Cultural Diversity in the Caribbean

Caribbean Legacy• Our rich Caribbean heritage is aptly depicted in

the Jamaican motto, 'Out of many one people'. Over 70 per cent of our population is composed of individuals of African descent.

• However, the contribution of other ethnic groups, such as the Indians and Chinese to the social and economic development of the region cannot go unnoticed.

The Amerindians

• The first recorded settlers of the Caribbean.

• They have left the following with us: barbequed fish and other meat, the making of cassava bread and pepper pot, and the smoking of tobacco.

The Europeans

• Europe's interaction with the Caribbean began in 1492 with the Spanish-sponsored voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Cultural impact:• Birth - christening of the baby.

• Marriage - exogamy, engagement, courtship. Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Throwing of the garter, bouquet. Throwing rice, honeymoon and special wedding gown.

• Dances - Quadrille, maypole, etc.

• Religion - Christianity, Roman Catholic, Protestants and Judaism.

• Diet - Escoveitched fish, peas and bean dishes. Jerked meat, the making of buns, cakes, puddings, cheese, ham, bacon, wines, etc.

The AfricansOver many decades, as many as 20 million Africans were brought to the Caribbean islands by force.

• Birth - ceremonial cutting of the 'navel string'. Mother stays in for nine days after giving birth.

• Death - wake, belief in spirits and ghost.

• Marriage - special wedding garments, act of giving gifts, betrothal, wedding ceremony and ritual.

• Dances - Jonkonnu, kumina, Dinki-Mini and Bruckins, etc.

• Religion - Orisha, Kumina, Shango, etc.

• Medicines - herbal cures, folk medicines, and bush doctor.

• Music/instruments - folk music, mento music, banjo, drums

The Asians - Indians

• They arrived as indentured labourers between 1845 and 1917. At the end of the indentureship contract, many Indians reverted to their ancestral occupations; some became fishermen or farmers, and others became barbers, goldsmiths, ironsmiths and moneylenders.

The Asians - Chinese• The Chinese represent a small

proportion of the Caribbean population; nevertheless, their impact have been great, particularly in the area of commerce.

• The Chinese were brought as indentured labourers to work on the plantations following the emancipation of the slaves.

• They soon left the plantation and set up businesses, small grocery shops into large enterprises embracing not only retailing, but also wholesaling.

The Asians

• Marriage - endogamy and may even be arranged. Special wedding garments.

• Religion - Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism.

• Diet/food - roti, curried goat, rice, pak choi, spices and vegetables.

This cultural diversity gives the Caribbean its unique identity.

• These traditions by the ethnic groups have developed into a Caribbean culture that spans the artistic, musical, literary, culinary, political and social elements.

• Over time, major elements of other cultures, due to the global age and the influence of other immigrant populations, have become incorporated into the mainstream Caribbean culture. For e.g.: The USA

Cultural Preservation

Caribbean governments have greatly helped to enhance our culture through various cultural programmes, laws and institutions.

Cultural Expressions• Music• Dance• Caribbean Folklore• Caribbean Festivals

Music

Most artistes use music to voice their opinions on the state of local politics, global issues or current issues in their country.• soca• mento • steel pan • reggae • calypso

DanceThere are many dance forms on the islands and popular dance forms change rapidly. • dinki mini• gerreh • tambu • maypole • quadrille

Today

Caribbean FolkloreFolklore differs from one country to another. Each country is different but the common thread is that it is mainly of West African origin.

• Anansi Story• Ring Games• Other Fairytale Characters• Plays (Shebada & Miss Lou)• Movies

Caribbean Festivals

The Caribbean is famous for its festivals which display, dance, music, food and other aspects of culture.

• Crop Over • Diwali• Hosay• Reggae Sumfest