The Jamaican Tradition of Nine Nights
Singing and dancing at a Nine-Night
Similar to the concept of a wake, in Jamaica (and other parts of the Caribbean), there is a funerary tradition known as the “Nine Nights,” or “Nine-Night,” in which the family and friends of a person who has died gather to celebrate the life of their loved one. It typically takes place from the night after the family member has died until the night before their burial. One main difference between the two types of ceremonies is that many Jamaicans believe that after a death, the spirit, or “duppy,” of the deceased person stays in the area for a time. This is because, according to legend, the spirit takes nine nights to rest and find peace.
Music being played at a Nine Nights ceremony
During the period of celebration, food is brought and music is played, and on the ninth night, a table is set up with food especially for the departed family member. No one may eat from this table until after midnight, when it is believed that the spirit of the dead has passed through. White tablecloths are often used to signify purity. On this final night, friends and family bid farewell to the duppy; after this the spirit is believed to have passed from this world. Another common practice is to turn up the mattress of the loved one and place it against a wall to prevent the spirit from coming back. This is done not out of malice, but because family members feel a responsibility to help their loved one find their final resting place, so that he or she can be at peace. It’s a positive ceremony, and it allows family and friends to express their love for the departed and say their goodbyes.
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Great tradition. Never heard of this.
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Awesome
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I experienced it for the first time when my dad passed away in Jamaica. I remember the house was full of family and friends turning up with lots of food and playing music. Once the 9th night came the house was quiet and almost lonely – as I’m sure everyone regardless of culture expreinces when the funerary traditions are over. It was a lovely time and even now I’m am due at a 9 Night this coming Friday. Long may it carry on! x
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Hi Ann,
Thank you so much for allowing us to see into your life through the words you offered. It sounds like a wonderful experience and incredibly touching to read. Yes long may it carry on!
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I am shipping a body to the USA for burial. I have been asked by the deceased’s Jamaican ex-wife to place 5 needles into each foot before transport. Can you please tell me the significance of this in the Jamaican culture.?
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This is so the spirit cant walk as in life and return back to us. Its so they remain
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Hi David,
Kelly isn’t with SevenPonds anymore, but as the current editor-in-chief I wanted to try to answer your question if I could. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any reference to this practice, either in relation to traditional Jamaican culture or the (now outlawed but still popular practice of Obeah, or “witchcraft.” My advice would be to ask your friends’ wife directly what the needles signify. I would love to know!
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This is so deep. Watching a movie now called, “Nine Nights” When my Mom died, so sad, everyone one of us she helped, schemes and scandals at the surface from day 1, no one came together to celebrate her life. My point. My Moms unique smell, stayed in her apt for over 3 yrs, I couldn’t imagine why. Does that mean she hadn’t crossed over yet?
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Hi L’tanya I don’t think anyone really knows. But it’s wonderful you still have the lovely small of your mom after so many years. Certainly a gift to cherish.
Suzette Sherman, Founder SevenPonds
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My boyfriend is biracial with African descent and Indo-Jamaican ancestry. I am American. We faced time the other night while he was sat Nine Night for a relative. I was in complete admiration of the traditional drumming, singing, and dancing of the family. Some were playing dominoes, while others clapped, cheered, and sang. There was so much food and rum and everyone was joyous. It reminded me of my own experience with what we call a “repast” in the Black-American tradition. It is a celebration with food, music, card games, dominoes, and fellowship after the funeral ceremony. I love how our African ancestral roots can be seen and shared across the diaspora.
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