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"Jamaica Culture"
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Symbolic of our heritage and history, 'Jamaica culture' was fashioned around the mixture and influences of its many peoples. Our motto "Out of Many one People" perhaps provide the perfect definition and insight into our culture.
We boast a rich blend of African, European, Chinese, Indian and some middle eastern cultures. Of course the early Taino settlers played a pivotal role in our culture as well.
Many of our foods today, for example, are prepared similar to the way it was prepared by the eary Taino settlers then. The concept of 'Jerk' as well as cassava preparations were inherited from this friendly tribe that inhabited Jamaica then.
By the way, the name Jamaica came directly from them, who called the island 'Xaymaca' meaning 'the land of wood and water'.
The areas of Dance, Music, Folklore, Religion and Language have benefited tremendously from this amalgamation of cultures.
Visit my Religions in Jamaica, Revivalism in Jamaica and my Reggae Music pages for more.
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission organizes the cultural activities of the country. They also host several yearly competitions in the arts. During our annual independence celebrations, displays and exhibitions in these areas form part of it.
The Jamaican art movement goes back to the early part of the century. Today, many Jamaican artists are internationally acclaimed. Among these are the late Edna Manley, who emerged as a visionary mother of art in Jamaica.
We cannot speak objectively of Jamaica's culture however without mentioning famous names such as Louise Bennett-Coverly, Basil Watson, Cecil Baugh, Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley, Rex Nettleford et al. All of whom have made significant impact on our very own Jamaica culture.
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Don't miss these related pages about Jamaica culture as well.
- Pictures from Jamaica
- A Profile of Jamaica
- Language of Jamaica
- Jamaican Proverbs & Sayings
- Favourite Jamaican Poems
- Rasta and Jamaican hats
- Jamaican Celebrations
- Traditional Dances-Overview
- List of Traditional Dances
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