Jamaica is influenced by everywhere in the world and has a rich cultural heritage. Jamaica is the home of reggae music, which has had a profound influence on musicians from all over the world.
The Caribbean island provides a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the rich history and culture of this country, along with a wide range of exciting activities. There is plenty to do in the area, from beaches and waterfalls and a whole lot more.
History
Jamaica’s past is shaped through the mass murder of its native peoples, the centuries-long time of slavery, as well as the interactions between Europe, Africa and Asia. Today, Jamaica is a land of contrasts and variety.
The first inhabitants of Jamaica and they were the Taino Indians, migrated to the island around 600ce. Their traditional culture was founded on fishing as well as the cultivation of corn (maize) as well as cassava.
The 1494 Spanish conquerors decimated them. The Arawak name for the island Xaymaca, means “Land that is made up of wood and water”.
Under Spanish rule for the next 150 years, Jamaica was extensively used as a plantation for sugar and a trans-shipment facility for slaves. European disease caused the death of a lot of Arawak residents, and many often committed suicide or died of starvation.
Music
Jamaica is home to an array of music genres, many of which have roots in its unique history. These include reggae, mento and dancehall, as well as lesser-known music genres such as folk music.
Although it is a tiny island, Jamaica is an extensive and diverse music history that is influenced by the diverse people. A majority of the population are West African, while other minorities are East Indian and Chinese.
Modern cultural norms, customs and customs were developed during the time the island was colonized by Spain followed by by England. Some of them are still employed in traditional folk songs.
The development of sound systems, which featured American R&B as well as Jamaican music, was significant in country’s musical culture. The brand new genre of music, Ska, emerged. The genre was developed to express the societal changes taking place in Jamaica in the period. It became a dominant force in the Jamaican musical scene.
Food
Jamaica’s food has a wide variety of influences from around the globe. There was an African slave trade, Indian and Chinese indentured laborers, as well as those employed by the British colonial administration all contributed to the cuisine of Jamaica.
One of the most famous dishes is jerk, where it is marinated with the eponymous spice made of allspice (a combination of cinnamon, cloves and nuts) before being smoked on pimento wood. The mouthwatering, spicy delight is sure to make your taste buds sing.
Another dish that is popular is the saltfish and ackee. For a flavor boost to the national dish, the tender yellow seeds of the Ackee fruit were imported from West Africa. They are typically cooked using salt cod.
Jamaican foods include rice, peas as well as fried plantains. The fruits and vegetables make appearances.
People
Jamaicans are unique, and they have strong ties to their culture. Jamaica’s culture is diverse and abundant, including music dancing, food and language. Additionally, there is traditional customs and folklore.
The culture has evolved as a product of the interplay of Africa as well as Europe. European influence is evident in public institutions, religion and medicine. African continuities have been evident in the Jamaican creole language and food, as well as proverbs, the drum, dance, and traditional healing.
Although the majority of Jamaican traditions seem to be dying out, there are some which remain. The “Nine Nights’” wake is among them which is a nine-day celebration where friends and family come together to honor a beloved person who passed away. Another is ‘Kumina’, an event that involves dance and spirit-related possession. It’s a way of celebrating and appeasing the ancestors.
