In Jamaica, nearly everybody is aware of the John Crow — that massive, black chook typically seen circling within the sky or perched on rooftops. However have you ever ever puzzled the way it acquired its title? The story of the John Crow is deeply tied to Jamaica’s historical past, language, and even its mountains.
What Is a John Crow?
The chook Jamaicans name the John Crow is definitely the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). It is without doubt one of the most widespread vultures on the earth. From southern Canada all the way in which right down to South America, turkey vultures dwell in open lands, forests, pastures, and even deserts.
These birds are scavengers — they eat useless animals, additionally referred to as carrion. In contrast to many birds, the turkey vulture has a robust sense of odor. It flies low and makes use of its nostril to seek out meals by detecting the gases that come from rotting flesh.
In flight, the John Crow typically seems to be prefer it’s simply floating within the air. It makes use of rising heat air currents referred to as thermals to glide with little or no wing-flapping. The chook makes nearly no sounds as a result of it has no syrinx (the voice field in birds). As an alternative, it solely grunts or hisses quietly.
The John Crow might look scary to some, nevertheless it performs an vital function by cleansing up useless animals, serving to to maintain the surroundings wholesome.
How Did the Identify “John Crow” Begin?
The primary recognized report of the chook being referred to as “John Crow” in Jamaica was in 1826. This was written down by Frederic G. Cassidy and R.B. LePage of their Dictionary of Jamaican English.
Some consider the title might need a hyperlink to “Jim Crow,” a racist time period from American historical past. However researchers agree there isn’t a actual proof that they’re related. It’s potential that the title merely grew out of native Jamaican language and the way in which individuals considered the chook: black, ugly, and related to demise.
Earlier than “John Crow” turned well-liked, older names like “Carrion Crow” have been used, which additionally referred to birds that ate up useless animals.
Regardless of the true origin, the title “John Crow” has been deeply embedded in Jamaican tradition for practically 200 years.
John Crow in Jamaican Life and Language
In Jamaica, the John Crow is greater than only a chook. It carries symbolic meanings:
- Ugliness: In arguments, somebody would possibly insult one other by calling them a “dutty John Crow” or “black John Crow.”
- Dangerous Luck: Seeing a John Crow perch on your home may very well be seen as an indication that somebody inside would possibly quickly die.
- Omen: Dreaming of a John Crow is usually thought to warn of hassle or demise.
Many Jamaican proverbs additionally use the John Crow to show life classes, displaying how a lot this chook is a part of native knowledge.
The John Crow Mountains
The John Crow’s significance in Jamaica goes even additional — it even gave its title to a mountain vary!
The John Crow Mountains, positioned in japanese Jamaica, run alongside the north-east coast and be part of with the well-known Blue Mountains. These mountains have been named after the John Crow chook. Earlier than the 1820s, the realm was seemingly referred to as Carrion Crow Ridge, however later the native title for the chook turned official.
The John Crow Mountains are recognized for his or her wildlife, together with the endangered Homerus Swallowtail, the most important butterfly within the Americas. The mountains have additionally been acknowledged internationally as an Vital Chicken Space as a result of they help many uncommon Jamaican chook species.
Picture – Deposit Photos
