Jamaican Culture

Interesting Facts about Jamaica most people don’t know

jamaican-facts Take a look at some of these very intresting facts you may not have known about Jamaica.

 

 

 

The Rastafarian vocabulary

Rastafari vocabulary, or Iyaric, is part of a created dialect of English. African languages were lost among Africans when they were taken into captivity as part of the slave trade, and adherents of Rastafari teachings believe that English is an imposed colonial language. Their remedy for this situation has been the creation of a modified vocabulary and dialect, reflecting their desire to take forward language and to confront what they see as the corrupt and decadent society they call Babylon. This is accomplished by avoiding words and syllables seen as negative, such as "back", and changing them to positive ones.
 

Jamaican Revivalism

Revivalism is an authentic Afro-Christian religious folk form that evolved during the eighteenth to nineteenth century. Initially, it was the native Baptist Christians who joined forces with the Moravians, and other non-conformist churches to become the forerunners of the movement.

 

Kumina

Kumina is a cultural form indigenous to Jamaica. It is a religion, music and dance practiced by in large part Jamaicans who reside in the eastern parish on St. Thomas on the island.

These people have retained the drumming and dancing of the Bantu-speaking peoples of the Congo. Like the Kongo practitioners from Cuba, they have kept a large amount of the Kongo language alive. In the Americas there are many Kongo-derived religions still being practiced today.

 

Rastafarianism

The Rastafari movement (also known as Rastafari, or simply Rasta) is a new religious movement that accepts Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as God incarnate, called Jah or Jah Rastafari.

He is also seen as part of the Holy Trinity as the messiah promised in the Bible to return. The name Rastafari comes from Ras (literally "Head," an Ethiopian title equivalent to Duke), and Tafari Makonnen, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie I.

 

Garveyism

Garveyism is an aspect of Black Nationalism which takes its source from the works, words and deeds of UNIA-ACL founder Marcus Garvey.

The fundamental focus of Garveyism is the complete, total and never ending redemption of the continent of Africa by people of African ancestry, at home and abroad. It is rooted in one basic idea: "whatsoever things common to man that man has done, man can do". Therefore, Africa can become as glorious and profoundly advanced in the scientific and technological realm as any, when Africans will it to be.

 

Bedwardism

Bedwardism is a religion of Jamaica named after Alexander Bedward (1859-1930). Founded in August Town, Saint Andrew Parishon on the work of H. E. S. Woods (A.K.A. Shakespeare) and the Baptist church.

One of the most popular Afro-Jamaican politico-religious movements in 1890s to the 1920. Bedwardmism attracted thousands of followers with a call for social justice as well as socioeconomic programs for the lower classes.Alexander Bedward (1859-1930) in St. Andrew, a rural parish north of Kingston and the founder of Bedwardism. One of the most successful preacher of Jamaican Revivalism.

 

Dinki Mini

Dinki Mini originates from the Congolese word `ndingi' which means lamentation or funeral song. Dinkies are celebratory occasions.

Although associated with death, the music is lively, joyous and exciting, intending to cheer the family and friends of the dead person. Dinki Mini was practised openly throughout slavery but is now done mainly during Jamaica's annual Festival activities.

 

Obeah - West Indian Folk Magic

Obeah (sometimes spelled "Obi") is a term used in the West Indies to refer to folk magic, sorcery, and religious practices derived from Central African and West African origins.

Obeah can either be a form of 'dark' magic or 'good' magic. As such, Obeah is similar to Palo, Voodoo, Santeria, rootwork, and hoodoo. Obeah is practiced in Suriname, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Belize, The Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and many other Caribbean countries.

 
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