Host Community Information
A number of popular sects, such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism, are a significant and famous feature of the national religious life.
Jamaicans, traditionally highly religious, celebrate many traditional Christian holidays. Christmas is typically observed by various denominations with Communion services, candlelight ceremonies, concerts, all-night prayer meetings and the singing of Christmas carols. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Kingston is a tradition that involves the turning on of hundreds of colored bulbs on the tree, fire works display, singing of carols, Christmas messages and the distribution of gifts to the needy.
The Christmas Meal is still enjoyed by Jamaicans today. Ham is the traditional Christmas food. During slavery, ham was cured by smoking it in large baskets called kreng-kreng over a slow fire. Pimento was heavily used in spicing the meat. Because meat was scarce, this tradition was an especially important family practice for those who could afford it. Additionally, sorrel was used in a special drink at Christmas time. The matriarch would also make a special Christmas pudding, using fruits that have been soaked in wine or rum for weeks before Christmas.
