Jamaican Folk Tales
Its Genesis & Purpose

Jamaican Folk Tales
Tracie Blake

Today we have television, radio, internet, apps, a lot more books and a myriad of other possible ways that we can educate and entertain ourselves.

Not much back in the days. Our fore-parents here in Jamaica had to be creative in findings ways of entertaining themselves.

They usually congregate at nights when their masters retired to bed.

From there, among other activities, folklores or folk tales (story telling) were done. Folk tales are based on myths and legends based on traditional cultural practices.

The Folk Tale Leader, mostly referred to as the Storyteller, would normally be the oldest most respected person in the village.

At nights, the village children and adults would gather around the Storyteller who would marvel and astound everyone with sensationalized stories.

These Folk Tales are usually comedic but are based on morals and teach important life lessons.

There are a vast amount of Folk Tales that include stories of black magic, witchcraft and duppies (ghosts) which were used mainly as a scare tactic for children to obey their parents.

The most popular of these traditional tales was Anansi (Anancy) Stories.

Also referred to as Bredda Anansi, he is depicted as a mischievous spider that was always getting himself into trouble, and always had to learn the hard way. He lives in the wild amongst other creatures of the wild such as Tiger and Mongoose. He was always a mean trickster to the rest of them.

So vast and rich in our culture was folk tales that the Jamaican folk singers emerged and demonstrated them in musical forms to the world at large.

This was later expanded on by the Most Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverly who share it with the rest of the world in dialect, poetry and books.

Since then, there have been countless articles and books written on this aspect of our heritage.

New! We have put together an extensive list of surprising (still) popular Jamaican folk tales, click here to read it.

For some of the top Jamaican folk tales related to 'Bro Anansy' click here.

Other Pages Related To Jamaican Folk Tales - A Background

• Jamaican Proverbs
• Jamaican Poems
• Cool Facts About Jamaica
• Jamaican Costumes3
• Jamaican Hats
• Jamaican Food
• Jamaican Products/Services
• Our Jamaican Blog
• News & Events
• Our Discussion Forums

Make sure you subscribe to my free monthly e-zine My Island Jamaica Digest (MIJD) and stay with the latest from Jamaica!

Return to Jamaica Culture from Jamaican Folk Tales
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Folk Tales

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. What Are The Benefits Of Eating Mulberry?

   Dec 20, 24 09:14 PM

   Wondering, what are the benefits of eating mulberry? This small fruit is packed with powerful health perks, from boosting digestion to improving immunity.

   Read More

2. Activities In Kingston For Kids|Fun Activities For Kids In the Capital

   Dec 16, 24 07:04 AM

   
   Looking for fun activities in Kingston for kids? Explore exciting attractions, outdoor adventures, and creative experiences for children of all ages!

   Read More

3. How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Christmas? | 10 Special Events In The Holiday Season

   Dec 14, 24 11:07 PM

   by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer See Also: 11 Signs It's Almost Christmas in Jamaica Photo: Christmas Tree Lighting in Sam Sharpe Square Christmas

   Read More

4. Is Jamaica A Good Place to Spend Christmas?

   Dec 14, 24 11:00 PM

   
   Is Jamaica a good place to spend Christmas? Absolutely! We swapped the white Christmas for a sandy one, but it’s just as festive and beautiful.

   Read More

5. 🎄Old-Time Christmas In Jamaica | By Faye Ellington, Cultural Icon

   Dec 14, 24 10:54 PM

   
   Jamaican cultural icon and poopular media personality, Faye Ellington (Aunty Faye), shares old time traditions of Christmas in Jamaica

   Read More