Historical Grounding of Watch Night Service

“At the time, enslaved Black people could find little respite from ever-present surveillance, even in practicing their faith.” - National Museum of African American History and Culture. The legacies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade continue to reverberate decades after the abolition of slavery. The United Nations states that the enslavement of over 13 million Africans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade was driven by the racist ideology that these women, men and children were inferior because of the colour of their skin. The African Holocaust or Maafa involved numerous European powers such as England, Spain, Denmark, and The Netherlands who were all responsible for the trafficking of our ancestors. In the British West Indies the slavery system was referred to as Chattel Slavery. This was a system whereby the slaves and their offspring were enslaved during their lifetime and were the sole property of the owner. The slaves were bought and sold as commodities. Thank God we made it. It is that time again when end of year activities take center stage. For the revelers among us attending a New Year’s Eve ball is the ultimate way to usher in the New Year. While for the more religious minded among us, there is no better way to ring in the New Year than to be in the house of God for Watch Night Service. Indeed attending church has become a staple and tradition for many families in Jamaica and the Americas. However, very few of us have ever questioned the antecedents behind such an observation. Regrettably, fewer folks have taken the time to read about the struggles of Black people. The tradition of Watch Night services in the United States of America dates back to December. 31, 1862 when many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation into law, and therefore free those who were still enslaved in the Confederacy. Watch Night has evolved into an annual New Year’s Eve tradition which not only commemorates freedom from slavery, but also celebrates the importance of faith, community and perseverance. It is a tradition in the Black Church in America that five minutes before midnight, men, women and children will kneel, hold hands and pray to God from the present year into the New Year. Undoubtedly, Watch Night Service is time of reflection. African American Christians engage in their prayer posture, and will reflect upon the fact that approximately 11 million Africans were enslaved during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, where 10-20 percent of them died on the slave ships, and the exact number of enslaved Black children, women and men killed or died during slavery will never be known. The museum notes that the Watch Night worship services were traditionally followed by a “fortuitous meal” on New Year’s Day, often featuring a dish called ‘Hoppin’ John’. Traditionally, ‘Hoppin’ John’ consists of black-eyed peas, rice, red peppers, and salt pork, and it is believed to bring good fortune to those who eat it,” the museum says. “Some other common dishes include: candied yams, cornbread, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese.

Caribbean Experience. Watch Night service in Jamaica has a buzz of excitement and expectation. As youngsters no one wants to be at home for the beginning of the New Year so being at church is always a welcome experience. Watch Night service in Jamaica is similar to what happens in the United States of America but of course with a Caribbean flavour. The service usually begins about 8 pm and ends shortly after 12 am with a baptismal service. It is not uncommon in Jamaican churches especially the Pentecostal faith to see people literally walk into church close to midnight and request that they be baptized. Of course there are always the faithful prayer mothers who are traditionally dressed in white. These prayer mothers would wrap the newly baptized saints of God in towels or sheets as they emerged from the water thus symbolize a public shift in their relationship status with God. On the other hand, denominations such as The Adventist usually begin their Watch Night Service at about 5.30 pm until 8.30 pm. After the end of the service congregants would then fellowship with each other. Regardless of the denomination there are similarities in the Watch Night Service. How can we not mention the Holy Spirit? Watch Night Service is all about the Holy Spirit who is always present. The sermon at Watch Night Service is usually preached by senior pastor after which there is a call to the altar. At this time those who are so led by the Holy Spirit will give their lives to the Lord. As children, watch night had a different significance. There was a culinary side to Watch Night. Food is a huge part of any commemoration and Watch Night Service is no exception. There was always boiled and roasted corn as well as soup. Additionally, there were the usual snacks like bun and cheese, biscuit and drinks. Of course there is also sorrel, the traditional Christmas drink that is made with ginger and sweetened to taste. The vendors at our church, the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre at 86e Waltham Park Road were always parts of the community of worshippers. The founder of the church is Bishop V.T. Williams. Additionally, most churches also have a canteen where a cooked meal is available in addition to light snacks such as tea, crackers and other food items. Yes, food is available both inside and outside the church so too the Holy Spirit. There is nothing compared to a Caribbean Watch Night Service. As we close out the old year “may the tears we shed in 2023 be used to water the seeds that will germinate in 2024.” 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 © #watchnightservice #HappyNewYear

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sE5kEnitqE