The Caribbean, that idyllic region of sun, sand and sea shown in tourist brochures and ads is more complex than many think. When many think of the Caribbean, they think of dark-skinned Rastafarians with long dreadlocks and incense sticks. That, though representative of the majority population of some small regions, is far from the big picture of the islands.

As a whole, the various Caribbean islands have accepted and even revel in the merging of cultures and people. Jamaica for instance has incorporated this into the country's national motto: “Out of Many, One People”. Other islands' mottos which contain a tribute to their racial and cultural diversity include:

Antigua and Barbuda: Each Endeavoring, All Achieving

Grenada: Ever Conscious of God We Aspire, and Advance as One People

Guyana: One People, One Nation, One Destiny

Trinidad & Tobago: Together We Aspire, Together We Achieve

Racial Intermingling

Racial intermingling in the Caribbean is centuries old and continues today. The merging of the races is obvious on any street, anywhere in the Caribbean; light-skinned people with kinky hair or Afro centric features, dark-skinned citizens with hazel-colored eyes and various shades in between.

The Seaford Town area of the parish of St. Elizabeth in Jamaica is a bedrock of German culture. Here the descendants of German settlers still reflect much of the physical characteristics of their forefathers. It is also not unusual to see someone with distinct Chinese features with dark skin.

Cultural Merging

Part of the allure of the Caribbean is its unique culture, which almost seamlessly merges the cultures of all the peoples who have come together to make the Caribbean what it is.

The main areas where the merging of cultures in the Caribbean is most evident are listed below. This is generally true for most of the islands, although in some countries, it is more evident.

Words and phrases from the various cultures that molded to form the Caribbean nations can be heard in the various islands.

Music

Drumming is an integral part of Caribbean music today and has been since the days of slavery. For the slaves taken from their homes in Africa, it was their way of communicating and keeping a link to their homeland.

Reggae, soca, calypso and meringue all reflect a blending of the cultures of the various groups that at one time or another came to the islands.

Dance

Swaying hips and gyrating is very much a part of traditional African dance elements still dominant in the Caribbean. Visit any dancehall session or view the videos to see the uninhibited display of energy and sexuality.

Food

Nowhere is the merging of Caribbean culture more obvious than in the mouth-watering cuisine of the islands. Jamaica is actually known for its peppery jerk pork and chicken. This is a process of cooking meat handed down from the maroons, although some records indicate that there may also be some influence from the Arawak Indians - the island's first inhabitants.

The Indians and Chinese have also strongly influenced the tastes of Caribbean people. Curry, a distinctive product of the Indians who came after the Africans is popular in Jamaica. No true Jamaican session or party can be held without serving curried goat and white rice. Roti and dahl, another culinary introduction from India is also a part of Caribbean meals, whether you are in Trinidad & Tobago or Jamaica.

Folklore

The folklore of the Caribbean is an interesting mix of symbols and stories from all over the globe. The River Mumma of Jamaica is obviously the africanization of mermaids and Mammy Wata (mother of the water) is symbolic of the water spirits of West Africa.

Religion

Voodoo in Haiti, Pocomania, Mayal, and obeah in Jamaica are a blend of African and Christian religions. As the African slaves tried to hold on to whatever they could from Africa, they hid their beliefs behind the mask of the religion of their masters, Christianity.

Money and Class

Many in Jamaica state that the country is more segregated by money and class than by race. While to some extent this is true, skin color still has an impact on how one is treated in some sectors of society. It is also obvious in the bleaching phenomenon taking hold in the country, especially among the poorer section of society.

In other islands, despite the seeming merger of race and cultures, the racial divide is still strong, especially when it comes to inter-racial relationships.

Today, with the push towards a more united Caribbean, the merging of cultures and traditions is bound to continue.

by Jessica McCurdy Crooks