For more information checkout the following websites:
The following website, http://www.bahamas.com/customs
provides visitors of the site with a vast variety of cultural heritage including: art/music/dance, Bahamian cuisine, bush medicine, Junkanoo traditions, religion, and its straw market.
This website, http://www.bahamas-history.net/bahamas-culture.html contains a large amount of information pertaining to Bahamian culture and its traditions. It discusses various languages and the places they originated. It also covers the topics of religion, music, island holidays, and gives a brief overview of the island’s political system.
The following website, http://www.bahamas.com/customs
provides visitors of the site with a vast variety of cultural heritage including: art/music/dance, Bahamian cuisine, bush medicine, Junkanoo traditions, religion, and its straw market.
This website, http://www.bahamas-history.net/bahamas-culture.html contains a large amount of information pertaining to Bahamian culture and its traditions. It discusses various languages and the places they originated. It also covers the topics of religion, music, island holidays, and gives a brief overview of the island’s political system.
Country Statistics:
Ethnic Groups: Black 90.6%, White 4.7%, Black and White 2.1%, Other 1.9%, Unspecified 0.7%
Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Religions: Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Brethren 1.6%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6%
Population Growth Rate: 0.85%
Birth Rate: 15.5 births/1,000 population
Death Rate: 7.05 deaths/1,000 population
Languages: English (official), Creole (among Haitian immigrants)
Religions: Protestant 69.9% (includes Baptist 34.9%, Anglican 13.7%, Pentecostal 8.9% Seventh Day Adventist 4.4%, Methodist 3.6%, Church of God 1.9%, Brethren 1.6%), Roman Catholic 12%, other Christian 13% (includes Jehovah's Witness 1.1%), other 0.6%, none 1.9%, unspecified 2.6%
Population Growth Rate: 0.85%
Birth Rate: 15.5 births/1,000 population
Death Rate: 7.05 deaths/1,000 population
Religion in The Bahamas
This map displays the various religious belief systems of the entire world. The area that is circled is The Bahamas. The country being the light blue color confirms that the majority of the country's religion is Protestant Christianity.
Prevailing Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2016, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prevailing_world_religions_map.png
Prevailing Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2016, from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prevailing_world_religions_map.png
This is a Bethel Baptist Church, similar to one started in 1790. Received from: http://www.bahamasfinder.com/churches.html
|
The Bahamas is an extremely religious country. It has been proposed that the country contains one of the highest numbers of churches per capita in the world. It all began in 1790 when two freed slaves from the United States built a Bethel Baptist Chapel on the Island of New Providence. After the chapel was completed, they traveled throughout the islands preaching and creating Baptist communities. Baptists comprise the largest Christian denomination, followed by Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and Seventh-Day Adventists. “In addition to established Christian denominations, a number of home-grown or ‘over-the-hill’ churches have developed” (2016). |
The expansion of Baptist beliefs started with the modern and early leaders who distributed teachings throughout society. In 1910 Rev. Brown a pastor of Bethel Baptist Church became very outspoken during social and political conflicts. With the lead of Brown, the Baptist Church developed into a place for dispersal of food and clothing. Many years later, the concern for the needy grew. This concern led another Reverend, Reuben Cooper, to become involved in the Bahamas Christian Council. There he served as a chairman in assisting the needy and helping them build a better life.
The Salvation Army is continuing its mission of goodwill by sending 600 gallons of water, 200 buckets filled with cleaning products, 100 cases of canned goods, 500 mops and a small supply of clothes to islands.
Received from: http://www.thebahamasweekly.com |
The church plays an imperative role in the cultural, spiritual and social development of the community. Certain denominations such as the Catholic, Baptist etc. provide full care learning institutions for children in their faith. “In The Bahamas, the Salvation Army Corporation or churches provide spiritual development as well as social and educational programs for all ages. These programs include activities from religious instruction to musical training to lively, welcoming times of family worship. There are also special program designed to contribute to the individual’s self-improvement, creative learning and meeting spiritual, emotional and community needs” (Adderley, Andrews, Bethell, Bethel, & Goodman, 2011). The churches serve as an important advocate in helping those who are struggling mentally and physically, as well as, those in poverty to express their talents in music and community development. They also help to clothe the needy and provide a shelter for the homeless. Additionally, Bethel Baptist church in Nassau helps to feed the needy in the community, serving more than 800 meals a week.
|
Most rituals are Christian services and are held in churches. Immersion baptisms and revival meetings are held outdoors. Baptists are members of the Protestant Christian denomination who advocate baptism of believers by immersion, often in a sea, as a form of triple immersion. Baptism takes place when a candidate says that he or she believes. “Some Christian services include glossolalia, spirit possession, and faith healing. Obeah rituals tend to be small and private. Baptists are mindful that the church consists not in a building or institution, but in the people of God gathered into a committed fellowship” (La Flamme, 2016). |
Here is a baptism taking place in the sea.
Received from: http://haitianministries.blogspot.com/2007/02/haitian-religion-in-bahamas.html |
The gathering of these churches brought conflict between the government and instigated political difference with Bahamian people. Baptists first became involved in politics when they combined with the Methodists and Presbyterians in successfully campaigning for the disestablished of the Anglican Church in 1869. The Baptists made their most momentous impact on the Bahamian people in the 1960-1970’s during the efforts for universal suffrage, constitutional improvement, majority rule and political independence. Today, it is quite common for Baptists ministers to use their podiums to make known whose party they support; many Baptists have been making attempts to discontinue this misuse of power. In The Bahamas, there are two main controversial issues: homosexuality and organized gambling. These issues have had a major impact on tourism, specifically, the arrival of gay cruise ships.
The expansion of the Baptist religion occurred rapidly and has spread greatly throughout the country. Through conducting this research, it is obvious that religion is of the utmost importance in The Bahamas. It plays a major role in how the country is structured and how people live their lives. I discovered that while not all Bahamians practice the Baptist religion, the majority accepts it as a way of life. In accepting this way of life, it is evident how involved the people are not only in their religion, but in their country as well.
|
Here is a sign advertising for the Baptist Church.
Received from: www.travelblog.org |
Sources:
Bahama Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2016, from http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Bahama-Islands.html
The Culture of The Bahamas. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2016, from http://www.my-bahamas-travel.com/bahamasculture.html
Adderley, Q., Andrews, V., Bethell, C., Goodman, L., & Bethell, F. (n.d.). The Church and Social Development In The Bahamas - Is the Church doing its part? Retrieved July 21, 2016, from http://www.academia.edu/2395938/The_Church_and_Social_Development_In_The_Bahamas_-_Is_the_Church_doing_its_part
Bahama Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2016, from http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Bahama-Islands.html
The Culture of The Bahamas. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2016, from http://www.my-bahamas-travel.com/bahamasculture.html
Adderley, Q., Andrews, V., Bethell, C., Goodman, L., & Bethell, F. (n.d.). The Church and Social Development In The Bahamas - Is the Church doing its part? Retrieved July 21, 2016, from http://www.academia.edu/2395938/The_Church_and_Social_Development_In_The_Bahamas_-_Is_the_Church_doing_its_part
Gapminder View of Bahamian Development
This chart shows the life expectancy that has occurred in The Bahamas from 1800 to 2016. This chart also shows a major drop in life expectancy around the year 1918 until the year 1922. Received from http://www.gapminder.org/
This chart focuses on the health of those living in the country of The Bahamas from 1961 to 2007. This specific chart shows how many kilocalories a person consumes in one day. Received from http://www.gapminder.org/
This chart focuses on education, specifically the percentage completed of primary schooling from 1994 to 2010. There is a significant rise in the year 2000. Received from http://www.gapminder.org/
This chart focuses on the age of women at their first marriage from the year 1970 to 2005. The upward trend is apparent. Received from http://www.gapminder.org/
The charts above provide its viewers with a visual of the development that has taken place in The Bahamas over the years. The first graph displays the life expectancy of Bahamian people. It has risen from a constant 35 years to about 72 and has been increasing since the 1920's. The chart shows a steep drop in life expectancy to about 23 years (Figure 1). This drop may be a result of a very active hurricane season, which occurred in 1916. “Eleven hurricanes and three tropical storms were observed, of which six were major hurricanes possessing Category 3 hurricane intensity (100 knots or greater). Tropical cyclone activity began in late June and continued until middle November” (Glenn, 2005).
The second chart focuses on food supply, specifically the kilocalorie intake for a person in one day. Food supply has fluctuated greatly over the decades taking a dip at the beginning of the 1970’s and then a rise at the beginning of the 1980’s (Figure 2). Overweight and obesity have a greater effect on the nutritional status of the population in The Bahamas than underweight and nutritional deficiencies.
No national surveys on food consumption have been carried out in The Bahamas. However, “the available data indicate that the changes in the consumption pattern over the past 20-30 years have led to increased consumption of food from animal (fatty foods), sugar and sugar products, and salt. This coupled with a decrease in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, along with a sedentary lifestyle (including a lack of exercise) may in large part be responsible for the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the country” (2016).
The third chart displays the primary education completed from 1994 to 2010. A clear rise occurs in the year of 2000 (Figure 3). One reason for this may be an increase in technology used in the classroom. “Considerable efforts have been made within the past ten years to incorporate technology in the both public and private schools in The Bahamas. To date, almost 5 million dollars was spent in the last 2 years to install computer labs, and E-literacy capabilities in every school in The Bahamas. The Ministry of Education has implemented training programs for teachers to ensure that they are able to teach technology to students and improve achievement levels using this vital teaching tool” (2011).
The fourth and final chart focuses on the age of women at their first marriage. The trend rises from 1970 to 2005 (Figure 4). I chose this chart because here in the United States women now days are getting married at an older age, choosing to focus more on their careers or travel. I was curious if this trend was taking place in other countries and it is quite evident that it is occurring in The Bahamas as well. After viewing the charts, one will come to realize that The Bahamas has become very modernized and it continues to make great strides towards strengthening all aspects of its country.
Sources:
Glenn, D. A. (n.d.). A REANALYSIS OF THE 1916, 1918, 1927, 1928, AND 1935 TROPICAL CYCLONES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC BASIN [Scholarly project]. Retrieved July 16, 2016, from http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Glenn_Thesis.pdf
Nutrition country profiles: Bahamas summary. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2016, from http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/nutrition/bhs_en.stm
The Government of The Bahamas. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2016, from http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/
The second chart focuses on food supply, specifically the kilocalorie intake for a person in one day. Food supply has fluctuated greatly over the decades taking a dip at the beginning of the 1970’s and then a rise at the beginning of the 1980’s (Figure 2). Overweight and obesity have a greater effect on the nutritional status of the population in The Bahamas than underweight and nutritional deficiencies.
No national surveys on food consumption have been carried out in The Bahamas. However, “the available data indicate that the changes in the consumption pattern over the past 20-30 years have led to increased consumption of food from animal (fatty foods), sugar and sugar products, and salt. This coupled with a decrease in the consumption of fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, along with a sedentary lifestyle (including a lack of exercise) may in large part be responsible for the prevalence of obesity and overweight in the country” (2016).
The third chart displays the primary education completed from 1994 to 2010. A clear rise occurs in the year of 2000 (Figure 3). One reason for this may be an increase in technology used in the classroom. “Considerable efforts have been made within the past ten years to incorporate technology in the both public and private schools in The Bahamas. To date, almost 5 million dollars was spent in the last 2 years to install computer labs, and E-literacy capabilities in every school in The Bahamas. The Ministry of Education has implemented training programs for teachers to ensure that they are able to teach technology to students and improve achievement levels using this vital teaching tool” (2011).
The fourth and final chart focuses on the age of women at their first marriage. The trend rises from 1970 to 2005 (Figure 4). I chose this chart because here in the United States women now days are getting married at an older age, choosing to focus more on their careers or travel. I was curious if this trend was taking place in other countries and it is quite evident that it is occurring in The Bahamas as well. After viewing the charts, one will come to realize that The Bahamas has become very modernized and it continues to make great strides towards strengthening all aspects of its country.
Sources:
Glenn, D. A. (n.d.). A REANALYSIS OF THE 1916, 1918, 1927, 1928, AND 1935 TROPICAL CYCLONES OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC BASIN [Scholarly project]. Retrieved July 16, 2016, from http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/Glenn_Thesis.pdf
Nutrition country profiles: Bahamas summary. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2016, from http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/nutrition/bhs_en.stm
The Government of The Bahamas. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2016, from http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/
Food in The Bahamas
The cuisine of The Islands of The Bahamas is never, ever bland. Spicy, subtly and uniquely flavored with local meats and produce, more than any other cuisine in the Caribbean, Bahamian cooking has been influenced by the American South. Although virtually every type of international food can be found in The Bahamas, you won't have any difficulty finding restaurants serving Bahamian cuisine and fresh local seafood at reasonable prices.
Seafood is the staple of the Bahamian diet. Conch (pronounced 'conk') is a large type of ocean mollusk that has firm, white, peach-fringed meat. Fresh, uncooked conch is delicious; the conch meat is scored with a knife, and lime juice and spices are sprinkled over it. It can also be deep fried (which is called 'cracked conch'), steamed, added to soups, salads and stews, or made into conch chowder (soup) and conch fritters. The Bahamian 'rock lobster' is a spiny variety without claws that is served broiled, minced or in salads. Other delicacies include boiled or baked land crabs, which can often be seen running across the roads after dark.
Fresh fish is also a major part of Bahamian cuisine - a popular brunch is boiled fish served with grits, which is often the most delicious way to enjoy a fresh catch. Stew fish, made with celery, onions, tomatoes and various spices, is another local specialty. Many dishes are accompanied by pigeon peas and rice (the famous peas 'n' rice served throughout the Caribbean), along with spices, tomatoes and onions. Peas also feature prominently in the wide array of fragrant Bahamian soups: pea soup with dumplings and salt beef, and the familiar split pea and ham soup are just two of the many pea-based broths. One soup unique to the Caribbean and The Bahamas is souse (pronounced 'souse'). Its only ingredients are water, onions, lime juice, celery, peppers and meat - no thickeners are added. The meat added to a souse is often chicken, sheep's tongue, oxtail or pigs' feet - giving the souse a delicious, rich flavor.
In numerous countries and cultures food has a major connection to religion. However, in The Bahamas, I did not find a connection between food and religion. This was surprising as The Bahamian people put so much emphasis on their beliefs, values and traditions. From my research, The Bahamian people do not consider food sacred as other countries may or associate it with their religion.
Resources:
http://www.bahamas.co.uk/about-the-bahamas/bahamas-culture/cuisine
Seafood is the staple of the Bahamian diet. Conch (pronounced 'conk') is a large type of ocean mollusk that has firm, white, peach-fringed meat. Fresh, uncooked conch is delicious; the conch meat is scored with a knife, and lime juice and spices are sprinkled over it. It can also be deep fried (which is called 'cracked conch'), steamed, added to soups, salads and stews, or made into conch chowder (soup) and conch fritters. The Bahamian 'rock lobster' is a spiny variety without claws that is served broiled, minced or in salads. Other delicacies include boiled or baked land crabs, which can often be seen running across the roads after dark.
Fresh fish is also a major part of Bahamian cuisine - a popular brunch is boiled fish served with grits, which is often the most delicious way to enjoy a fresh catch. Stew fish, made with celery, onions, tomatoes and various spices, is another local specialty. Many dishes are accompanied by pigeon peas and rice (the famous peas 'n' rice served throughout the Caribbean), along with spices, tomatoes and onions. Peas also feature prominently in the wide array of fragrant Bahamian soups: pea soup with dumplings and salt beef, and the familiar split pea and ham soup are just two of the many pea-based broths. One soup unique to the Caribbean and The Bahamas is souse (pronounced 'souse'). Its only ingredients are water, onions, lime juice, celery, peppers and meat - no thickeners are added. The meat added to a souse is often chicken, sheep's tongue, oxtail or pigs' feet - giving the souse a delicious, rich flavor.
In numerous countries and cultures food has a major connection to religion. However, in The Bahamas, I did not find a connection between food and religion. This was surprising as The Bahamian people put so much emphasis on their beliefs, values and traditions. From my research, The Bahamian people do not consider food sacred as other countries may or associate it with their religion.
Resources:
http://www.bahamas.co.uk/about-the-bahamas/bahamas-culture/cuisine
Bahamian Meals
A classic Bahamian Jerk Chicken Dinner, served with corn on the cob and a soft white roll. This one was cooked traditionally on an oil drum barbecue at Arawak Cay.
|
Traditional Bahamian Rice and Peas is delicious as a side dish or as a main meal - the secret to good rice and peas is the stock which gets absorbed into the rice when it cooks.
|
A modern-style Bahamian Fish Dinner - healthy and delicious, steamed grouper, fresh from Potter's Cay, presented with fresh peas from the farm, plantain and a tomato onion salad.
|
Cracked conch is essentially the 'fish and chips' of the conch world. Chunks of conch are coated in a light batter and deep fired until crisp and delicious. Cracked conch is generally served with fries along with mayo and ketchup. Also popular served in bread bread - put cracked conch into a bun, then it suddenly becomes a conch burger.
|
Conch Salad is the most popular conch dish in the Bahamas by a mile and an absolute 'must eat' if you love seafood. The combination of fresh conch, locally produced vine-ripened tomatoes, onion and a little bell pepper, all marinated in sour orange juice is absolutely remarkable. Add a little chilli to taste and the dish is complete - a Bahamas classic!
|
Souce is a traditional Bahamian soup/stew dish. the most popular souse is made using chicken and in particular, chicken wings. Onion, pepper, potatoes and carrots are the main vegetables used in the souse. The secret to a good souse lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of the spices used to flavour the soup. Allspice, Bay and lime are key ingredients in a good souse, along with pepper. Some recipes also use celery and garlic to flavor the soup.
|
Resources:
http://www.bahamasfoodguide.com
http://www.bahamasfoodguide.com
Popular Recipe: Bahamian Style Conch Salad
Ingredients:
1 (2 lb.) conch meat
15 limes, squeezed
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, diced
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper
cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. The best conchs are those that have been frozen in salt water.
2. Squeeze limes and defrost the cleaned conch meat in the lime juice.
3. Combine all of the vegetables in a large bowl. Add them to the lime juice.
4. Chop the conchs into 1/2 inch cubes. It's easier to do this while they are still partially frozen.
5. Return the conchs to the lime mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Taste and add salt and pepper and cayenne pepper, if needed. 1-2 hot peppers is usually enough.
1 (2 lb.) conch meat
15 limes, squeezed
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 celery stalk, diced
1 large onion, chopped
salt and pepper
cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. The best conchs are those that have been frozen in salt water.
2. Squeeze limes and defrost the cleaned conch meat in the lime juice.
3. Combine all of the vegetables in a large bowl. Add them to the lime juice.
4. Chop the conchs into 1/2 inch cubes. It's easier to do this while they are still partially frozen.
5. Return the conchs to the lime mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Taste and add salt and pepper and cayenne pepper, if needed. 1-2 hot peppers is usually enough.
The key ingredient in Bahamian conch salad- the conch- is a true treasure of the sea. It’s raw, white meat comes from the regal looking pink-lipped and spiral-shelled Queen Conch (pronounced “konk”, not “konch”). Technically speaking, the Queen Conch is native to the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Brazil to as far north as Bermuda.Indigenous to the region, conch has been consumed in The Bahamas since the days of its first inhabitants, the Lucayan Indians. Not only was the Queen Conch used for food, but its spiral shells were also carved into various tools, musical horns, and ceremonial objects. As a food source, conch has outstanding nutritional value as a high source of protein.
Resources:
True Bahamian Must Eats: Conch Salad. (n.d.). Retrieved August 06, 2016, from http://www.trubahamianfoodtours.com/tru-bahamian-must-eats/conch-salad/
http://www.cooks.com/recipe/w18oi6ni/bahamian-style-conch-salad.html
http://www.beststonecrabs.com
True Bahamian Must Eats: Conch Salad. (n.d.). Retrieved August 06, 2016, from http://www.trubahamianfoodtours.com/tru-bahamian-must-eats/conch-salad/
http://www.cooks.com/recipe/w18oi6ni/bahamian-style-conch-salad.html
http://www.beststonecrabs.com