The Distinctive Characteristics of Contemporary Caribbean Society
The distinctive characteristics of contemporary Caribbean society result from the blending of European and African culture. One area where we start to notice the blending of European and African traditions is in religion. The Caribbean religions are most strongly influenced by west-African faith, though they are frequently blended with Christianity. The three most popular religions in Caribbean society are obeah in Jamaica, voodoo in Haiti, and santeria in Cuba. These religions have a significant and carefully considered influence on Caribbean culture. Voodoo clerics were frequently employed by dictators in the Caribbean to frighten off political opponents. Since the time multiple European countries colonized the Caribbean culture, it is not by surprise that there are currently four domain languages. They include: Spanish with twenty five million speakers, French with ten million speakers, English with six million speakers and Dutch with half a million speakers. It is worth mentioning that, however, within Caribbean countries, different variations of dominant languages have arisen. Even completely new languages have emerged. For example, pantomime, a language that bonds Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English and African, is widely spoken on the island of Aruba. Another example of a new language form is French Creole, or patois, and it is spoken in Haiti.
The Blending of Cultures in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is truly a magnificent place to experience blending of multiple cultures. Here, you can be witness to how human creativity has shaped and blended different customs in to a unique culture in a world of its own. Caribbean being the first land discovered in the new world it is a much more different place today than it was in the late 15th century. As the native population was decimated by disease, European countries needed to maintain a strong work force to tend the plantation. The African slave trade brought more than five million native Africans to the Caribbean, creating a sort of Neo-Africa. This importation of Africans is what defines Caribbean culture today, but the blending of European culture with African culture makes it unique.
Spirituality and Religion in the Caribbean
Many who reject religion embrace spirituality majority of those who describe themselves as being spiritual but not religious believe in God and many pray and observe other religious practices as often as those who regularly attend churches, mosques or synagogues. Often these people are rejecting are the dogmas of institutional religion (things they can longer believe). Some also feel an urgent need to dis-identify with the abuse committed in the name of religion. Others simply find institutional religion to be irrelevant to their lives.
Food in Caribbean Culture
Food is a factor to consider in the Caribbean culture during special events. Caribbean dishes comprise of indigenous European, America, Chinese and African influences. Local residents have also developed distinct dishes. For instance chicken is a popular Caribbean dish. This kind of dish is unique but it is similar to Creole chicken. A traditional goat stew is a nationally recognized dish it is made of tomatoes, dumplings, green papaya, bread fruit and goat meat. A prominent African influenced Caribbean dish combines leafy vegetables with okra. Sea food is also a popular dish in the Caribbean. Each different Caribbean nationality uses a unique sea food dish. Rice is a staple food in the Caribbean and each island has a unique rice dish. On some islands rise is seasoned with coconut. Yellow and brown rice is served as a side dish in the Caribbean.
