20 Jamaican Writers You Should Know
Jamaica has produced some of the most eloquent and relevant writers in the world. They encompass poets and playwrights to novelists, essayists, and journalists. The following are 20 Jamaican writers that everyone should know, in no particular order. 1. Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, known as Miss Lou, authored several books and worked in TV on the […]
50 Interesting Facts About Jamaica & Jamaicans
Jamaica is where languages, culture and cuisine meet and blend into one of the most unique places on the planet. The island nation’s innovators and visionaries were responsible for a myriad of ‘firsts’ that transcended development in other countries and its rich history continues to make a mark on the global stage. Despite millions of […]
25 Riddles Miss Lou Would Love That Will Stump Your Friends
Louise Bennett-Coverley, better known as Miss Lou, has been a standing force in Jamaican culture for years. Ms. Lou was an educator, folklorist, writer and poet, popularizing Jamaican Patois internationally and paving the way for other entertainers to use Patois in their art. Miss Lou had a very vibrant spirit and a captivating laughter. Her […]
“From Whappy Kill Fillup” – Learn the Origins of This Jamaican Phrase
Many Jamaicans use the phrase all the time, in reference to something which happened loooong ago, e.g. “You leave Jamaica from Whappy Kill Fillup.” Was there a man named Whappy who killed a man named Fillup? Well half and half. There was a Whappy, but there was no Fillup. The phrase was born out of […]
10 Things Jamaicans Take Seriously
Growing up in a Jamaican culture, there are a few situations and instances that are not treated lightly or taken for granted. In some other cultures, the equivalent of these may seem frugal, but in our culture these are a big deal! Here are 10 examples of things Jamaicans take seriously. 1. Dominoes To many […]
The 7 Stages of Grief Jamaican Style
There is no right or wrong way to deal with grief and it is very unique to each person. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss American Psychiatrist created the Kübler-Ross model, which depicts the theory around the five stages of grief and loss. According to this theory, grief is depicted through five emotional reactions namely denial, anger, […]
Ivy Cottage Revisited – A Kaleidoscope Of My Jamaican Childhood
In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on (Robert Frost, 1874-1963) They say you cannot go home again. I decided to test this supposed truism, although I had second thoughts and conjured up a host of reasons why I should not. But I had invited a good friend […]
7 Things That Make Jamaicans Wake Up Early
If you have ever heard someone talk about the “Jamaican time” then you know Jamaicans are very laid back and notorious for being late. There are not many circumstances which can actually force them to wake up or show up earlier than they deem necessary. Here are seven (7) occasions that make Jamaicans wake up […]
Friendship – A Kaleidoscope Of My Jamaican Childhood
We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed, As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is, at last, a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses, there is at last one which makes the heart run over. (Samuel Johnson) It is said that friends come into […]
20 Jamaican “Numbers” Only Those Born There Understand
Have you ever heard a Jamaican make a numerical reference and wondered what exactly they are talking about? Jamaicans make up their own numbers for quantity, in their dialect, which only those born on the island or seasoned in the culture are able to understand. To note, sometimes the numerical value is the same word […]