Jamaica Culture
Our Customs, Traditions and Beliefs

Symbolic of our heritage and history, 'Jamaica culture', as I shall call it, was fashioned around the mixture and influences of our many peoples.

Our motto "Out of Many one People" perhaps provide the perfect definition and insight into our culture.

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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 the Jamaican culture.

I tell you, if I tried to provide you all the information on Jamaican culture on this page, you would still be reading by this time tomorrow!

To make it easier for you, I've written them in sub pages to make is cleaner and more structured for you.

Here they are now, neatly organized in categories. Learn - and enjoy!

Expressions & Customs


• Jamaican Holidays 
• Jamaican Jokes
• Jamaican Comedy
• Jamaican Cartoons
• Jamaican Movies
• Jamaican Customs (1)
• Jamaican Customs (2)
• Jamaican Sports
• Jamaican Antiques
  
  
• 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 Patwa
• Jamaican Art
• Jamaican Poems
• Jamaican Poetry
• Joan Andrea Hutchinson Poems
  
  People and Beliefs
• Jamaican People
• Jamaican Baby Names
• Jamaican Saying & Proverbs
• Jamaican Phrases
• Language of Jamaica
• Religion in Jamaica
• Folk Tales
• Our Colonial History
• Jamaican Celebrations
• "Jamaica Day" Celebrations
  
  Dress & Clothing
• Jamaican dress
• Rasta and Jamaican Hats
• Jamaican Dreadlocks
• Jamaican Hair
  

Other Pages Related To Jamaica Culture

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

Go To Reviews Of Jamaica From Jamaica Culture
Return to My Island Jamaica from Jamaica Culture

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