Like most, if not all countries, Jamaica has its own set of unwritten rules that aren’t legally enforced, but are nationally recognized and expected to be strictly adhered to. These codes of conduct are often based on social norms and traditions. Here are unofficial laws that are standard rules in most Jamaican homes:
1. Do not sit on the bed in your ‘outside’ clothes.
Once you’ve existed the doors of your house then you are absolutely prohibited from sitting/lying on your bed upon re-entry unless you change.
2. Do not wear your ‘outside’ shoes in the house
Similar to unofficial law #1, Jamaican parents would go from 1 to 100 real quick if you ever made the mistake of wearing your shoes inside, whether or not the floors are tiled, carpeted, polished or lined with linoleum… you better leave those shoes outside where they belong.
3. Always wash your meat before seasoning/cooking
Hey, I didn’t make the rules but this one is quite reasonable to say the absolute least. Do the right thing!
4. ‘Judging’ or ‘yard’ clothes are different from ‘going out’ clothes
Jamaicans are not big fans of the ‘judge and wear’ culture. As early aschildhood, there is a distinction between the clothes we wear in and around
the house and those we dress in to go on the road, to events and so on.
5. Children shouldn’t participate in adult conversations
According to Jamaican parents, ‘pickney must know dem place!’
6. Prevent waste by reusing oil
One does not simply dispose of oil because it was used once. You just don’t…
7. Don’t taste and stir while cooking
Never ever put the utensil you’re stirring the food with in your mouth – if you plan to continue using it to cook. A matter of fact, it is imperative that you put a little in the palm of your hand and taste from there. I even do this when I’m cooking for myself.
Remember, the ancestors are watching. Thanks for reading!
Walk Good!
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