Photograph taken from The Montserrat Reporter
In a previous post I discussed the jumbie table. There is also a dance called jumbie dance which is tied to ancestral religion. According to the Dictionary of Caribbean English usage it defines jumbie dance as a religious dance organize to induce spirit-possession and divination; it is accompanied by a folk-band such as the WOO WOO BAND, it is impassioned and can last throughout the night.
Dr Howard A. Fergus further highlights in his book that the jumbie dance can be the purest manifestation of folk religion in Montserrat. The sound and tempo of the music produced help to bring worshipers in a trance-like state which brings devotees into communion with the world of the dead.
It was told that in the 1990s Montserrat Cricket team was on a loosing streak in the Leeward Island tournament; a jumbie dance was organize at the Sturge Park to break the spell, it was met by a public outcry and condemnation from the Christian believers stating that the practice was evil and it has brought shame and disgrace upon the nation.
So many cultural traditions in the Caribbean have been wiped out due to an over-emphasis on the European traditions. We continue today to loose our former identities and move onto a more nondescript and homogeneous global culture.
Every Christmas Eve it is part of our culture in Montserrat to set the jumbie table (jumbie are ghosts). The jumbie table reveals a tradition held by my ancestors many years ago. When Montserratians (people from Montserrat) say jumbie table we are referring to the table set at Christmas Eve with all the food (roast pig, bread, blood pudding, duckna , black cake [fruit cake], pork, chicken, turkey, potato pudding, dasheen, yam, bananas, macaroni cheese, rice and peas, goat water, tart) and drinks; wine and spirits (water, sweet drink[ soda], lemonade, Guinness, Vita malt, brandy, beer, ginger bear, ginger wine, Manischewitz wine and sorrel drink) that we would consume on Christmas Day. Just before the meal on Christmas day the spirits (liquor) is poured into the corner of house around the table for the ancestors.
As I explain the jumbie table I sit here compelled to note this. I am in a state of disbelief that my mother and my cousins both sixty plus stated they have never seen a jumbie table set by their parents. My cousin, who is my age, exclaimed “how old are you Brenda?” It seems as if anyone younger than my grandparent’s age (eighty plus years) have not shared this experience. Fortunately for me my cousins Grand Aunt is still alive, so she called her right after I spoke to her. She confirmed that I am not hallucinating or having an out of body experience by remembering the details of the jumbie table. I quickly learned that the term jumbie table is an endearing and commonly used expression but many of my generation and my mother’s generation have never seen a jumbie table set.
It is believed when the tradition was abandoned, and the jumbie table not set, the jumbie would come out making noise all night.
For me the jumbie table commands respect, in that it makes us feel pride in our heritage. It does not spell suspicion but admiration for the practices held long ago by our ancestors. I understand that it may be a part of our African heritage to carry out this practice. Our culture is rich in history and traditions and identifies us as a people. The fact that I am in my thirties and have witness the setting of the jumbie table for many Christmas by my grandparents is indeed a compliment and honor.
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