Jamaica Culture
Our Customs, Traditions and Beliefs

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.

And more informative pages...

Expressions & Customs

• Jamaican Jokes
• Jamaican Cartoons
• Jamaican Customs (1)
• Jamaican Customs (2)
• Jamaican Sports
• Jamaican Antiques
• Jamaican Holidays

  Music and Dance

• Reggae Music
• Jamaican Parties
• Jamaican Rumba
• DanceHall Queen
• Jamaican Dance Steps
• Jamaican Instruments
• Traditional Dances
• List of Traditional Dances

  Art & Poetry

• Jamaican Art
• Jamaican Poems
• Jamaican Poetry
• Joan Andrea Hutchinson Poems

  People and Beliefs

• Jamaican Saying & Proverbs
• Jamaican Phrases
• Language of Jamaica
• Religion in Jamaica
• Folk Tales
• Our Colonial History
• Jamaican Celebrations

  Dress & Clothing

• Rasta and Jamaican Hats
• Jamaican Dreadlocks
• Jamaican Hair

  Other Related

• Facts About Jamaica
• Jamaican Jewelry
• Jamaica Kincaid's Girl
• Sex Jamaica
• Our Jamaican Blog
• Our Discussion Forums

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