,000 residents are mostly of African, British, and Portuguese descent.
Bermuda's population density, one of the highest in the world, is about 3,210 per 2.5
sq. km (1 sq. mile). The population is about 61% black, 39% white. Many ethnic
minority groups are represented, the largest and most established being the Portu-
guese; the majority of inhabitants, however, are islanders from the Caribbean or The
Bahamas. Some Bermudians can even trace their ancestry back to the island's first
settlers, and some to successful privateers and freed slaves.
Britain's influence in Bermuda is obvious in the predominantly English accents,
police who wear helmets like those of London bobbies, and cars that drive on the left.
Schools are run along the lines of the British system and provide a high standard of
preparatory education. Children 5 to 16 years of age must attend school. The Ber-
muda College, which offers academic and technical studies, boasts a renowned hotel
and catering program.
WHO'S MINDING THE STORE?
In essence, Bermuda is a self-governing dependency of Britain, which protects its
security and stability. The governor, appointed by the Queen, represents Her Majesty
in the areas of external affairs, defense, and internal security.
