Revivalism not for arbitrary entertainment – Part I

THE FOLK religion known as Revivalism in Jamaica came out of the ‘Great Revival’ of the early 1860s. It is a syncretism of African spirituality and European religious beliefs and practices. It is called folk because it came from the psychology of grassroot people, some of whom were formerly enslaved people, subjected to the whims and fancies of their religious enslavers.

There were elements of European religions that they did not understand, which confused them, which did not appeal to them, and for which they had no mental, emotional and psychological connections. The idea of an omnipotent God, who would take care of them in Heaven, their eternal home, however, was very appealing.

And after years of enslavement and indoctrination, their African spirituality, including ancestral veneration and belief in the powers of nature, did not wane. It was, and still is, about a godhead, nature and spirits, and to some extent, the ‘Holy Ghost’.

This amalgamation confused colonial people who regard it with great disdain. They didn’t understand it, and thus didn’t trust it. Attempts were made to stymy it, but it thrived, evolved, and is alive and well. Yet, many Jamaicans, including descendant of the people who started it, are just as disdainful of it.

They themselves do not understand the ritualist practices, and why Revivalists do things they do. As far as they are concerned, these are evil practices, devil-worshipping, witchcraft. Revivalists are oft referred to as “wrap-head people”, ones to avoid and to have nothing to do with. The general attitude towards Revivalism in Jamaica by most non-Revivalists is negative, in sum.

The rituals of Revivalism are replete with symbolism, tangible and intangible. Meanings are attached to symbols, and it these meanings that drive the things they do or say. Then there is the drumming, the singing, the dancing, the trumping, the speaking in tongues and possessions. These are purposeful, and not arbitrary, just like the ritualistic practices of other denominations.

Yet, Revivalism is the only religious denomination in Jamaica that is mounted for entertainment purposes, smacking of mockery and ridicule. And this mockery was on show at the recent Independence Day Grand Gala when scores of people in Revivalesque attire took to the field in what the MC deemed as “Revival Time”.

It would be great to find out how many of these ‘performers’ are Revivalists themselves, had ever been to a Revival church, had even been near a Revival church, know a Revival song, had ever trumped with a Revival bans, and have knowledge of the vocabulary and language of Revivalism.

Many of these people who wrap their heads, adorned themselves with Revival paraphernalia, and wear multi-coloured frocks will have nothing to with Revivalism outside of the performative context. They despise it, they fear it, but they perform it. Isn’t this first-class hypocrisy?

It is high time that people who are wary about, and resentful of, Revivalism and all that it contains stop using it for entertainment purposes, because it is much more than that. The singing, dancing, drumming, trumping, etc, might come across as entertainment, but entertainment is not what Revivalism is about, and the Jamaica Cultural Development Corporation and other bodies must stop staging it as such. It is not culture as we know it; it is a religion.

And if they continue to do so, they should also put on the stage the rituals of the Catholics, the Anglicans, the Baptists, the Moravians, the Wesleyans, the Pentecostal Church, the Mormons, the Brethren, etc.

Put everybody on display, because if Revivalism is going to be the only Christian denomination that is staged, there is nothing sublime about this type of performance. It is hypocrisy at the highest level, especially since there is not much regard for Revivalism among non-Revivalists.

While performance is deeply embedded within Revival rituals, it is purposeful, and thus coordinated, despite spontaneous actions and utterances. The participants know exactly what they are doing, and why they are doing it. Those who find it entertaining can very well do so, but the intention is not to entertain. So, in the second part we will look at why this folk religion is not to be mocked.

“Revivalism has always been a significant part of Jamaica’s cultural identity. In fact, unlike other religious practices on the island, Revivalism emerged from the people of Jamaica. Therefore, it is my opinion that Revivalism should continue to be a part of the national narrative around Jamaican culture,” Revivalism practitioner and researcher Dr Kirt Henry, director of the African Caribbean Institute/Jamaica Memory Bank in Kingston, said.

“I hope, however, that as choreographers and cultural enthusiasts continue to pull on the religious practice, they continue to show respect and reverence to the movement. This can be achieved by having continuous dialogue with local practitioners to ensure that the folk religion is not being misrepresented.”