Key terms:
Cultural Hybridization
Religion:
Shango, Voodoo, Kumina, Myal, Rastafarianism
are some syncretic religions
with Christian traditions and a heavy African
input. Christian elements
recognition of the Holy Spirit, use of the Bible,
communion ceremony, feast
days of saints.
African elements - use of drums and other
percussion instruments in
worship, dancing in worship, spirit possession
and falling into trance-like
states, wearing of head-ties by female
members.
Language:
Caribbean languages are based on the master
languages of Europe. They are
referred to as creole languages because
aspects of the master languages were
incorporated into language forms that emerged
from experiences during
slavery and colonialism. There are in the
English- speaking Caribbean:
English-based patios and French-based patois.
However, there are
similarities and variations in each type as
spoken between countries.
Amerindian Heritage:
Spanish Heritage:
The Spanish contributed hot
chocolate, avocado, marinated or
escoveitched fish, gizzada (coconut
tart) and their custom of
soaking fruits in wine.
British Heritage:
The use of diary products, Christmas
pudding, fruit salads and
Sweet bread (bun) are part of the
British heritage.
African Heritage:
Photos Above
Top: Jamaicas National
Dish - Ackee and Saltfish
Left: Antiguas National
Dish Fungee and
Saltfish
Right: A popular Antiguan
Dish Ducuna and
Saltfish
African Retentions
Oral traditions
Savings organization:
and dancehall
Storytelling
Folktales
Similes and proverbs
The box is a form of a cooperative
pooling of earnings so
that each member may benefit by
obtaining in turn and at
one time all the money paid in by
the entire group on a
go get no seed.
Antiguan Movie: No
Seed
In summary, race,
ethnicity, religion as well
as language and cuisine
have been incorporated
into Caribbean society
and culture. They
continue to impact
contemporary society.
Hybridization of cultures
must be understood
against the background
of how cultures change
and the processes that
the effect the change.
The Processes of Hybridization