The Gleaner NA

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 19, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | FEATURE 21 Holiday Greetings AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR 3838 9th St, Long Island City, NY 11101 Phone: (718) 361-1600 THE W EKLY GLEAN R | DECEMBER 13, 2021 - JANUARY 2 2 I N JAMAICA, the celebration of Christmas dates back to the period of slavery in the 17th century, when the island was a colony of England. During that period, plantation work would cease fromChristmas Eve until Boxing Day every year, and plantation owners would give each of the slaves the annual ‘gift’ of a piece of cloth and meat. For slaves, who usually had only the entrails and other left over scraps of the animal, the treat of meat was a delight, but what trig- gered even more merriment was the rare gift of wine the slaves received. The plantations then had all night dances that included masqueraders and plenty of drumming. It is from these all-night dances that one of Jamaica’s most enduring Christmas traditions emerged Jonkunnu. JONKUNNU Jonkunnu bands play drums, rat- tles, fifes and even bottles and grat- ers. Traditional Jonkunnu features costumed characters such as King, Queen, Devil, Pitchy- Patchy, Belly Woman, Cow Head, Policeman, Horse Head, Wild Apache Indian, Bride and House Head. GRAN’ MARKET Gran’ Market is held in all major towns and cities across Jamaica on Christmas Eve and continues into the early hours of Christmas Day. As the name suggests, it is a grand affair which brings buyers and sellers together for last-minute shopping. CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND CAROLLING In this Christmas tradition that is heartwarming and fondly welcomed by Jamaicans, community or church groups walk though rural neighbourhoods early in the mornings leading up to Christmas Eve, singing Christmas carols. CHURCH SERVICES Across denominations, commun- ion services, candlelight ceremonies, concerts, all-night prayers meetings and the singing of Christmas carols are all expressions of reverence and acts of worship during the festive season. Roman Catholic and Anglican churches have Midnight Masses on Christmas Eve, while other Christian denomina- tions have services on Christmas Day. TREE LIGHTING In capital towns across Jamaica, parish councils organiseChristmas tree lighting events. This tradition involves the official ‘switchingon’of giant tree-shaped struc- tures thathavebeenbeautifullydecorated intownsquares.This is sometimes accom- paniedby fireworkdisplays, thesingingof carols, thedeliveryof Christmasmessages from local government officials, and the distribution of gifts. CHRISTMAS FOOD AND SORREL DRINK The sorrel drink is also known as red tea, roselle or Sudanese tea. Made from the Jamaican sorrel plant, a member of the hibiscus family, which has its origins in Sudan, Africa, the drink is an integral part of Jamaican Christmas tradition. Jamaicans make the re- freshing beverage well in advance of Christmas Day. Traditionally, it was stored in stainless steel, earthenware or enamel containers. EGGNOG Served warm, eggnog is a popular feature of breakfast on Christmas Day in many homes. The sweetened dairy- based beverage is made with whipped eggs, milk, cream and sugar, and fla- voured with vanilla. For adults, rum or brandy is often added. CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE A must-have for Christmas is fruit cake. Many persons start soaking the fruits - prunes, cherries, raisins and currants - months in advance. In most families, baking Christmas cakes or puddings is a whole-day family activity. CHRISTMAS DAY DINNERS Christmas is a time of sharing; family and friends from near and far usually gather to share special Christmasmeals. Although menus vary from family to family, many tables are ladenwith hon- ey-glazed hamwith pineapples, curried goat, roast beef, stewed pork, fried fish and chicken dishes, accompanied by fresh salads and gungo peas and rice. - Published in The Gleaner December 15, 2016 Age-old Jamaican Christmas traditions A woman sits at the fountain in the St. William Grant Park awaiting the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. FILE PHOTOS The Jamaican Folk Singers entertained patrons at the Devon House Bakery with a selection of traditional Jamaican Christmas Carols and other popular folk songs.