Explanations For "Drilling", "Labouring", & Certain Other Customs In Jamaica's Revivalist Churches (1860) (gleaned from questions & replies on various YouTube discussion threads)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams posts presents a compilation of  questions & replies about customs in Jamaican Revivalist churches (founded in 1860) that I have come across reading discussion threads of YouTube videos.   

The content of this post is presented for cultural and religious purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/general-information-about-jamaicas.html for a 2019 pancocojams post entitled "General Information About Jamaica's Revivalists Religious Denominations (with YouTube video: "Who are Zion Revival people ?")". A portion of that post having to do with ceremonies is quoted in the comment section for this post.

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DISCLAIMER:
I'm African American and not a member of a Revivalist church. The only information I have about this Christian denomination is what I've read online and what I have heard & seen in YouTube videos. Consequently, I don't know if these replies are accurate.

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QUESTIONS AND REPLIES ABOUT JAMAICA'S REVIVALIST CHURCH CUSTOMS

These quotes are given in no particular order.

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

The individual videos whose links are given may have to be watched in order to understand what the questions refer to. 


I will add to this post as I come across questions & replies about Jamaican Revival customs in YouTube videos 
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YouTube Discussion thread #1
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVSodXwMhBA&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. clara guliford-robinso, 2020
"It would be nice if you would let people know what is going on. Totally in the dark!!!!!!!!!!"

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2. Romaine Green, 2020
"Hey Clara which portion exactly are u not clear on so I can help each one teach one 😊 I'd be more than happy to help with the little knowledge I have."

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3. Cavon Jones, 2020
"@Romaine Green  Why are they holding the brooms going around in circles?"

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4. Romaine Green, 2020
"@Cavon Jones  okay so in revival physical objects are used as spiritual symbols to carry out task for deliverance healing and fight spiritual battle. They are using the broom is used a tool for deliverance in this aspect just as a broom is used to sweep out unclean things in spiritual realm that may be hindrance or otherwise. The circle movement is called labouring which is used to clear the way for a smooth worship remove any unwanted spirit that Is not of god deliverance and to receive a message from the messenger Angel's archangel michael and or gabriel and lot more."

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YouTube Discussion thread #2
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZlAEUzM2C0&ab_channel=ItIsSo
1. Jodi P. 2012
"wat is Drilling...am jus so confused, i watch many of these videos and wish i cud understand it, i refuse to judge i jus yearn for an understanding"

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2. It Is So. 2012
"Don't be! Drilling is a spiritual exercise that we do under the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Through it we get revelations from Him.  We get a word of deliverance or prophecy, we get a directive for healing and deliverance...etc."

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3, Luna Lea, 2021
"When de drilling get sweet

 Ancestors/Spirits can't help but speak!🥳💚🙏🏾"

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YouTube Discussion thread #3
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nH6vef6T_-E&ab_channel=gladtidings
1. Gifted KoKo, 2013
"Can someone please explain the ritual that's taking place? I don't know what drilling the bands means, but would love to know and gain understanding!"

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2. Britishinduindii Sage, 2017
"Gifted koko they are getting ready to entertain the Trinity (father,son,holy ghost) ...and getting ready to call for Michael n his angels to go into spiritual warfare ..but first they want to hear from God.. That's y they song the song which says holy spirit speak to me lord."

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YouTube Discussion thread #4
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAmU1LoBi14&t=1081s&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. Jean Malcolm, 2021
"Why is there  so many green plants in church."

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2. Hansan Jsnsnwnwj, 2021
"Green plants are life in the church, that's why they have so much."

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YouTube Discussion thread #5
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKT2JLYrLTA&ab_channel=HowardHowiebecksBeckford
1. Apple Berry, 2020
"How do they know what to sing say an what language are they talking  love how they dress an worship for me is just the music sweet but I honestly don't understand what them saying are doing the way they dance is something else to talk about my late aunt was a revivalist an grow up an hear story about her but no one else in the f@family  has never travel dwn that part only her"

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2. Romaine Green, 2020
"They are under the african influence the spirit leads so as one opens their mouth the utterance is provided. It's hard to explain everything of the holy spirit but when one gets connected so many things are revealed ."

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YouTube Discussion thread #6
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztlQ0HXwnTY&t=50s&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. alisha felix, 2019
"Love the way you worship please explain the spiritual reasons for the pencil in the elders head wrap"

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2. Child of The King, 2019
"To write when they get certain message, but mostly use chalk."

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YouTube Discussion thread #7
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAa_SJntNjg&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. Shoshanna Nina, 2017
"What does this ritual means? I grew up in the island and when I was a child visited a few of these churches when they had rally or convention. I love to see the dances, candle lighting and people drop a ground and stay there for several days say they getting spiritual gifts. I  did not understand the meaning of the rituals and still don't. I still love to see all the dancing and the singing, very entertaining."

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2. Kris n' Chill, 2020
"They are summoning up the ancestors and tge spirits of god and tge deciples to come join them in worship.."

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YouTube Discussion thread #8
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6DnS9r8SYQ&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. Veleita James, 2016
"I really love the old time revival.The new age people are making some sound,I have to wonder where did they get it from and who are they listening to?."

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2. Rose Daley, 2016
"this is  the old time  revival"

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3. Dave Night, 2021
"Greetings this is real bands drilling"

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YouTube Discussion Thread #9
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU8OJg7FLkQ&t=2s&ab_channel=smnwalker1
1. lee allen, 2016
"what are they doing"

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2. j E, 2020
"Read Ezekiel 6:11 in the Bible. It's instruction on how to deal with wickedness...."

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3. latoya johnson, 2021
"Traveling in the spirit for deliverance through the Holy Ghost."

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4. Evon Johnson, 2019
"What is the purpose of the sugar cane?"

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5. latoya johnson, 2021
"He uses the sugar cane as the spirit of God gave him authorance. It is only a tool to help use for some deliverance. He holds it and travail through the spirit until the Holy Ghost reveal to him as what to exactly do with it, just like God ask Moses ' what is it do you have in your hand', he responded and said 'Only a rod Lord'. For example in this case its not exactly a rod but a fruit for deliverance."

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YouTube Discussionthread #10
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LsV3Tb7cEE&ab_channel=RupertBourne
1. Patra MorningStar, 2019
"Greetings does anyone know the name of the plant that they're carrying over their heads? Thank you so much & God bless. 🇯🇲❤💛💚"

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2. Teddy Boo, 2020
"Jeremiah plant"

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3. Kimopple Gold, 2019
"What the candles for?"

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4. Shelly-Ann John, 2020
"Its part of baptiste faith it means purity whatever forces eg witchcraft,bladphemy,unforgiveness,fornicataing.You would be cleanse and you would go deep with lord.But your life have to be clean.And he would reveal things to you.Satan is a liar pray and fast and you would be delivered."

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5. Shelly-Ann John, 2020
"Read your word read revelations."

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6. Jerene Smith, 2019
"What are those candles for only the Blood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth works"

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7. Shelly-Ann John, 2020
"Candles is for puriry meaning if you live in sin he can break whatever cureses are on you.Especially if you dealung up with unclean stuff in your life.Trust me he can expose you and clean dont play with the lord he is very powerful."

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8. SIMMAUD, 2020
"What is he spraying around the table (about 5 minutes into the video)?"

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9. Vera Wallace, 2020
"I think it is some kind of water.   "Kananga water""

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10. SIMMAUD, 2020
" @Vera Wallace  I seem to remember Grandma in England sprinkling Rose Water, but somehow "Kananga Water" rings a faint bell.

Thanks!"

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YouTube Discussion thread #11
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-bzflj8yg4&ab_channel=HowardHowiebecksBeckford

1.gwanni, 2017
"What happen to the preaching? Is this all that takes place in these churches?"

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2. Life wid Sammi, 2017
"gwanni lol well ..they still preach it's only that wen the drill is happening that's the only time ppl record"

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3. Akini Douglas, 2018

"NOW SEEING DIS TYPE OF DRILLING WHY DO THEY GO ROUND IN CIRCLES AND WATS THE HAND MOVEMENT ABOUT,AND DO THEY CHANGE FROM GOING AROUND TO IN AND OUT.PLEASE EXPLAIN

  I AM LOVING THIS"

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4. Howard Howiebecks Beckford, 2020
"It's a form or worship"

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5. miss happiness very happy, 2020
"Can someone please tell me what is "Drill" thanks"

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6. Howard Howiebecks Beckford, 2020
"Strike with your hands and stamp with your feet..."

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YouTube Discussion thread #12
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKT2JLYrLTA&ab_channel=HowardHowiebecksBeckford

1. Apple Berry, 2020
"How do they know what to sing say an what language are they talking  love how they dress an worship for me is just the music sweet but I honestly don't understand what them saying are doing the way they dance is something else to talk about my late aunt was a revivalist an grow up an hear story about her but no one else in the f@family  has never travel dwn that part only her"

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Reply
2. Romaine Green, 2020
"They are under the african influence the spirit leads so as one opens their mouth the utterance is provided. It's hard to explain everything of the holy spirit but when one gets connected so many things are revealed ."

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YouTube Discussion thread #13
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0apj4Rybb4&ab_channel=AstonCooke
1. Patra MorningStar, 2019
"Hello everyone. Does anyone know the significance of the colors and what they represent? The white red  and blue?"

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2. Kemoya Foster, 2019
"In the bible, the Hebrew word for Red is Oudem. It’s actually meaning is Red Clay. Hebrew word which mean Flesh. Thus, it is the root word for mankind as stated in the Bible.

Blue is the third primary color. It spiritually signifies the Healing Power of God. It is the most sublime subject and color which represents, biblically, the Word of God. The 15th Chapter of Numbers, verses 38-41 denote this biblical meaning of Blue (fringe of the borders a ribband of blue). The very fact that the Sky is blue stands for the presence of YahWeh. God’s chosen nation Israel is also denoted as blue from the time of David.In Matt 9: 21, the woman who had an issue of blood for 12 years says “I shall be whole again, if I touch the hem of His garment)- the garment hem is also Blue.

White- Bride of Christ, surrender, harvest, light, righteousness, conquest, victory, blessedness, Joy, Angels, saints, peace, completion, triumph. "...

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YouTube Discussion thread #14
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTwYjgDaNDE&ab_channel=RupertBourne

1. Andre Later, 2019
"A wonder what the 2 flaretail machete for.."

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2. Treston Crosdale, 2019
"It represents the sword which is the word of God."

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YouTube Discussion thread #15
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNA2mw8Q1AU&ab_channel=ApostleRayAnthonyFoster
1. j E, 2020
"I hear and read comments by persons/officers of the Revival Churches saying that this is our African Ancestral way of worship! But I read my Bible.

And in Ezekiel chapter 6:11, it reads... "Thus saith the Lord God; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy feet, and say Alas for the evil abominations of the house of Israel: for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence."...... This action therefore,  is the instruction of the Lord God Almighty, to the church......To use in "Spiritual Warfare" against the wickedness that comes against his people.  And it's time we give God the Glory due unto His Name and stop calling His instruction to us "Ancestral worship". No wonder the world is sceptical of us and our way of worship, by refusing to believe that we do serve the True and Living God: For from our own lips comes ignorance. Hence the world do believe us, that  we are worshiping our African ancestor......Thanks to our own mouth. This is why the Bible encourage us to "Study to show ourselves Approve"... Amen"

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2. Kris n' Chill, 2020
"Wow... I never knew that.. I thought they were summoning up the ancestors to come and work with them..."

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Youtube Discussion thread #16
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_VjJOAgMLY&t=33s&ab_channel=SpiritDevine61
1. pasha, 2016
"too much cyangle...wa dem fa??"

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2. Simone Campbell, 2021
"The amount of candles is to represent the light of people"

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3. miztri, 2016
"The title bishop is a Western Christian terminology and clearly this is African beats and dancing. These people clearly are confused"

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4. T. kafash Thomas, 2016
"You clearly have never encountered Braithwaits' theory of "creolization". The Caribbean is culturally diverse society and over the years cultures have been fused together to create new things and that is call "creolization" or at times it is referred to as hybridization. But crolization specifically speaks to a merger of African and European traditions.What you are seeing is a Revival worship session which is one of the Caribbean many creole indigenous religious movements.  So when Africans were brought here and forced to learn the Christian doctrine what they did was to incorporate it with their own Afro traditions, currently many of these religious movements are called Afro-Christian religions. It is the same way we fuse African Language and English to create creole. You are ignorant as it relates to Caribbean Cultural studies and Sociology, so I am shedding some light."

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YouTube Discussion thread #17
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1SL7N7S2l8&ab_channel=RuffianBlk

1. Dwight Dawkins, 2012
"why are they spinning repeatedly???"

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2. Patricia Evanas, 2012
"They entered into a spiritual wheel"

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YouTube Discussion thread #18
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tg3za3D834Q&ab_channel=RealMarvinBennett
1. That Girl, 2021
"So the gentleman at the beginning did the fasting right there in the church? Just no food for three days? Can somebody explain. I'm curious."

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2. That Girl, 2021
"Also the repetitive singing.. is this english? Or from which culture? Please don't take my comments as ignorant. I love watching your video's its just I'd like to know more."

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3. J, 2021
"@That Girl 

Info on what God wants us to do when we fast:

Matthew 6:18-18

Isaiah 58"

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4. That Girl, 2021
"@J  much appreciated"

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5. J, 2021
"That Girl 

You're welcome...

Blessings"

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6. Real Marvin Bennett, 2021
"Okay so yes he was on fasting for 3 days in the church

In the morning he get small cup of tea 3 crackers and in the evening fruits 3crackers"

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7. Real Marvin Bennett, 2021
"The song is hindu song that’s the nation the young man got while getting up off fasting

We are revivalist and in revival church we travel through different nations

So sometimes you will hear us singing African songs Chinese song Hindu songs e.t.c"

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8. Real Marvin Bennett, 2021
https://youtu.be/xSBFnReksdo

For example this is African nation we’re singing and dancing like the Africans"

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9. Real Marvin Bennett, 2021
"https://youtu.be/eJytjQI2YAc

This is the Chinese nation where we sing and dance like them"

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10. Real Marvin Bennett, 2021
"Hope I was able to make you understand what am saying

Blessings and thanks for the support 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼"

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11. That Girl, 2021
"@Real Marvin Bennett  Wow. Three whole days is excellent. I managed 18 hours my first time. It wasn't easy but I shall persevere with it.

I heard sounds from Africa for sure but it's interesting that you embrace Asian and other cultures also. I have family in Sav La Mar. It would be an honour to visit your church one day. Thanks for taking the time to explain. Blessings from the UK. 👏🏾"

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