10 Most Common Jamaican Childhood Memories
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Ashley Haynes
- Posted on
Jamaican Childhood memories : Last month we celebrated Child’s Month. As we reflect on children as our most valuable as precious members of society, we can also reflect on a time when we were all children.
Growing up Jamaican is an experience like no other. From a very early age, Jamaicans become aware of the uniqueness of our nationality. We share many experiences with other children across the world, but there are certain things that distinguish the Jamaican childhood from all others. Here are 10 most common Jamaican Childhood memories.
Wash Out
A wash out is a common practice of using various herbs or “bush” to detox the digestive system. After the long summer holiday filled with eating fruits like mangoes straight off the tree with unwashed hands and all manner of ragamuffin activities, the days leading up to the beginning of the new school term involve a washout to rid the body of any worms that might have been accumulated during this time of indulgence.
The Poui Tree
The blooming of the poui tree is perhaps the number one cause of hypertension in Jamaican children. Who knew something so beautiful could be so terrifying. Poui trees typically bloom during the months of April and March, signifying the beginning of spring. This can be a majestic sight to behold, but for students, it can mean doom and gloom. Usually, the first blossoms serve as a warning to start studying because exam time is turning the corner bend like probox in halfway tree.
The Barrel - A Jamaican Childhood Staple
Everybody looks forward to Christmas holidays. Jamaican children look forward to the barrel that is shipped down from relatives abroad. This container is stuffed with items from “farrin” which fill the house with giddiness and excitement for weeks to come. You know you had a good Christmas when you walk into the new school term smelling like Irish Spring soap.
Everybody looks forward to Christmas holidays. Jamaican children look forward to the barrel that is shipped down from relatives abroad. This container is stuffed with items from “farrin” which fill the house with giddiness and excitement for weeks to come. You know you had a good Christmas when you walk into the new school term smelling like Irish Spring soap.
Sunday Dinner
The best way to start the week is a big Sunday dinner with family. The wait is unbearable.. Hours upon hours but the wait is worth it. Sunday dinner is not complete without a full plate of chicken or curry goat with rice and peas, mac and cheese and a slice of pear.
Morning Tea
Tea is the first thing to touch your lips in the morning. Without tea to “buss gas” the day just would not be the same.
Sneaking A Sip Of Daddy's Red Stripe
We all waited in stealth like a predator stalking its prey to steal a sip of daddy’s drink when he dozed off or was distracted. Just as his eyes left wandered elsewhere, we would swipe the bottle and take a swig. Not for the taste but for the mischief and fun.
Ring Games
Bull inna pen, brown girl in the ring. The Jamaican playground is sprinkled with ring games
Anancy Stories
Jack Mandora, mi nuh choose none!
On a Sunday evening, our elders would gather round and tell endless folktales of the mischievous spider Anansi and his adventures with his friends and foes in the animal kingdom. ….. At the end of every story, all the children and even adult listeners would say
Peenie- Wallies
For the Jamaican children who grew up in town, holiday time often meant trips to the country where one could actually see peenie wallies (fireflies) light up the night during their mating season.
Bag Juice
No boxed drink or soda compare to the concentrated sweetness of a bag juice on a sweltering hot day. You could grab one on the way to school or from any of the vendors outside the gate. Bag juice is a staple in Jamaican childhood.
