The African-American Celebrations Of Jonkonnu

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Jonkonnu
People 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 to anybody. The celebrations are with 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, Jamaica, and the Caribbean.

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

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 pales in comparison to his significance during the era of slavery(Mims). The Rag Man essentially had the social hierarchy of a white man during the short period in which he was allowed to shake his slave master’s hand(Mims). This was unheard of the rest of the year and anything of this sort would be devastating to the owner’s reputation among other whites(Mims). The celebration begins with people dressed up in their costumes dancing to music and the beat of the drums. Children dance to the chant “Funga alafia, ashay ashay! Funga alafia, ashay ashay!” which roughly translates to “I welcome you into my heart”(Mims). The festivities spread throughout town and can be heard from any corner of Tryon Palace.

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