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Jamaica Culture
Our Customs, Traditions And Beliefs

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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 other middle eastern cultures.

Of course, credit first to the early Taino settlers who 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 early Taino settlers then.

The concept of 'Jerk' as well as cassava preparations were inherited from this friendly tribe that inhabited Jamaica then.

See cuisine of Jamaica tp learn about the contribution of each ethnic group in Jamaica.

By the way, the name Jamaica came directly from them, who called the island 'Xaymaca' meaning 'the land of wood and water'.

But perhaps the areas that have benefited most from this potpourri of cultures are Music, Religion,Dance, Folklore and Language.

And thanks to the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, with their mandate to unearth, develop, preserve and promote the Jamaican culture, who organize 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, another rich aspect of Jamaican culture, goes back to the early part of the century. And today, many Jamaican artists have earned international acclaim.

Among these are the late Edna Manley, who emerged as a visionary mother of art in Jamaica.

But we cannot speak objectively of Jamaica's culture however without mentioning famous names such as...

Louise Bennett-Coverly (pictured at right),
Basil Watson,
Cecil Baugh,
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley,
Rex Nettleford
Et al.

All of whom have made significant impact on the culture of Jamaica.

And so 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, starting with....

Expressions & Customs

rastafari indigenous village

Music & Dance

jamaican mento band

Art & Poetry

People & Beliefs

Dress & Clothing

Go ahead now, click on each to learn (and enjoy).

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About The Author

A patriotic Jamaican who adores his culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.

To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day.

His efforts have earned him featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.

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