Religion
By far the largest religion in Jamaica is the Christian faith. The Anglican Church, baptist and the Church of God are throughout the country. Many old churches have been carefully maintained and/or restored. The Rastafari movement is a derivative of the larger Christian culture, likely influenced by Ethiopian Coptic culture. There are also a small number of Jewish synagogues in Jamaica, dating from 17th century. Elements of ancient African religions remain in remote areas throughout the island, most of which practices are described generally as Obeah, Kumina or Pocomania. Though the congregations are small, they are visited by many Christian and non Christians seeking traditional solutions that cannot be found in churches or other religious organisation. It is estimated that as much as 80% of the population secretly seek the services of the African traditional religious healers when confronted with serious problems that conventional society cannot remedy.
In Jamaica, the most important celebration of all is called “The Nine Night”. It is the tradition of commending and commemorating the dead so they will not come back and harm or endanger their living family and friends. A very elaborately detailed and intensive ceremony is held to properly bid farewell to the passed soul. Those who return in evil and mischief are known to the people of Jamaica as a “duppy”.
The Bahá'í Faith in Jamaica begins in 1942 with the arrival of Dr. Malcolm King. Public recognition of the religion came when Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Howard Cooke, proclaimed a National Bahá'í Day on 25 July in 2003 and held annually since. In 2005, the community of about 5000, celebrated their activity and presence in Jamaica with the international Bahá'í choir Voices of Bahá. The choir performed at Ward Theatre and the University's Chapel with proceeds earmarked to two Jamaican charities serving families of policemen slain in the line of duty and the Denham Town Golden Age Home.
Other religions practiced in the country of Jamaica include Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.
Read more about this topic: Culture Of Jamaica
Famous quotes containing the word religion:
“My religion is no garment to be put on and off with the weather. You had better know that, all of you. I shall worship as I please and hope for all men to worship as they please in Scotland.”
—Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)
“Never has any one been less a priest than Jesus, never a greater enemy of forms, which stifle religion under the pretext of protecting it. By this we are all his disciples and his successors; by this he has laid the eternal foundation-stone of true religion; and if religion is essential to humanity, he has by this deserved the Divine rank the world has accorded him.”
—Ernest Renan (1823–1892)
“A heroic figure ... not wholly to blame for the religion that’s been foisted on him.”
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)