Kumina: a Jamaican Spiritual Religion

Kumina is an Afro-Jamaican religious belief system and ritual practice. The movement originated around the 1850's with the arrival of a lot of African immigrants from the Congo of Africa. Kumina has evolved the strongest in St. Thomas, where most of the immigrants ended up settling. 

One of the most important aspects of Kumina is the ceremony which encourages communication with spirits with the use of singing, dancing, music, and sacrificial offerings. The music is made by the use of drums called the Kbandu. Bailo are songs in Jamaican creole which are the less sacred ceremonies. Dancing is the back-bone of the rituals and each ceremony has its own special dance. 

A table being set for a Kumina Ceremony 

With the combination of singing and dancing it creates an environment that brings you closer to the spiritual ancestors, also known as a phenomenon called Mayal. This is when the spirit of the Gods, takes control of the dancer's body causing them to become one with the spirit and in which the way the spirit world is able to communicate with the earth. It is known that when this happens dancer looses control of their own speech and movement and they will appear to be in a deep trance. 

The Kumina table is also another important park of the ceremony and uses a number of items to satisfy and honor the spirits. Water, sugared water, wine, rum, rice, flowers, and cake are often gifts given. Also candles of different colors are lit to symbolize different occasions and to invite the spirits into their personal circumstances. During these ceremonies interaction with the spirits usually take place, and animal sacrifices are made. 

Kumina ceremonies are held for all types of reasons: the death of a person, weddings, anniversaries, etc. They main purpose of the ceremony is to drive out the evil spirit from those who are possessed and to ask for advice and healing and to free individuals from evil spells. Also other ceremonies are used to help persons seek help and guidance. In most cases a table is raised and a feast is prepared to provide food and treats for the spirit and people attending the ceremony.