A Comparison Between The Jonkonnu And American Christmas Traditions

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North Carolinians often associate Christmas time with pine trees, presents, and Santa Claus, but never stop to think about how other Christian cultures such as the African American ones in New Bern,Jamaica, and the Caribbean celebrate this time of year.The contrast between the African-American celebrations called Jonkonnu, and American Christmas celebrations is profound. The Jonkonnu celebrations occurs in tightly knitted communities that use music,dance, and songs to express their appreciation of one another instead of the tradition of gift-giving. Jonkonnu is an African-American Christmas celebration, which takes place in New Bern, but originated in Jamaica, and the Caribbean.

Jonkonnu can be traced back to West African slave ships which …show more content…

The celebrations started slow at first, but became more popular as time went on and are now a staple part of the Christmas celebrations at Tryon Palace(Tryon Palace). Jonkonnu in New Bern is celebrated twice on the second Saturday and twice on the third Saturday every December(Mims). The day begins with the official announcement of Jonkonnu by the Town Crier, which is followed by revelers dancing for people on their doorstep to collect donations.(Mims). The Town Crier usually yells a chant such as “John Canoe is Coming John Canoe is coming!”(Mims). According to Mckown, Participants in the celebrations, dress in their best clothing, or in a costume. Typical costumes include horse heads,horned masks, and tails which are usually made of cloth,wood,colorful rags and leather(Mckown). The most important figure known as the Rag Man, is covered head to toe in colorful rags and is often danced around once the celebration begins; however, the Rag Man’s importance during the celebrations today pales in comparison to his significance during the era of slavery(Mims). According to Mims the Rag Man was allowed to do “something that was totally taboo the other 364 days of the year: shaking hands with the slave master.” The celebration begins with people dressed up in their costumes, or best clothes, dancing to music and the beat of the

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