EVERY COUNTRY has a unique Christmas tradition. In The Cayman Islands, it is no different. Audrey Leahong, who lived and worked in the British Isle for nine years, says that one Christmas tradition that she admired in that country is the laying of white sand in the driveway.
The older Caymanians at Christmas time will use white sand to line the boundaries of their houses, gateways and driveways. This tradition, says Miss Leahong, is a continuation of something that was done by the British Army men who left Jamaica and settled in The Cayman Islands. Today, the descendants continue this ritual at Christmas to remember the Europeans who settled on the land.
"This sand on the ground represents snow, and the old folks still sprinkle sand in their yards. It is done mainly by the European descendants who carry the surnames of Bodden, (originally Bowden) Ebanks - the two most prominent names in Cayman," says Miss Leahong.
Another Christmas tradition that Miss Leahong says she observed in Cayman was the cleaning of ancestors' graves. "This is something that I've never seen done anywhere else."
Old Caymanians will brush, wash and remove shrubs from around the graves of ancestors. Then, afterwards they will place natural and artificial flowers around the graves. "This is done as a respect for elders."
Christmas traditions similar to other countries are also observed in Cayman Islands. Persons will camp out on the beach, visit families, attend church - one of the predominant denominations such as the United Church in Jamaica and The Cayman Islands. Pepper lights are also seen everywhere.
Annette Williams-Steele, a Jamaican who has been living in the country for 12 years, says it's a marvel at Christmas how the buildings, homes, streets, and even the trees across the island, are enveloped with pepper lights. "Everywhere has lots of lights. In George Town, the capital, lights are just magnificent. There are lots of fireworks across the island too," says Mrs. Williams-Steele.
For food, the festive treats are roast beef, turkey, rice and red bean, pumpkin pie, cassava cake, and sorrel.
- S.T.
