Jamaican Culture Haley Welborn & Kayla Stromatt

Jamaican History The origin inhabitants of Jamaican are believed to be the Arawaks, also called Tainos. They came from South America 2,500 years ago and named the island Xaymaca, which meant “ land of wood and water.” The Arawaks, physically, were light brown in color, short and well shaped with coarse black hair.

Finding Jamaica On May 5, 1494, Christopher Columbus, the European explorer, who sailed west to get to the East Indies and came upon the region now called the West Indies, landed in Jamaica.

The Spaniards Attack When the Spaniards came, the Arawaks were hostile toward them. Their attitudes changed when they were attacked by a dog from one of the Spanish ships and Columbus’ cross-bow men. Some of the Arawaks were killed and wounded in this attack. Columbus was then able to land and claim the island. The Spaniards tortured and killed the Arawaks to get their land.

Jamaica Gains its Independence On May 10, 1655, the Spaniards surrendered to the English. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica was granted its independence from England. Jamaica now has its own constitution which sets out laws by which people are governed.

Jamaicans Health Beliefs Jamaicans tend to self- medicate and exhaust every possible home remedy before seeking professional medical assistance. Herbs are used for health maintenance. Elders of the families are repositories of herbal wisdom.

Herbs Aurelia- For colds and fever Bissy- For food poisoning and upset stomach Fever Grass- Fever and colds Sarsaparilla- Widely used for arthritis and other pains of the body and a relief for ring worm Ginger- Used with honey and lime for colds and the flu Cornsilk- Kidney and bladder problems

Spiritual Healing Jamaicans use spiritual healing. Among the African Jamaicans, illness is believed to be caused by spiritual forces or violation of cultural taboos.

Jamaicans Religious Beliefs The Anglican Church is regarded as the Church of the elite, but the middle class in all ethnic groups is distributed over several non-African-derived religions. All the established denominations have been creolized; African-Caribbean religious practices such as Puk-kumina, revivalism, Kumina, Myalism, and Rastafarianism have especially significant African influences.

Jamaican Rituals and Holy Places Rituals include “preaching” meetings as well as special healing rituals and ceremonies such as “thanksgiving” ancestral veheration, and memorial ceremonies. All places where organized rituals take place are regarded as holy, including churches, “balm yards”, silk cotton trees, burial grounds, baptismal sites at rivers, and crossroads.

Fun Facts In Jamaica, they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Jamaica produces many talented sportspeople, especially in track and field where athletes have excelled. Reggae music originated in Jamaica, home of well known musician Bob Marley. The capital and largest city in Jamaica is Kingston.