Early History:

The earliest inhabitants of Jamaica are believed to be the Arawaks, also known as the Tainos. It is thought that they had come to the island from South America around 500 A.C. They named the island Xaymaca which meant "Land of Wood & Water."

May 5, 1494 - Christopher Columbus lands on Jamaica.

1509 - The first Spanish colonists arrive under the Spanish governor Juan de Esquivel. They would come to settle in St. Ann's Bay Area. The first town being named Sevilla La Nueva.

After Jamaica gets colonized several historic stages unfold before Jamaica achieves a self-government system. These being:

- The British Rule Era (1600s).

- Exports & Internal Strife Era (1700s).

- The Crown Colony Era (1800s).

Modern History:

In the 1900s Jamaica undergoes political history that enable the country to be independent by August 6, 1962.

Nine Nights Ritual:

When a person dies, their kin celebrate a ritual involving food, dance, music, rum and such in a span of nine-days so that the deceased does not come back to haunt them in spirit form, and becoming a 'Duppy.'

Obeah:

Obeah is a form of Black Magic that is illegal in Jamaica because although it can protect and heal can also be weaponized. It is most common in the rural zones of Jamaica. It is rare for someone to be convicted for it but users of this black magic ('obeah men') often get accused for praying on superstition and poverty. 

Food:

Undoubtedly a huge part of Jamaican tradition. Combining the rich flavor of Africa and the Caribbean. Under no circumstances will a gathering be held without food as food plays a big part in the Jamaican identity.

The predominant languages spoken in Jamaica are English, Jamaican English and Jamaican Patois.