Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Sharing Is Caring! Share this awesome content with your friends now.
Unusual Jamaican Customs, contributed by Tracie Blake
As
a Jamaican, I must say that we are indeed special. The way we walk, the
way we talk, even the way we approach and address situations.
And,
along with our uniquely “colourful” nature comes our own set of unique
customs and traditions.
New! Take a piece of Jamaica with you💃!
Savour the memories! Now you can get your authentic Jamaican souvenir items, as well as traditional Jamaican herbs, spices and housewares on our popular e-store. Click Here to learn more.
And, if you ever need a trustworthy and knowledgeable local guide, consider booking a private tour with us!
This is a part of what makes us so special and sets us apart from the rest of world. The old adage, “you can spot a Jamaican in any crowd anywhere in the world” could never be truer.
A lot of our customs have originated from our English background. One such instance is where the English would greet each other by shaking hands. Today that is how the men greet each other; women hug each other.
Our custom however, prevents us from greeting a person by their first name unless invited to do so. This is seen as an act of disrespect and is practiced socially and professionally.
How do we react to each other intimately?
Well, many locals believe that whether you are married or not, a man proves himself to be "a man" if he fathers a lot of children, the women are looked to for giving birth to at least one child or else they become the bane of society- being teased and touted by their peers until they do so.
Even so, religion plays a great part in Jamaica’s custom.
There is a church on every corner of the island and you can be rest assured that they are full to capacity over the weekends.
Even if the parents do not get to attend church, the children are sent to church whether they like it or not. See Intriguing Jamaican facts.
The religious culture plays a huge part even in dining, as every meal has to be prayed over or blessed before it is eaten.
For the most part, meals are had in front of the television or at the dinner table however, under a tree, at the doorway or anywhere that is comfortable to sit works just fine - especially for those in the rural parts.
After dinner especially on a Sunday afternoon, the women sit and relax watching television or just chatting, while the children go off and play by themselves and the men go out to, play or watch, football (soccer), cricket or dominoes.
There is nothing we Jamaicans love more than our public holidays and on these days we head to the beach in bus loads.
Other noteworthy Jamaican practices includes:-
There are a myriad of other beliefs and customs which are practiced, especially in rural areas of the island, so the aforementioned are just a few. Didn’t I say we’re colourful? :-)
See also: The Jamaican People - Our Lifestyle, Customs and Tradition
Back to Top of Jamaican Customs & Beliefs
Return to Jamaica Culture from Jamaican Customs
Return to My Island Jamaica form Jamaican Customs
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now! |
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers. |
New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!
Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.