Reflections of Grand Market at Christmas

Jamaica has a rich and engaging history. Those of us who grew up in the Caribbean are well aware of Grand Market. We are also knowledgeable of what a market is; it’s the coming together of sellers and buyers who exchange goods for some monetary payment. Grand market is the precursor to Christmas Day. Grand Market day celebrations begin on Christmas Eve and lasts until the wee hours of Christmas morning. All of us as children anticipated the Grand Market experience. Our dad, Fitzroy never disappointed us. Dad would leave work early on Christmas Eve. The entire family consisting of our mother, Vinette would then journey to Grand Market in Half Way Tree. As children we were excited when Christmas Eve came along. While we did not have a Christmas tree growing up; we had pepper lights which were exhibited in the living room window. These lights would constantly blink and brought much comfort and joy to the entire family and passersby alike. Another activity we engaged in as children was getting the empty D&G soda glass bottles prepared; by prepared I mean we would wash the dirty ones and place them in crates. Our dad would then assist us in transporting them to the exchange depot where the bottles would be purchased and then we would use that money and make up the difference to buy a crate of sodas. Grand market was an entire day; however, the real excitement began after sunset. Grand Market popularly referred to as “Gran’ Market” is one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season. It is held in all major towns across Jamaica on Christmas Eve. Apart from Half Way, downtown Kingston, Santa Cruz, Falmouth, May Pen and Linstead are also well known grand market venues. Grand market is usually a colourful and energetic affair that provides the opportunity for shoppers to make last minute purchases or secure unique items that had not been available all year round. Many bargains have been had at grand market shopping. The festivities at grand market have a life of their own and one has to experience it to really appreciate the cultural richness of the event. The government usually relax the rules regarding vending in order to facilitate the multitude of shoppers. This year is especially significant given the world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, there is the new Omicron variant which has seen drastic increases of COVID-19 cases all across North America and Europe. Jamaica is expected to face a fourth wave in mid January of 2022. Origin of Grand Market While many of us enjoy the festivities surrounding Grand Market, very few of us know of the history around this celebration. The celebration of Christmas in Jamaica dates back to the period of slavery in the 17th century, when the island was a colony of England. During the period of the enslavement of the Africans; plantation work would cease from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day, annually, and plantation owners would give each of the slaves the annual gift of a piece of cloth and meat. For slaves, who usually had only the entrails and other leftover scraps of the animal, the treat of meat was a delight. It can be argued that what triggered even more merriment was the rare gift of wine the slaves received. The plantations then had all-night dances that included masqueraders and plenty of drumming. It must be noted that the drum was not only a musical instrument; it was also a means of communication of the enslaved Africans. It is from these all-night dances that one of Jamaica’s most enduring Christmas traditions emerged; the Jonkunnu. Sorrel Drink In Jamaica, the sorrel drink is synonymous with Christmas. The Sorrel Drink is also known as Red Tea, Roselle or Sudanese Tea. Made from the Jamaican sorrel plant, a member of the hibiscus family, which has its origin in Sudan, Africa, the drink is an integral part of Jamaican Christmas tradition. Jamaicans make the refreshing beverage way in advance of Christmas Day; traditionally, it was stored in stainless steel, earthenware or enamel or plastic containers. To make the drink, boiled water is poured over sorrel, grated ginger, and pimento. After at least four hours, it is sweetened with brown sugar, and flavoured with rum or wine. Sorrel is served on ice. One December I visited New York to spend Christmas with my aunts and sister. During Christmas dinner my aunts’ added brandy to the sorrel which already had white rum and Red Label wine, I foolishly followed. I will not say what happened to me afterwards. A “must have” for Christmas is fruit cake. Many persons start ‘soaking’ the fruits; prunes, cherries, raisins and currants months in advance. In most families, baking Christmas cakes or puddings is a whole-day family activity. Many families back in the day had to manually use a spoon to rub the ingredients in the bowl. The children were task with them is activity. Mother would then pour the mixture into the aluminum baking tins and placed in the oven. May you reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this Yuletide Season which surrounds the birth of Jesus Christ and his redemptive power to save humanuty from their sins. May the Spirit of Christmas encampeth around you all year through. May you and your family experience peace, joy and good tidings this Christmas. From the blogger’s desk have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #ChristmasEve #Jamaica #grandmarket #Christmas