The immigration of the Europeans Chinese and East Indians introduced new elements of race, culture and religion into a society previously comprised of Africans and British. Each racial group tried to remain truly Chinese, Indian or European and clenched tightly to their various respective cultural patterns. However, as time progressed everyone slowly but surely began to be assimilated and by so doing created the rich culture known today as the Jamaican Culture. The assimilation of the races and cultures is what makes Jamaica truly unique and this sentiment is evident even in the motto "Out of many, One People".
The colonial legacy and and monuments are still very evident in modern-day Jamaican society and serves as a reminder of the island's past but as encouragement for a better future. The names of places and rivers still serve as a constant reminder that Spaniards once lived in the island. Towns such as Ocho Rios, Santa Cruz and St Jago de la Vega and rivers such as the Rio Cobre, Rio Minho and the Rio Grande were all named by the early Spanish settlers. There are also a number of relics that were left behind by the Spanish. Among these is a church bell which can be seen at Port Royal. Many of the British architectural styles and even some houses are still present in modern-day Jamaican society. Most notable are the Great houses that could be found on the plantations. The European style of having Churches in the centre of
cities still remains even to this day, in Jamaica every Parish has its own
parish church which is always an Anglican church and is always found in the
centre of the capital city. The British English remained as the official
language of the island however patios is widely spoken Jamaicans and has
captured global fascination because of its portrayal through music.The Jamaican cuisine is a rich mix drawing from aspects of its rich cultural heritage. Yam, ackee, the Jamaican National fruit, were all brought from the countries of West Africa. Curry which is widely used in many Jamaican dishes was brought from India as well as many of the spices that Jamaicans use.
Christopher Columbus on his pursuit of fame and fortune initiated a number of ripple effects that changed the entire dynamic of the island. The island went from a Taino subsistence agrarian society to a surplus driven economy, then the battle field for the Spanish and the British. The victor, the British, transformed the island to a basic industrial economy introducing a new race, culture and language to the island. The island then went through a period of utter turmoil and bloodshed as the enslaved fought to obtain freedom. Immigration to the island also added to the flavour increasing its diversity and pluralism. All these events played a very instrumental role in creating the great nation that it is today, though there was such a dismal past, many Jamaicans use this as a reminder of where they are coming from and what great possibilities can be achieved.
Christopher Columbus on his pursuit of fame and fortune initiated a number of ripple effects that changed the entire dynamic of the island. The island went from a Taino subsistence agrarian society to a surplus driven economy, then the battle field for the Spanish and the British. The victor, the British, transformed the island to a basic industrial economy introducing a new race, culture and language to the island. The island then went through a period of utter turmoil and bloodshed as the enslaved fought to obtain freedom. Immigration to the island also added to the flavour increasing its diversity and pluralism. All these events played a very instrumental role in creating the great nation that it is today, though there was such a dismal past, many Jamaicans use this as a reminder of where they are coming from and what great possibilities can be achieved.