Jamaican People: Traditions, Art and Culture

The Jamican people have a rich and varied culture. Read on to find out about their food, music, religion and language.

The Jamaican People

Jamaica is a lush green and beautiful island. Jamaica has a diverse and rich culture. They are a multiracial society. Their famed motto is 'Out of Many, One People'. Most of the people originate from Africa and are the descendants of slaves. The Europeans brought them to Jamaica from Africa. Some of these slaves ran away and are known as 'Maroons'. The Maroons have traditions that they still follow. Jamaicans are also descendants from other countries in Europe and Asia.

The Europeans (Spanish, Germans, Scottish, Irish and English) and the African dominate in the Jamaican people. The African is the most dominant. The Chinese, Indians, Lebanese, Syrians, Jewish and Scottish are also present.

Today, 92% of Jamaica's residents are of Black African origin. East Indians and African-East Indians make up an estimated 3.4% of the population, while Caucasians represent about 3.2%. Chinese and African-Chinese residents form a little over 1% of the population.

The Jamaican tradition, food, religion, language, arts and craft are influenced by the different nations that make up their culture. Jamaica has scenic beauty which acts as an inspiration to its people.

Jamaican language

The official language is English. English has been the national language for more than 300 years. However, most likely you will hear what sounds like a foreign tongue. This unique language is called "Patois". Patois is a combination of Spanish, English, Portuguese and African phrases which sounds more rhythmic then traditional English.

Jamaicans are friendly, amusing, warm and kind. Jamaicans are known to make up their own word to suit the topic they are speaking about. The way Jamaican people get food is not by going to the local grocery store but by going to a traditional market in the middle of town. They carry the food items back home by balancing a basket on the top of their heads with the food inside.

Jamaican sports

The popular games in Jamaica are polo, cricket, soccer, golf and bicycle racing. The Jamaicans are known for their passion for sports.

Jamaican art

Jamaican art depicts Jamaican everyday life. This is expressed by sculptures, paintings, collage and craft works. This is a profound shift from the more abstract type of European art and even the African more morbid types of art that focus a lot on history. Jamaican art culture generally does not focus on history.

Jamaican traditions

Jamaican traditions help in defining the culture of the society. They are ritualistic acts that are carried out over a specific period of time or at a specific event. This is very much found in Jamaican society and is fundamental in defining Jamaican culture. The most popular Jamaican traditions are for most national holidays, such as Sorrel, Christmas cake, pudding at Christmas time, Fried fish, lent at Easter time and other national holidays. Rituals such as the famed Nine Night after the death of a loved one are a popular tradition.

Jamaican clothing

Due in part to strong English influence, Jamaicans are modest and conservative dressers. The display of skin is frowned upon generally. The people in Jamaica wear colorful robes which are draped over soft linen underneath. They wear this typical clothing along with hats which match their robes.

Jamaican food

Jamaicans have their distinctive cuisine. Their national dish is ackkee and saltfish. The spicy jerk pork is also a favorite. Some Jamaicans prefer vegetarian dishes. Fruits and vegetables abound here and form the main part of many recipes.Spices unique to Jamaica is used in food. Their national drink is Jamaican rum. Blue mountain coffee is also served.

Jamaican religion

Religion is very important to the Jamaican people. It is said that Jamaica has the maximum churches per square mile in the world. There are large congregations of Roman Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans and Jehovah's Witnesses. The Rastafarian and other religions are also present in Jamaica.

Jamaicans are very industrious and talented and they are present in almost every country in the world. The Jamaican talent is well-known worldwide especially in areas such as music and sports.

Jamaican music

The Reggae music is a very strong part of the Jamaican culture. Their music has achieved international fame by singers like the late Bob Marley. Other singers such as Sly Dunbar, Shaggy, Melody Makers, Shabba Ranks, Black Uhuru and Robby Shakespeare have won Grammy Awards in the Reggae category.

The Jamaican racial heritage has resulted in Jamaicans referring to each other as 'Coolie', 'Miss Chin', 'Syrian', 'Browning', 'Whitie' and 'Reds'. It's the Jamaican way of making fun of their mixed racial heritage.