cultureisabel

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. The major towns and cities are located on the coast. Jamaica also has one of the biggest natural harbours in the world, the Kingston Harbour. The highest point of Jamaica is Blue Mountain Peak, which is 2256 meters high. Jamaica has a unique topography; it’s a savannah like landscape in the south. It’s a typically exotic land, with white beaches, clear blue - ocean, jungle looking like woods, and warm weather. Jamaica has much more wildlife than the other Caribbean Islands. There are many reptiles in Jamaica, like iguanas, sea turtles, crocodiles, yellow boas (snake). Also are there many spectacular birds, over 250 species. There are 21 different species of bats, and more than 100 species of butterflies. There are many insects like mosquitoes and sand flies, which can cause irritating itch if you get bitten.

The music history of Jamaica can be divided into several genres. But the most know is reggae. Reggae started in the 70’s, and it’s a well - known music genre worldwide. Bob Marley is the most famous of all reggae artist of all time. Jamaican music is a part of the Jamaican culture. The Jamaican music, we can call it the base of today’s rap and hip hop, because they use the same beats. Today are there many Jamaican musicians who are famous worldwide.

Rastafari is a new religious movement founded in Jamaica. Bob Marley is a well - known Rastafarian. He played reggae and reggae is music, which is expressing the Rasta doctrine. Red, gold and green, that’s the three famous colors of Rasta. Each color symbolizes one thing. Red stands for blood, gold stands for all the gold and diamonds Africa had to give during slavery, while green stands for vegetation of Africa. Both Jesus Christ and Haile Selassie I are religious symbols for Rastafarians, because they believe Haile is the reincarnation of Jesus. Haile will also lead the righteous into a perfect world, called Zoin. Zoin is a land Jah promised them, and this paradise is in Ethiopia. Jah is another God, which lives within them, that’s why they say “I and I”. They don’t go to church, because they mean that the human body is the real temple of God.

The lion symbolizes Haile Selassie I, that’s the reason why their flag has a lion in it.

They smoke weed, as a spiritual act, they mean that it cleans the body and mind, heals the soul, brings peace, and brings them closer to Jah.

Jamaica has the most delicious food type in The Caribbean. They have about 30 different food types, which they are known for.

Almost every Jamaican menu includes curry goat, fried dumplings, ackee and salt fish. Salt fish is also the national dish in Jamaica. They use salt fish for everything.

They like to use different kinds of spices like pimento, scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, thyme and garlic. Jamaica loves the seafood, it’s the most beloved food in the island. The most popular seafood they have is: Being Fish, lobster and shrimps.

Ingredients ½ lb Saltfish 1 can ackees 1 table spoon bacon 1 medium onion black pepper by taste

Directions 1. Soak the saltfish in cold water overnight 2. Pour off water, and add fresh water and cook until the fish gets tender. You have to remove bones from the fish. Meanwhile can the ackees drain. 3. Fry bacon, onion, flakes saltfish and ackees for five minutes. Sprinkle with black peppers if you want to.