How to Study Jamaican Traditions

The people of Jamaica celebrate their traditions with a combination of grand enthusiasm and solemn respect. Jamaican traditions are steeped in family history and wonderful cultural blends. Study Jamaican traditions by doing what the natives do. And remember, Jamaicans always have fun!

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Eat a traditional Sunday dinner. All Jamaicans--rich and poor alike--gather around the family table on Sundays to eat traditional recipes like baked macaroni and cheese, rice and peas and roast beef or roast chicken. Sunday is considered a family day in Jamaica and Sunday dinner is the highlight.

2. Tell Anancy stories to a mischievous child. Tales of the smart and sometimes wicked spider are commonly told in households across Jamaica. Anancy teaches conflict resolution and problem solving skills. He is also plain great fun.

3. Celebrate Easter holidays with Jamaican Easter bun which is a tropical version of the English hot cross bun. Jamaican bun is generally eaten with cheese and butter. Prepare a meal of escoveitched fish with Jamaican Scotch Bonnet peppers to commemorate Good Friday.

4. Dance with the Jonkonnu at Christmastime. The Jonkunnu dance is originally from West Africa. It is traditionally done by a group of males dressed up in colorful and elaborate costumes. The dancers writhe with wild, gyrating movements accompanied by a drum and fife whistle.

5. Attend a nine night service. This is a traditional ceremony for a recently deceased loved one that is celebrated on the ninth night after the death has taken place. It is a party of dancing, singing and eating delicious food. This celebration ushers the safe passage of the dead to the other side. If the "nine night" does not take place it is commonly believed that the dead will stick around to harm the living. People travel from far and wide to take part in this ceremony. It is not necessary to know the deceased, but to have a genuine desire to comfort the bereaved and to send off the dead in a fine fashion.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board for information on how to acquaint yourself with local traditions.