Articulation of the Culture and Customs of Jamaica - Essay Example

Jamaica is the third largest island out of a chain of four islands known as the Greater Antilles and forms the northern boundary of the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica is very mountainous and has valleys, waterfalls, marshlands, flat plains, and tropical rainforests. My personal experience of the island’s climate can paint the picture of a warm, tropical maritime surrounding all year round. The ethnic people of Jamaica are Blacks, with the minority consisting of other ethnic groups. According to (Ross, 2010), “being one of the largest cities in the country, Kingston is the capital of Jamaica located at the south of United States of America”. English is the official language of Jamaica along with Patois (Creole) which is a combination of English and other African languages. I am privileged to mention that Jamaicans are family-oriented people who believe in family values.   Jamaican is a melting pot of many traditions, some legacy of the authentic ancestors and the rest introduced by foreigners. I was astounded to know that Jamaicans celebrate the holidays that   were first celebrated in Britain, West Africa, India, and China. Some festivals are an honor to the island’s history and culture. The islanders create art objects that depict scenes of life on the island, using artistic styles that their ancestors employed. Some people perform music that combines West African drum beats with European melodies, while reggae musicians play a rhythm that was created in Jamaica. I felt fervently proud of Jamaica as I imbibed more about the country. I was blissful to know that Rastafarian, a Jamaican religion, now has followers around the world. Religion shapes the lives of many Jamaicans and most of the Jamaicans follow Christianity.   Many Christians from Jamaica combine Christianity with West African traditions, such as drumming ceremonies. Along with Christians, groups of Jews, Muslims, and Hindus which are insignificant in number inhabit Jamaica. Jamaicans pray in churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples across the island. Jamaicans greet with a handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and a warm smile.  Read More