The
people of Jamaica have several indigenous customs and beliefs. Most of
them are related to the birth and the death rites of a person.
Furthermore, while most of these customs are widespread and are
practiced even by the Jamaicans who reside overseas, there are some
others, which are practiced only in some parts of the country.
One
of the most common birth rite in Jamaica, pertains to the burying of
the umbilical cord of a newborn. Usually a tree, called "navel-string
tree" or "baby's tree", is planted at the burial spot, so that the baby
always remains connected to his/her place of birth. This custom seems
to be deeply rooted in the Jamaican sentiment of returning to their
homeland and striving for their people.
Similarly,
Nine Night is one of the important Jamaican funeral ceremonies, wherein
for the first eight nights, the friends and relatives of the deceased
assemble together at his/her home, and sing, dance, and drink all
night. On the ninth night, however, only farewell songs are sung. The
room of the deceased is rearranged, so that his/her spirit does not
recognize it and return. A last meal is served to the spirit of the
deceased, and is kept under the silk-cotton tree, which is believed to
be the hiding place of the spirits.
A
traditional Jamaican marriage calls for big celebrations, lavish
preparations, and heavy expenses. It is a complete family affair, where
both families meet formally before the wedding. Friends and relatives
begin sending presents long before the "big day". The most common gift
is that of eggs, to be used for making the wedding cake. The ceremony
itself is fairly short, and ends with the cutting of the cake.
Obeah
is a belief that pertains to witchcraft and black magic. It is believed
to be serving the purpose of both, saving lives and/or wreaking havoc
on the enemy. Though the practice has been outlawed in Jamaica long
ago, prosecutions are rare, and it is still common in the rural areas,
where Obeah-men are held in high esteem.
Jamaican
traditions help in defining the culture of their society. They are the
ritualistic acts carried out over a specific period of time or at a
specific event, and are fundamental to their beliefs.
