What is the history of Kumina?
Kumina emerged through the practices of indentured labourers who were brought to Jamaica from the Kongo region of central Africa after the abolition of slavery. In the second half of the 19th century it syncretised with Myalism.
What are the characteristics of Kumina?
One of the distinct features of Kumina is the prominence of dance and ritual as a form of religious and cultural expression. Dance and rituals are used to invoke communication with the ancestral spirits.
What does Kumina mean in Jamaica?
Kumina is also known as Pukkumina or Pocomania, although the latter term is largely pejorative. It is a form of Jamaican Revivalism. Kumina emerged through the practices of indentured labourers who were brought to Jamaica from the Kongo region of central Africa after the abolition of slavery.
How do you become a Kumina nation?
Marrying into a Bongo family is one avenue to become a part of a Kumina nation; special initiation is the other avenue. Kumina nations are led by a „King“ and „Queen“.
Kumina took root in St. Thomas where a large number of the immigrants settled. However, the religious spread to the parishes of Portland, St. Mary, St. Catherine and Kingston.
What happens at a Kumina ceremony?
Kumina ceremonies typically start in the early night and last until near dawn. A major recess occurs around midnight when the „table“ is „broken.“ This is a table bearing candles, bread, cakes, and fruits in a borrowing from the Afro-Christian religion Revival; it replicates a communion altar.
What is a Kumina spirit?
This is the spirit with which the believer interacts as a medium and prot é g é. Within Kumina, no deities are called upon or worshiped, although a divine creator is recognized, named Zaambi, Zaambi Ampungo, Kinzaambi, or anglicized as King Zaambi.
What are the two types of Kumina?
Singing is a critical part of Kumina ceremonies and is divided into two types, Bailo and Country. Bailo are songs in Jamaican creole and are less sacred, these songs are used for performances and exhibitions.