What JAMAICANS Do for CHRISTMAS. The Origins of Christmas in Jamaica.

[@ezardknight9966]

I am so proud to call you a true, fellow Jamaican. You are so special.

[@donovancameron2867]

Jamaica is so special, believe me 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@veronicabrown6566]

This is indeed informative. It’s quite obvious that you did quite a bit of research. Thanks for sharing

[@Rockyteer2011]

A lot of people in the Jamaican Diaspora make an effort to go home to celebrate Christmas in Jamaica because it’s just not the same overseas . They return home to spend the holidays with their families and friends . You can feel the difference in the air as you noticed and the nostalgia for the familiar is a huge pull .

[@doreenDouglas-cb6mw]

Wonderful presentation. I learned a lot. I wish I was in Jamaica. Nothing can replace that.

[@Wraydon25]

Hey Irina, Forgot the other main dish for Christmas, Curry goat. Every house, even those who don't eat pork. Anyway big supporter for many many years, love your work. Please don't stop. Wish I was still teaching to share your videos with my students. P.S. did not know that song was Ukrainian - got goosebumps when you said it. I can only imagine the high you got the first few times you heard it in Jamaica.

[@enlightenme7105]

@@Wraydon25 😂😂😂😂Delulu

[@camilleking1562]

It's so sad for your mother land going into the third year of war Ukraine, Israel, Somalia,Hati just to name a few more, I can't tell you what a joy it is to be a jamaican and hear a foreigner speak so highly of the land of my birth which gave me everthing,education, morals, appreciation for the little things standards, respect for all people God blessed our island thank you for loving our country.🎉merry christmas.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you for the support! 🙏

[@Dunoonking]

​@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE-YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT TO JAMAICA NOT AN EXPAT.

[@wisdomcalls-u3f]

Hello IRIE: I just want to let you know that you are very much appreciated. I am Jamaican living in the U.S. for the moment. I watch your presentations all the time. Just keep in mind that many of us love you and appreciate what you do. CNF

[@faithm2535]

As a child, I recall more homes with Christmas lights outside, especially on living willow trees in front gardens that were shaped to look like Christmas trees. Probably another consequence of the highly inflated electricity prices.

[@carlrobinson2283]

Another educational moments for most Jamaicans. Once again, thank you for your outstanding investigative journalism.

[@cwb9139]

In my family we would have pot roast port or beef sliced and served with duck bread. I still do this every year with my children in UK.

[@joanbrown4929]

Christmas in Jamaica is always the best! Great food, friends, church, family Togetherness wow!❤

[@lindelmccormack1660]

Three more Christmas favorites in Jamaica. Red Lable wine, rum punch. and ginger beer.

[@kellyandrews8161]

What bout sorrel and redstipe.

[@RobertHenderson-w9n]

Fruit cakes 🎂

[@annetwilliams1627]

Curry goat

[@malrich7429]

I thought I knew everything about Christmas in Jamaica, but I was enlightened with new historical information.

[@eileenwatt8283]

Santa wasn't a big thing when I was a child. Jamaican homes don't have chimneys so children don't fall for St. Nicholas coming down the chimney. You did'nt metioned the Pantomime. The annual Pantomine usually held in Kingston.

[@simonelavigne8618]

She teaches me about my own culture.

[@sharonmcfarlane1289]

As a Jamaican living abroad, I truly enjoyed this video. I haven't experienced Christmas in Jamaica for many, many years, but I still enjoyed the ones that I had there more than the ones in America. God bless you and your family, and merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 🙏

[@faithm2535]

@JAMAICAWITHIRIE Thank you for using the more appropriate descriptive adjective “enslaved” versus the more commonly used noun “slave”. Language influences perception, and ultimately culture and mindset. Wish you and yours blessings for the coming year. 24 was a challenge for many.

[@enlightenme7105]

Enslaved and Slave same thing no matter how this pirate wants to pretty it up.

[@andrewriley4990]

This was truly a breath of fresh air......being a JAMAICAN living abroad myself it totally brought back pleasant memories of growing up in JAMAICA as a kid, I'm truly impressed at your extensive knowledge of our culture and country, and in my book you are absolutely a honourary JAMAICAN....awesome post and thanks for sharing

[@enlightenme7105]

😂😂😂😂Extensive knowledge????? All she did was take Jmaican culture and sell it back to Jamaicans😂 you could have done that yourself. Irena need to tell us the real story of her country Ukraine.. And where blk ppl are concerned believe me it is not pretty. Irena stop pretending!!!

[@topazedwards-campbell9235]

What about curry goat, soup Manish water, red peas soup, chicken soup, jerk chicken, and curry chicken? These are staple Christmas meals.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

you're totally right and these meals are indeed cooked for Christmas! In fact, there is an entire list of foods cooked for Christmas, but the difference is - they are also cooked all year around, not just at Christmas, so I only included stuff that is mostly specific to Christmas only and not used as much on other days.

[@Genuinepleather]

Yes it's a small buffet but there is no point in mentioning every single Jamaican food that we also eat throughout the year.

[@shawn35jac]

So nice to see the history of Christmas in Jamaica. I’m in the US and sitting here watching this video and eating black cake as we speak😂😊

[@cwb9139]

As a child, Christmas in 70s and 80s, we all look forward for when the dronks truck would come. We would sell our bottles so that we get the sodas at a reduced price. Recycling our bottles. On christmas day we as children would all get a bottle for ourselves. We didn't have to share. D & G softdrinks.. mmmm

[@sandrachin-brown1228]

Special times

[@beijaflor1492]

brilliant, absolutely well informative & presented London England

[@rocmon]

What a pleasant holiday update! You look lovely Irena, blessings!🎉

[@maxmboothe1957]

@@rocmon I searched for this comment. She does look lovely

[@enlightenme7105]

Irena the spy needs to go back to Ukraine. Where she belongs. Please convince her to return.. Thank you

[@chelseaclinton4535]

Happy Holidays Irena💯❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@rubylimey7614]

This made me teary eye since the elders in my family have all passed on. This use to be such a joyous time but life goes on😪🙏🙏🙏

[@donovancameron2867]

Roast beef is big in Jamaica too 🇯🇲👍

[@jamessexton4506]

The explanation of kidney beans getting substituted for gungo peas but keeping the "rice & peas" name is interesting. There was a video with tourists eating it and calling it "rice and beans" and J'cans were correcting them in the comments, saying that it's "rice & peas" even though they're really beans. It was kind of funny, but true, lol. Now I know where that inconsistency may have come from.

[@Juma2u]

Exactly. When you look on buying the brand Grace can red kidney beans. That's what's use in the rice. Lol. I knew ja couldn't drop the rice & peas. Due to its original use of the gungu peas.

[@dorindaconley2593]

I love how you cover the history.

[@mitsysimkelle2325]

Congo peas!?😂 There’s always a reason behind why we use certain words. 😂 Thanks for sharing.

[@cramcrams7741]

No swine here, so I did a huge festival of rice and peas, Jerk Chicken over real Wood fire, steam Cabbage, sorrel, and ginger pineapple juice with the optional rum. Was a lot of work but so well worth it. Love how you shared the historical origins and etymology. Knowledged is power. Bless🖤

[@patsyyona5802]

My favorite thing about the Jamaican Christmas was a wonderful sense of celebration that was not commercial. It is difficult to describe but there was a sense of holiness that would last until boxing day when the partying would start.😅

[@pamelaneveu5886]

Thanks Irena, you certainly did a briliant job. Much appreciated

[@ramassesskaggs8294]

Merry Christmas to you Irena Jamaican style. The feeling of Christmas in Jamaica is alive and it is all about family time and togetherness.

[@enlightenme7105]

So Irena should go back to her country of Ukraine where she can enjoy Christmas with her family. And stay there!!!

[@trevorsteer7331]

@@enlightenme7105 Your name is sure IRONIC....YOU need some ENLIGHTENMENT. Question, are you Jamaican? You sure do NOT sound like one....especially at this time of year. Not only is she a LEGAL RESIDENT of Jamaica, but so is her Family....and NOW she is OUR JAMAICAN Family as well. Grow up then "Guh weh" wid yuh hatred

[@enlightenme7105]

@trevorsteer7331 I guess you have never travelled outside of Jamaica.. These ppl don't want you.. They want your culture. Bout she is "your family now". Ah yuh need fi guh weh wid yuh f0olish chat and stop big up di colonisers dem. Yuh really think seh dem ah big yuh up in Ukraine?? Dem don't like or respect yuh. Wake up and stop mek dem fool yuh..

[@pirving390]

We rebuke you satan in Jesus name.. go back to hell where you are fro m​. Get off the lady's channel. You dark and ignorant dumb dumb@@enlightenme7105

[@ramassesskaggs8294]

@enlightenme7105 no one mentioned that Irena should go back to her country, why are you people so narrow minded?

[@annemariereid2449]

The best place to celebrate Christmas in world 🇯🇲Jamaica lots food and fun

[@nelliecurrie5625]

Mama's Christmas cake. Walking the plazas uptown on Christmas Eve, the carols, vendors, toys and inflated balloons everywhere, the crisp air. Getting up to go to church for 6 a.m service. Oh the memories. 😊

[@carlaj4175]

Besides the Christmas Day feast, I love grand market and Boxing Day outings. We always have a trip to beach, Carib movie and skating with friends on Boxing Day.

[@jacquelinesalusso9940]

Carol of the Bells is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. 🥰🎄🥰 We appreciate all that you do, happy Boxing Day and I hope the rest of your holiday season goes just fabulous for you and your family.

[@kellyandrews8161]

Happy boxing day and Merry Christmas to you and all of Jamaica and the world.

[@kellyandrews8161]

Irena, you like many Jamaicans are great story tellers. Jamaicans are good at chatting about the past. Merry Christmas.

[@claudetteanderson2273]

Before Western Union which is fsirly new the post office was the where the registered letters with the christmas money were collected.

[@florencechin6509]

Wonderful Tribute to Christmas and Jamaica❗️🎄🇯🇲 Beautifully done with so much Love❗️ Thank you Jamaica Irie! You're a real Yardie now❗️ Merry Christmas❗️🇯🇲

[@gervanmyers3066]

Christmas seasons for the children of JAMAICA are their happiness Memories.

[@carolfarquharson-smith3650]

Excellent review of Jamaica Christmas culture. You never disappoint. Happy holiday

[@kellyclark7517]

“Santa Clause,do u ever come to da ghetto”?! That one has always hit hard! Thanks, Irina1❤️❤️💛🎄

[@rosemelville6502]

Iris, I left Jamaica a long time ago, but I can still remember sugar canes blooming at the end of November early December. The blossoms actually waved in the Cool breeze that you spoke off. There was also a plum that people in Clarendon called coolie plum that usually ripes in early December, I don’t know if this fruit still exists or it was only in Clarendon.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Coolie plum is all over Jamaica. It also goes by other names around the world and only in Jamaica is it called coolie plum.

[@noblegirl1991]

What is it called elsewhere ​@@lawrencedavidson6195

[@DeniseSterling-e1i]

Thanks 👍 I'm a Jamaican 👀🌟💯💯🌍😇🙏💯💯🫡🫶❤️💛💚🧐🤨✌️.

[@marviabrown6119]

Thank you for sharing Jamaica 🇯🇲 true origination and meaning of Christmas.

[@berylmorgan8482]

I remember my mother taking me to Christmas Market early on Christmas Mornings. Christmas was in Jamaica is always a special time.

[@vandasutherland6640]

Lol Jamaican take Christmas cleaning to a next level lol

[@delroylawford3282]

@@vandasutherland6640 True, true!!!

[@michelle76678]

Thanks for such a lovely video about my country checking in from Australia

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

You are a true Jamaican scholar! It's high time that one of our institutions of higher learning awards you an honorary degree in Jamaican Studies.

[@ericpkingston1327]

no degree is needed... but the lady is really nice. Dont get ahead of your novelty self...

[@enlightenme7105]

What???? Are you for real? You could have researched all that yourself. She read her script which she most probable plagiarised by going to the library or Google. So stop elevating this pirate!

[@ericpkingston1327]

@enlightenme7105 dont let every know you dont read .....

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

@@enlightenme7105 Researching is work. Researching accurately can be hard work. Researching both accurately and deeply can be very hard work. Researching accurately and deeply and then reporting materially can be extremely hard work. I give props to those who work hard and get good results. I don't think Irina means you, me or anyone else any harm. She shows her appreciation for us by making an effort to contribute to our island her way. She tries. Lastly, as someone who was born and raised abroad, I was not always welcomed by the "majority demographic" group in Canada...to put it mildly. Since I spend the first half of my life in her position, I have to be sensitive to minorities. Irina not only chose Jamaica but chose to use KZbin to not only promote our island but to promote understanding of it. I hope that enlightens you as to where I stand.

[@andrewriley4990]

@@enlightenme7105 That was totally uncalled for.....can't see what she's doing wrong, she did the work by going to the library or as you suggested Google and shared it with us, valuable information which I myself being too busy with life's more pressing activities to go look up, and for you to have the audacity to condescend on this woman, all because she's not a JAMAICAN national, just shows you up as a dumb ass clown.....of course she looked it up, but that's not the point she made a presentation of it, for us to enjoy which was both informative and entertaining, perhaps as your name suggest @enlightenme you need to be " ENLIGNTENED " you're such a dam moron ! 🤔🤔🤔

[@soniajohnson543]

Merry Christmas Irina and a prosperous new year. Devon house was one of our pass time too in Jamaica. Jamaica Folk Singers usually perform there and also we usually have grand market there too. The trees are beautifully decorated and the ice cream shop is always packed and families lazing around the grounds. Don’t know what it’s like these days.

[@larrysmith3102]

I couldn't find the black cake in the Caribbean farmers market in Atlanta this year. My whole family is here from Jamaica and we were a little disappointed..but lots of sorrel . I ordered the cake from Florida. l guess,the UPS was overwhelmed with the Christmas packages, hopefully, next year my black cake will be at the table in time 😁😁

[@maypenbury2397]

Happy holidays Irina Watching from GB You’ve convinced me to visit JA at Christmas

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

aww, glad to know! :)

[@delroylawford3282]

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you and your entire family. Thank you very much for another informative and educational video. We should grant you a unique Jamaican title for your very useful videos of the rock. Please continue the good work and thank you again.

[@normanfl6592]

Seasons Greetings Irena.❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@patriciaedwards5834]

Very informative and engaging videos on Christmas in Jamaica.. We do love our Christmas!

[@traceybrown3836]

I am so proud to be Jamaican ❤

[@trevorsteer7331]

Learn something new about Jamaican Tradition and History from each of our Videos. I remember we used to have a Christmas Tree Lighting at Cross Roads (Higgin Town, St. Ann) when I was really young. Then I remember Santa being at Red Hills Mall (Kingston) being a big deal (even in my early teens....LOL)

[@viviennedavis-campbell3289]

I know Christmas in Jamaica is the best.. I have been to several countries during Christmas but none give me the sensation like Jamaica.. the vibes is just tun up.. I so love it Glad you can enjoy Irina..

[@rednaxelaguitar]

Thanks for the history. Have an IRIE Christmas!!

[@NatashaFerguson39]

I’m studying Reparatory Justice at UWI and recently learned of the Christmas Rebellion in Jamaica and have been facsinated since. This video and your channel is a reflection of the importtance of telling Jamaica’s story and truth our way. Love you and your channel Irie!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you for sharing! I was actually going to mention the uprising known as Christmas Rebellion, but couldn't find a way to blend it smoothly into the story here, so left it for a separate video.

[@marthakidd8737]

I love you Irie❤😊

[@anthonyhutchinson77]

I have to say thank you again for your really interesting contributions to our living culture! I went to night market having learned of its existence from you... planned to wait till after 8 to meet you but was too tired. Your contributions are EXCELLENT... your research thorough and the sincerity of your gift for presenting the various recordings is simply magical, given its realism and high quality. Thank you again for your documentation of cultural aspects of our beloved country... One love.

[@enlightenme7105]

😂😂😂😂😂😂BOT

[@seekingallknowledge]

🤦🏽‍♂️

[@devonwilliams4677]

Another gem from my home girl, Jamaica 🇯🇲 with "Irie" Irine.

[@donnapbrice]

Season Greetings Irina!💖 Thanks for the great video

[@marjorienorman2083]

I really enjoy your deep dive into these subjects.

[@carlathomas3313]

Beautiful documentary on Christmas in Jamaica! It captures and explains very eloquently how these traditions began. I’m a Jamaican now living abroad but I still maintain my heritage and culture. Thanks for making this video.🙏🏼👍🇯🇲👏.Seasons Greetings to you and yours.

[@SDbogle]

Hibiscus is said to come from Africa or Asia. Its use in Asia is much more popular than in Africa as it has religious traditions and ceremonies in India. The hibiscus flowers arrived in Mexico in colonial times from Asia and have become deeply integrated into Mexican cuisine. Often used to prepare agua de jamaica. Mexico has a drink called « Water of Jamaica » not water of West Africa or Asia and this fact tells you where and how it reached Mexico as a drink. They are not just any Hibiscus flower though. These are “Hibiscus Sabdariffa” also known as Roselle. In Mexico known as Jamaica, it is well known that the flowers contain helpful diuretic and digestive properties, as well as high levels of vitamin C and other minerals.

[@bonkrood6090]

Irie Irena, you honor Jamaica with love and great talent. You are a beautiful citizen of the earth and of people and Jamaica is truly blessed to have you, as one. Out of many.❤🎉

[@lizabetx483]

The spiked eggnog is called Ponche de Creme in Trinidad.

[@pinkbanton4383]

Wow !!! Great history ,love the vidio . Merry christmas to you and family. God bless.

[@iAmaze87]

Great job! 14:00, I found out Ghana also does Sorrel called sobolo.

[@Trelawnyjamdung]

Chile ou know Waaayyyyyy more than I do and I was born in Jamaica 😊 I do not live in Jamaica But needless to say you I appreciate you. Thanks for the education.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾❤

[@Cowboy-pb3mt]

Thank you for your informative videos, I'm a jamaican and age 83 living in England now, you keep enlightening me on things that I knew and took for granted but didn't know the history of I really miss Christmas in Jamaica.

[@trooth9066]

You can’t beat Christmas in Jamaica

[@ragamuffinhooligan4019]

Each & every of the English speaking Caribbean territory thinks that their Christmas celebration is the best! Mih nah joke. 😅🇬🇾

[@garnettewilliams5765]

Thank you ❤I miss Christmas in Jamaica 🇯🇲 I haven’t been in over 30 years thank you for that video

[@icildapassley531]

Thank you for the update on Jamaica ❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@altonbailey4821]

Irena you are doing a great job keep up the good work! Godspeed Merry Christmas 🎄.

[@SuzetteGardner]

Well done! Christmas is a conflation of many cultures and ideas over the centuries. It also includes our African ancestors' solstice festivals (like goru in Mali)--many of which are usurped by or lost to colonialism and imperialism. Thanks for sharing that fact about Carol of the Bells/Shchedryk!

[@cherylmontcrief7600]

We love that song.

[@WildFlowerNetworkTV]

Merry Christmas every one.

[@juliaforjustice505]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@PC-zg3eo]

My mother used to make both the cake and the plum pudding. The plum pudding is steamed while the cake is baked.

[@seanclarke1974]

Grand market is cool

[@ClaireSmith-i7j]

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and a happy New Year 🍾

[@G11713]

All the best for the coming new year, Mrs. Irina Bruce, you are an ongoing treasure to those who love Jamaica.

[@fitzroysmith153]

I am currently listening to your video while visiting Jamaica for the holidays. Very informative information.

[@stevenforrest2699]

Merry Christmas!!!!

[@trevorbailey1448]

Another spectacular video 😊

[@glenmcdaniel]

You are such a fount of knowledge. Thank you

[@delroylawford3282]

@@trevorbailey1448 Very true 👍

[@trevorbailey1448]

@delroylawford3282 i enjoy her work and the effort put into every video , both entertaining and educational.

[@dawntrenchfield7920]

Very interesting and informative ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@philbek9055]

Family, neighbours and close friends gather. There is a lot of camaraderie and friendly exchanges. In schools, teachers have class parties with their students. And there's a staff dinner and "pixie" gift exchanges. Jamaican Christmas food ALSO includes macaroni and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, jerked chicken, escoveitched fish and potato salad. Rum punch is a must. Excellent presentation. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank you, Irina. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@Happey67]

I have never seen Mac and Cheese when I was a child in Jamaica. Candied yams, you are telling tales. LOL

[@debbypurcell6215]

Candied what? Potato salad, baked Mac and cheese, tossed salad.

[@eightieshair]

Merry Christmas. Thank you for the great videos.

[@patriciamharris5664]

What a lovely video!❤

[@nicholahenry539]

Merry Christmas to you and your family 🎄🙏🏼💚

[@dennismalcolm6620]

ANOTHER GREAT JOB!!!!...IRIE 👍 👌 👏 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 😀..

[@pauleneatkinson6742]

I agree true true explanation of the Culture of Jamaica 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🥰

[@BasilDAWKINS]

You know much more than born Jamaicans and your presentation is tight on point and accurate. Thanks for sharing,

[@aj5946]

Thank you so much Irena, interesting video ❤

[@nevillemortan5507]

You have a beautiful and charming way of describing things, big up y self gal.

[@Fan2zeal]

Merry Christmas to you, Irine! I always leave your vlogs feeling fulfilled with historical facts about Jamaica. ❤️ your work👍🇯🇲🎄🎁

[@hephzibahbradshaw9509]

BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

[@ochinski3568]

This is so wholesome 😃🥲❤ Thanks much for making this insightful video 🥰

[@tech-zenth]

I am glad you talked about the Connection between The celebration of the winter solstice and jamaican Christmas traditions. As usual your historical insights prove to be quite breathe taking.