Mind Thoughts

Each week as I drive along West Bay Street in the morning I am always in time to observe the Disney Cruise Line make a one hundred and eighty degree turn in the waters to sail out of Port Nassau. This always inspires certain awe. This morning again, I witness that same turn as this time it reversed into Port Nassau. I can not explain why it evokes such a feeling.  My husband tells me that anything that large when it moves is always a sight to behold. Maybe in my subconscious it is a metaphor for when someone makes a turn or a turn around in life? A turn around can be one of the most exhilarating and enriching feelings in life. For some, that turn can be the sign of better things to come.

Ever day opens and closes like a flower – John Muir

Jumbie Table

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.

Embrace

Photograph by Alison Hixon

As a child wrapped in prayer

Amidst the flowing waters

I hear exotic bird songs in the exquisite garden

Lighter than a million feathers

Mind-body unity

The most memorable season

Offers no greater delight

Unforgettable

Preserved, etched for posterity

The transformation

Smooth Synchronization

This moment, this place, you

I embrace

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(LeAp- A collection of Poems by Brenda L McCartney)