As a boy growing up in Jamaica, I can recall the various duppy (ghost) and rolling calf stories. Men who told these stories about rolling calves were usually under the influence of ‘JB’ (overproof Jamaican rum). These stories did not affect my consciousness since I was blessed to have been raised in a pastor’s home. This would secure me from the dangers of all evil spirits. I honestly have never seen a ‘duppy’ (ghost) and had no intention of seeing one.
One essential duty of a pastor is to preside over funerals. And most certainly, I had my fair share of attending many. Upon hearing about the passing of a church member, the pastor would visit the home to convey his condolences. Once the day of the funeral drew nearer, the grave digging would begin. This was a solemn time of reflection for the family. At this time, people would also gather at the deceased’s home to play cards, dominoes, drink white rum, and play games. I never participated in any of these games because of the tragedy attached to the outcomes. For example, one song required you to pass around stones, which could injure your fingers. I can still recall a few words of this song, “Go dung a Manuel Road Gal an boy fe go bruck rock stone.” On the night before the burial, people attended the “dead yard” (wake).
The funeral service would be the next day, which was followed by the gathering of friends and family at the deceased’s home for a meal (repast); as I stated before, this was a solemn time.
After leaving Jamaica in 2001, my days of attending funerals back home seemed to be over. Notwithstanding, I began to hear about the transformation of funeral proceedings. For example, there is now an abundance of rum, loud music, and a live band at most grave diggings. Some graves are now draped inside with rich materials or have paintings, and more rum is always needed for the job.
In 2014, I returned to Jamaica to attend my first funeral since leaving. I soon realized that most funerals are now held on Saturdays or Sundays. Previously, funerals were generally held on a Sunday. I also saw the emergence of dance hall fashion by some funeral-goers. Vending had also become part of the funeral business. I was also surprised that the funeral director now cares for your deceased family member, hires a band for the wake, caters for the special occasion, and much more. In 19 years, I had seen a total culture change where Escalades, carriages, and custom-designed caskets were now the order of the day.
In 2019, I attended a wake in Jamaica. The night was one to remember. The video below highlights aspects of her wake and her funeral.
In March of 2020, I should have attended a funeral in Jamaica. Because of the pandemic, I decided not to go. Consequently, it was streamed live via Zoom (see picture below). There was no wake, and the repast was restricted to close family members. I suspect a change is coming to redefine how Jamaicans bury their dead. However, it is too early to call.
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