Jamaican Birth Rituals

Jamaican culture as it is known today has been strongly influenced by a handful of differing nationalities

. The Spanish, French and British all had profound effects on traditions of the Jamaican people. There were also the West African slaves brought to the Caribbean, their customs are perhaps the most enduring in modern Jamaican culture. There are of course, certain common events in every ethnicity that often call for culturally important rituals: birth and death. Unfortunately, over time most of the birth rituals in Jamaica have been overshadowed by modern medical protocols. Let's explore those former rituals of birthing in Jamaica, just for fun.

According to oral histories handed down through multiple generations, a midwife or 'nana' oversaw labour, delivery and post-partum activities. The nana's role was to protect the infant from physical and spiritual harm and to also assist the mother with the birth. The nana was usually past her childbearing years, rather eccentric and steadily smoked her old clay pipe. When birth seemed imminent, the birthing room was prepared in a manner combining African traditions and Christian beliefs. The mother's belly was rubbed with castor oil, as it was believed to promote a healthy birth. A bible was placed in the birthing room, opened to a favourite psalm; evil ghosts or "dubby's' were to be warded off this way. Two items were then prepared: ceremonial knife or scissors and a broom.

Immediately after the birth of the infant, the nana blew pipe smoke into the child's eyes, as it was believed tobacco smoke fed the good spirits. After cutting the umbilical cord with the ceremonial scissors or knife, the nana dressed the navel with a nutmeg paste. She bathed the child in cold water mixed with rum, and in which the father had placed a silver coin. Next, the baby was marked with blue and a charm was placed on his/her body as protection. Horrible smelling herbs were used to keep evil at bay. Caster oil was given, as a final measure, to both mother and child to encourage strength.

When mother and babe were comfortable and settled, the nana washed her face with rum (apparently to regain strength and wash the eyes) and perhaps had a quick swig. Using the aforementioned ceremonial broom, the nana swept the birthing room, collected the sweepings and kept them for a later use. Tradition dictated mother and babe stay confined for a period of eight days, during which the nana took control of the home.

When the confinement was at an end, mother and child left the home to receive blessings and gifts from family and friends. This was also the naming day for the child, as West African custom says it takes eight days for an infant to form its soul. If a child dies within those eight days, it was either from another spiritual world or inflicted with an evil spirit. The last ritual for the birth of a child is planting the Birth Tree. The afterbirth, umbilical cord, ceremonial knife, broom, sweepings, infant bathing water and silver coin were all buried deep in the earth. A tree was then planted over the spot, and considered the infant's Birth Tree.

by: Robert Nickel

POST COMMENT

Benefits Of Usp Labs Powerfull Reviews How To Train A Dog Tips On How To Become A Productive Retail Merchant Virginia Death Records Make Your Mailing Labels Stand Out From The Pack Top 10 Moving Mistakes The Top Ten Beaches In Greece This Summer Trade Show Display Types The Canon Ef 50mm The Practicality Of Motorcycle Transport Libor Rates By Remortgage Quote News Straightforward Advice On Fundamental Aspects Of Skin Care Diagnosing A Transient Ischaemic Attack