In 1655 during the Anglo-Spanish War, the English military captured Spanish Jamacia to gain new colonies known as the western design. This attempt was considered a major failure due to escaped slaves that were also known as Jamaican Maroons. At the time Jamaica was still in the hands of the English.
Maroons were known to be wild or untamable. They adapted to life in the wild growing plantains, yams, hunting and discovering herbal medications. Maroons are descendants of Africans in North anSouthAmerica.
Black Seminoles, Indigenous Tainonatives Arawak, Bushinengue, Kalungas, Palenqueros, and Quilombola are related ethnic groups to Jamaican Maroons. Slavery did not last long due to imported diseases such as yellow fever and malaria.
Hard work conditions contributed to a large number of deaths which started slave traffic and European immigration increasing the population from just a few thousand to 18,000 in 1680. Jamacia gained independence from the United Kingdom in August 1962. The island’s history continues to reflect on how many different backgrounds came together to create a new culture. A famous motto of Jamacia is “Out of many, One People”.
The terms potato, Tabacco, barbecue, and hurricane all have come from the language of the first inhabitants of Jamaica, the Arawak's. The island’s culture consists of beautiful beaches with amazing clear waters, blue skies, the most delicious dishes and the lovely sound of reggae music. Jamaican food is a blend of flavors, strong spices and Jamaican swag.
Exotic fruits and vegetables are usually the main dish. Jamacia’s national dish is Ackee and Saltfish which is kind of considered a breakfast dish but can be eaten throughout the day with other meals. Some other popular dishes are Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Oxtail rice and peas, Jamaican beef patties and Curry Chicken. The island of Jamacia is known to be a tourist’s paradise to visit for vacation. The spirit, culture, food and music most popularized by the famous Bob Marley will always continue to bring One Love worldwide.
Peer Review by Connor Stone
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this blog post. You give very good insight into Jamaica. I really felt like I was in Jamaica getting that inside scoop on the culture and traditions. I feel like you could have expanded more and gone a little more in depth, but the information present is informative and intriguing. Another recommendation is hooking the audience. If your not someone who is already excited to read on history and a specific topic its hard to get really engaged when reading.