Jamaican roots and culture consists of the religion, norms, values, and lifestyle that define the people of Jamaica. The culture is mixed, with an ethnically diverse society, stemming from a history of inhabitants beginning with the original Taino people.
Jamaican culture is also enriched by its flavoursome, and unique foods such as Ackee and salt fish Jamaicas National dish, spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, brown stew chicken, hard foods and rice and peas that is said by eating produces the fastest runners in the world and love to express themselves through their music and to celebrate all good achievements with dance.
The most popular form of Jamaican music is reggae, which has a laid back sound that has become popular.
THE LANGUAGE
OF JAMAICA
Jamaican language is a wonderful manifestation of the melting pot of cultures that make up this island’s populace. The official language of the island is English, so you’ll have no problems communicating with local people, if that's your native language. However, Jamaican residents have a distinctive linguistic style that you’ll likely have heard before.
The local dialect combines elements of other languages, from Spanish and African dialects, to Irish, British and American phrases. If you're looking to get some more intimate knowledge of how people in Jamaica speak, check out this list of common Jamaican sayings and phrases.
Some elements of the Jamaican language can be traced back to the island’s past in slavery, where African languages mixed with the native language of slave owners.
FOOD & DRINK
Aromatic, packed with spices and definitely hearty, Jamaican food is loved the world over – and it’s easy to see why! With plenty of meat, veg and fish – plus the institution that is jerk chicken - you’ll fall head over heels for this flavoursome food of the soul. For a traditional Jamaican breakfast it’s got to be the national dish of ackee and saltfish.
Dried and salted cod is fried together with ackee (a soft fruit that is first cooked before adding), onions, vegetables and scotch bonnet chilli – a perfect filling dish to start the day! Now let’s talk about jerk chicken. Needing absolutely no introduction, this infamous Jamaican staple is renowned across the globe.
Chicken is first covered in jerk spice (a mixture of spices including cinnamon, cloves, ginger and garlic), then barbequed to perfection over slow-burning wood. Pair this with rice and peas (which are actually beans) and Jamaican dumplings – or festival – and you have the quintessential Jamaican favourite.
Other must-try dishes include goat curry, Jamaican patties – traditionally filled with beef, these flaky pastry pockets can be stuffed with a choice of meat or veg fillings and callaloo – a green vegetable side dish that packs a flavourful punch.
As for drinks, Jamaica isn’t short of a choice or two on its liquid libations front. Emanating from this wonderful island and found today across the globe, Red Stripe is the island’s most famous lager beer export. Then, of course, there’s the rum! Made with the island’s sugarcane, Appleton Rum is a world-renowned golden rum full of rich caramel tones and bursting with Jamaican charm.
Finally, you couldn’t leave Jamaica without trying the signature Bob Marley cocktail. A refreshing, frozen blend of rum, strawberry, mango and blue curacao – resulting in a mesmerising colourful drink with three separate layers.
TRADITIONAL JAMAICAN CLOTHING
When you travel around Jamaica, you might notice people adorned in the bright, bold traditional clothing that the country is known for. Traditional Jamaican clothing is made of calico cloth, with dresses handmade in amazing bright prints that definitely draw the eye. The traditional outfits are often completed with a head scarf, wrapping up the wearer’s hair.
In addition to traditional Jamaican dresses, you’ll also notice plenty of eye-catching Rastafarian clothing in Jamaica. Rastafarian clothing is often made of red, green and gold fabrics, inspired by the three colors that make up the Ethiopian flag.
These items of clothing are always natural, as their being made from natural fibers is incredibly important to Rastafarians. The Rastafarian outfit is also completed with a hat, which the wearer will use to contain their dreadlocks. The traditional Rastafarian hat is known as a “tam”.
RELIGION IN JAMAICA
Religion goes hand in hand with Jamaican family culture, and you’ll notice as you travel around the island that there are churches almost everywhere you look. In fact, there are more churches per square mile in Jamaica than there are anywhere else in the world!
Jamaica is a mainly Christian nation, and you’ll find that the vast majority of locals are deeply religious and attend church on Sunday with the whole family. This weekly celebration is really a sight to behold, so if you’re able to attend a local church service, you should try to do so.
In Jamaica, there are a wide range of different types of Christianity being practiced. As well as Anglicans, Catholics and Baptists, you’ll find Presbyterians, Methodists and Seventh Day Adventists. Not only that, Jamaica is also home to many communities of Jews, Muslims, Hindus and of course Rastafarians.