Jamaicans are very “colourful” people and perhaps the best way we show it is in our attire!
Keeping up with the Jones’ can be seen as a norm within the Jamaican society. What do I mean? Well, if it has been designed anywhere in the world and a Jamaican likes it, we are going to wear it.
This may include having it made by local tailors and dressmakers as well as purchased overseas and shipped into the island for them.
It could also be obtained through friends and relatives travelling and bringing these clothes back for them. And, of course, in this day and age where online retail is available, a purchase can be made via various commercial websites.
And so you'll see Jamaicans donning name brand clothing such as Louis Vuitton, Coach, Sean John and a myriad of other top brands.
Typically though, Jamaicans will be seen wearing local clothing as created, designed and made by local fashion icons.
Outside of these regular attires, Jamaicans also wears the traditional garb, the Bandana (seen at top).
The Bandana
The Bandana is a very colourful outfit donned by both male and female.
It is a plaid and plain material dress or skirt and blouse made out of cotton. The Bandana was not originally from Jamaica but instead originated from India in the 1800s. With the bright colours of red, black and white, it proved to be a very vibrant and festive outfit.
The ladies would always adorn it with a headgear of like design or a broad-rimmed straw hat with floral appliques embedded around the rim. The men would wear the plaid shirt with a white or black pants.
Over the years, the black, red and white colours took on the colours of the national flag (black, green and gold) as the strong culture of the Jamaican people became more intertwined in the design of the Bandana.
It has even been featured on an international forum such as at the Miss World and Miss Universe Pageants as the National Dress of Jamaica worn fiercely by the Jamaican contestants.
This outfit is worn mostly at one time of year, during the Emancipation and Independence celebration period, from August 1st to 6th each year.
For the celebrations held in schools, the children are also dressed up in the Bandana on the last day of school before the celebration holidays. So strong is the sense of pride and respect for the Bandana that this is taught to natives from as early as Pre-School.
Rastafarian Colors
Jamaicans also hold the Rastafarian colours in high regard. These colours are red, green and gold, sometimes referred to as heights, green and gold.
This is worn not only by practicing Rastafarians but non Rastafarian Jamaicans on a whole who have acquired a taste and or affection for the religious sect’s national colours.
We wear them in the form of crochet hats, belts, shoes, shirts, pants, skirts and ladies dresses.
One thing is for sure, in Jamaica, what is worn celebrates vibrancy, significance and the heart and passion of the Jamaican people.
Jamaican clothes are gauzy but well-tailored. Most of the fabrics used to create colourful outfits such as the quadrille dress
quadrille dress
A Quadrille dress is a bespoke dress worn by women in Caribbean countries. The quadrille dress is the folk costume of Jamaica, Dominica and Haiti. It is known by a different name in each country. The dress is particularly worn during the quadrille dance, but also other occasions.
Men usually wear long sleeve or short sleeve shirts with or without ties and with dress pants or dockers pants. Jeans are not traditional but in some of the contemporary churches it is accepted.
Kumina is a Jamaican religious ceremony involving music, dance, and spirit possession, and is a way of celebrating and appeasing ancestors. It is perhaps the tradition most closely rooted in African cultures – the Kumina religious group came originally from the Congo.
The colourful apparel of the Jamaican people is the result of the combined influence of the various cultures that have left their mark on the island over the past several centuries.
Jamaican standards of beauty are paradoxically affected by both Eurocentric and Afrocentric influences. We praise the slender (often light-skinned) woman with straight or curly hair, but also embrace the voluptuous dark-skinned woman.
Cotton and linen are the fibers used to make this traditional garment. It is also known as Jamaica's national dress and includes a bandanna skirt, blouse, head tie and ruffled sleeves.
Krisinelaine, you bring any color of white that you want, anytime you want. Just remember that cool, light fabrics like cotton will be the most comfortable no matter what the color.
Though the majority of the island's population is staunchly Christian, all religions including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Rastafarianism peacefully co-exist with others. With over 1,600 churches, Jamaica holds the Guinness Book of World records for the most churches per square mile!
Jamaica is known to be the birthplace of reggae, Bob Marley, world's fastest sprinters, Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, beautiful beaches, jerk dishes, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and majestic waterfalls.
In some of these countries, these garments are associated with rebels or terrorist organisations. Others do not allow normal people to wear camo gear so that the public isn't confused between them and the military. Holiday destinations where they are banned include Barbados, Jamaica, and Bahamas.
Homemade concoctions, cosmetic products and dermatological products are purportedly used to decrease the melanin, and Jamaicans have been dabbling in it since the early 2000s.
Indecent and obscene prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks or designs ...
Cash: You will not need to exchange your US dollars into Jamaican dollars because everyone takes US currency. It is recommended that you bring between $150 and $500 per person for spending depending on what you plan to do. Please have at least $200 in small bills ($1.00, $5.00 and $10.00) with the balance in twenties.
The art of tattooing has become a fashion trend among young people in Jamaica. Though it is illegal for minors to be tattooed, some artists and youth are willing to take the risk, and be seen with, and known for the once spiritual and ritualistic practice.
Avoid wearing any scent or perfume. Also be aware that it is illegal to have army/combat type clothing or print. Pack light as it's very easy to get clothes laundered.
Men often pat each other's shoulder or arm during the greeting process or while conversing. Address people by their honorific title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss) and their surname until a personal relationship has developed. Always wait until invited before using someone's first name.
Jamaicans of African descent represent 76.3% of the population, followed by 15.1% Afro-European, 3.4% East Indian and Afro-East Indian, 3.2% Caucasian, 1.2% Chinese and 0.8% other. The CIA World Factbook has also provided data on age breakdowns and life expectancy.
The principal exports are aluminum and bauxite, which account for approximately one-third of export earnings; sugar, bananas, coffee, and other agricultural products, beverages and tobacco, and chemicals constitute most of the remainder. The United States is, by far, Jamaica's main trading partner.
Jamaica has talented jewelers who use the island's natural resources to make beautiful jewelry that is known world-wide. Jamaican jewelry is not only creative and beautiful, it is also environmentally friendly.
Camouflage gear or khaki clothes are illegal in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. It's often because the government wants only members of the military to be wearing those colors.
If there's one thing that Jamaica is known for, it's rum. Jamaican rum is famous worldwide for its high quality and delicious taste, and you'll find it as the base for many local co*cktails. Many of the best Jamaican rums are spiced or overproof, so be careful when you take a sip!
Jamaicans pride themselves on their delicious food that's prepared with love. Some favorite breakfast items include foods such as porridge, ackee and saltfish (Jamaica's national dish), and local fruits.
Meat is considered dead and therefore works against Livity and the elevation of Life Energy. Most Rastas avoid eating pork as well as shellfish, as they are considered to be meat derived from scavengers. Many Rastas denounce the use of cigarettes as well as alcohol due to their harmful effects on one's health.
Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries, radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period. Lots of people paint their houses and hang new curtains and decorations for Christmas. Most families spend Christmas Day at home with friends and family members.
The most popular sports are athletics, cricket and association football; other popular sports include basketball and netball (usually for women). Out of all the top five sports, Mixed martial arts, rugby league and rugby union are also considered growing sports in Jamaica.
Jamaica's national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island's traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish. This pear-shaped produce features a mild, nutty taste, which is why it is commonly curried over rice or cooked with tomatoes, onions, and codfish.
The Island Sits on Top of a Large Underwater Mountain
An awesome fun fact about Jamaica is that it actually sits on the summit of a vast underwater mountain. The submarine range which supports the island is known, unsurprisingly, as the Jamaica Ridge.
Cultural icon and reggae star Bob Marley is arguably the most famous Jamaican there has ever been. So much so, his home was transformed into a museum dedicated to him and his work. Whether you are a fan of Marley's music or not, a visit to this site is a must!
Unlike destinations in Mexico and many other Latin American and Caribbean countries, tap water is safe in Jamaica. Therefore, travelers should not worry about bringing a bottle of water to the beach or walking in the villages because the water offered in bars and restaurants is entirely safe.
The penalty for sexual grooming of a child is imprisonment for fifteen years. A child cannot in law consent to sexual grooming or to sexual touching or sexual interference.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are the way to go here on the island. Shorts, swimwear and flip flops keep you chilled on our beaches. A thin sweater will keep you cozy in the evenings. And semi-casual wear for women, and a jacket for men, will get you into all of our fine dining restaurants.
The vast majority of Jamaicans are of Sub-Saharan African descent, with minorities of Europeans, East Indians, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and others of mixed ancestry. The bulk of the Jamaican diaspora resides in other Anglophone countries, namely Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
As a result of this idea that light skin is more attractive than dark skin, the evidence of it being a marker of social status, and that it is a popular fashion trend; some people in Jamaica are bleaching their skin to gain an advantage.
Before I began my search for the origin of the BHM colours, I decided to take a sneak peek as to what the Jamaican flag colours symbolise: according to the Government of Jamaica website, 'black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight; and green, hope and ...
With more than 90 percent of the population identifying as Black, Jamaica's inequality has long been seen as class - rather than race - based. But Dr. Kelly (pictured left) examined the effects of both race and skin color on two factors in the Anglo-Caribbean country - household amenities and years of schooling.
The Mexican beverage known as Jamaica traditionally uses dried hibiscus flowers prepared in fresh water to make a delicious and fresh-tasting tea. Its bright red color adds an exciting element to any meal and the taste is something that cannot be matched by other beverages.
Resort casual wear is the clothes you would pack for a vacation to a nice beach resort during the summer. Imagine swimsuit coverups, capris, polo shirts, and boat shoes. It's more elevated than jeans and a t-shirt, but not as formal as business casual.
Others do not allow normal people to wear camo gear so that the public isn't confused between them and the military. Holiday destinations where they are banned include Barbados, Jamaica, and Bahamas.
Every country has its own traditions and rules about what is customary when it comes to tips and gratuities. In Jamaica the percentage and procedure differs from place to place. Though many places do not allow tipping, many all inclusive resorts for example, most Jamaicans will appreciate the extra income.
Resort casual is typically more relaxed, with breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes being key. Think linen pants, polo shirts, and dress shirts. You might also see people wearing boat shoes or flip-flops. Country club casual, on the other hand, is a bit more dressy.
Many require men to wear long pants, collared shirts and/or close-toed shoes. Without the proper attire you may be stuck eating at the buffet every night. You can usually find the resort's dress code on their website, so be sure to check that before you pack!
Evening wear generally entails white or black tie and suits for men, and formal dresses, co*cktail dresses or gowns for women. It is the most glamorous and formal of occasions, and because of this it can be difficult to plan an outfit for.
A good rule of thumb to observe is to dress in smart casual business attire. Hanson suggests that a smart pair of chinos or slacks paired with collared shirt should do the trick. Obviously, restaurants in a 5-star hotel are as fancy and lavish, if not twice, as the hotel itself.
Chic Elegant Style is a sophisticated fashion aesthetic that features sleek silhouettes, understated elegance and high-quality, well-tailored pieces. It typically features neutral colors, classic pieces such as tailored blazers, little black dresses, and elevated basics.
Indecent and obscene prints, paintings, photographs, cinematograph films, lithographs, engravings, books, cards or written communications or any indecent or obscene articles whether similar to the above or not and any parcels, packages or packets having thereon, or on the cover thereof, any words, marks or designs ...
The amount you tip in Jamaica will depend on where you are and what type of services you're buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.
While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.
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