When you have ever heard a Jamaican say, “Chrismus pickney” you would possibly surprise the place the time period got here from. Whereas Christmas is named a joyful time for kids, in Jamaica’s historical past, “Pickney Chrismus” had a a lot deeper that means. It was a time period utilized by enslaved Africans to explain Easter as a result of it was the one different time, other than Christmas, after they obtained a break from the tough realities of slavery. The celebration was shorter than Christmas, therefore the identify Pickney Chrismus.
Celebration & Survival
At Christmas, enslaved Africans obtained uncommon privileges:
- Larger parts of meals – further meat, flour, and different items.
- Alcohol rations – a uncommon probability to get pleasure from spirits.
- A break from work – just a few days off to relaxation or have a good time.
- Jonkonnu celebrations – a energetic parade with colourful costumes and drumming, preserving African traditions alive.
Easter, although not as grand as Christmas, was one other time when slave house owners gave out further meals and allowed some stage of celebration. That’s why it turned generally known as Pickney Chrismus—a smaller however nonetheless significant vacation.
Bun and Cheese: A Custom Born from Slavery
One of many Easter traditions that began throughout slavery was consuming bun and cheese. The Jamaican Easter Bun developed from the British scorching cross bun, which was introduced by the colonizers. Over time, enslaved Jamaicans tailored the recipe, including molasses and native spices, turning it into the candy, spiced bun we all know at the moment. Similar to Pickney Chrismus itself, bun and cheese is a logo of survival and adaptation—a easy pleasure within the midst of hardship.
Easter and Insurrection in Jamaica
Holidays throughout slavery weren’t only for celebration—they had been additionally instances of resistance. Enslaved Africans usually used Christmas and Easter as alternatives to plan uprisings, since they’d extra freedom of motion and communication.
One of the vital well-known Easter rebellions in Jamaican historical past was Cheesy’s Insurrection in 1760. Led by Cheesy, a Coromantee chief, enslaved folks in St. Mary launched a revolt on Easter Sunday, attacking plantations and preventing for his or her freedom. Although the rebel was finally crushed, it impressed future resistance actions.
A Legacy of Energy
The time period Pickney Chrismus reminds us of a previous the place pleasure and struggling had been deeply related. Even at the moment, Easter in Jamaica carries the echoes of historical past—from the bun and cheese we eat to the tales of those that fought for freedom.
Supply – Pickney Chrismus is the Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage by Olive Senior. Picture – Deposit Photos
