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

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Reply
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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Reply
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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Reply
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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Reply
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"

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

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Reply
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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Reply
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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Reply
2. Teddy Boo, 2020
"Jeremiah plant"

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

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

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

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

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Reply
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"

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

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Reply
5. J, 2021
"That Girl 

You're welcome...

Blessings"

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Reply
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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Reply
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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Reply
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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Reply
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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Visitor comments are welcome.

2010 Video About The Watt Town Revival Church, 48 Bands on the seen & Full Reprint On 2015 Jamaica Gleaner's Article About Jamaica Revival Church

Pastor Juven Guthrie, Apr 1, 2010
-snip-
Here's one comment from this video's discussion thread:

Christine Reynolds. 2012
"This movement is so misunderstood...take it from the daughter of the most famous revivalist leader in jamaica.  My father was Kapo Reynolds, and he fought to have this religion recognized in Jamaica.  Many don't understand it because it has so many African influences,but I can assure you, he believed strongly in the Creator, didn't deal in false gods or worship the dead.  My father was proud to be black, proud to be African, proud and blessed to be a man of God. He thought me how to pray."

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series about Revival churches in Jamaica. Part III of this pancocojams series showcases a YouTube video of Jamaica's Revivalist churches. Part III also provides a complete reprint of a 2015 Jamaican Gleaners' series on Jamaica's Revival denomination that was referred to as "Pocomina" or "Kumina".

Click https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150620/spirit-revivalism-part-2 for Part I of this pancocojams series. Part I showcases two videos about the Revival church in Jamaica. The first video presents information about the history of that Christian denomination and the second video showcases Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church, a Jamaican Revival church. 

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks to the producer of this embedded video, and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
-snip-
This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on Jamaican Revival churches. Click the "Jamaican Revivalist Religion" tag for more posts in this series, including "General Information About Jamaica's Revivalists Religious Denominations (with YouTube video: "Who are Zion Revival people ?") http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/general-information-about-jamaicas.html and "Seven Videos Of Jamaican Revivalists Thanksgiving Tables (with information & comments)" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/seven-videos-of-jamaican-revivalists.html .

Also, click https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/kumina for an encyclopedia.com article about Jamaica's Revival churches.

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ARTICLE REPRINT
From https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150620/spirit-revivalism-part-2 "In the spirit of Revivalism – Part 2"

Published:June 18, 2015 Paul H. Williams
"REVIVALISTS BELIEVE the spiritual and the earthly realms are one. The living and the departed, therefore, can communicate with each other. "Therefore, the living can become possessed and influenced by the spirits of the dead," Olive Senior writes in Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage.

They also subscribe to the holy trinity concept of The Father, Son, and The Holy Ghost, known as the 'messenger' or the 'spirit', who possesses worshippers and converts.

The spirit might be that of Old Testament prophets, New Testament apostles and evangelists, archangels, Satan, his assistants, other beings and mystical figures, and the spirits of influential dead Revivalists.

And in as much the same way, Revivalists believe the spiritual and earthly realms are one and the same, in that they can move from one to the other through possession. They don't see a separation between good and evil forces. One force has evil and benevolent qualities, which are called upon to do different things.

spirits

"Power derived from the spirit world is used for both physical and spiritual healing and the enhancement of the worshipper's life and well-being," Senior says. However, there is a general belief that spirits are also requested to perform malevolent deeds.

"Revivalists are concerned with harnessing the unseen forces of the universe that are not good or bad in themselves, but can be utilised by man for different purposes," Senior also says.

The types of spirits that Zion and Pocomania call upon are very different. Zion invokes sky spirits, such as that of God, archangels, angels, etc. Pocomania Revivalists entreat Earth spirits, such as those of dead acquaintances, and mystical beings, for instance, the river maid is one of their main agents.

"Under possession, she confronts and deals with hostile water spirits who impede the spiritual journey of possessed brethren through a river, her spiritual territory," according to a note in Jamaica Journal Vol. 32 Nos. 1-2.

Possession is the vehicle that transports Revivalists from one realm to the other. To get into the spirit or be possessed happens after much singing, dancing, clapping, drumming, trumping and praying. The worshipper who is possessed is said to be travelling. Dreams and visions are also portals that connect the realms of the living and that of the departed.

Sometimes the possession occurs for days, when the possessed is said to be in a 'schoolroom', getting instructions from the spirits. "Possession by spirits then is central to Revival worshippers and powerful rituals," Senior states.

In addition to their regular divine worships and prayer meetings, Revivalists carry our special occasion rituals, especially for christenings, baptisms, burials and new building dedications. There are also street meetings for outreach purposes, and 'balm yard' healing rituals in which the afflicted is rid of the charm or 'crosses' that is the basis of the affliction.

fascinating

Revival rituals can be fascinating processes, especially to the person who is seeing one for the very first time. They are full of colour, artistry and symbolisms that can be easily misinterpreted. The beating of drums and the clashing of cymbals (sometimes) are central. They accompany the singing and set the pace and mood for the message to be carried. There is also Bible reading, preaching and testimonies.

But it is the trumping and the dancing and the 'speaking in tongues' that set the pace for the possession. Revivalists dance and moan in a particular way that gets intense as they trample on unwanted spirits.

"While moving their bodies forward, Revivalists bend, expelling the breath, and utter a groaning sound on the upswing ... a movement that causes dizziness in some persons and facilitates the onset of spirit possession," Senior writes.

And sometimes, the drumming stops suddenly, leaving the worshippers to utter a moaning chant as they go around in circles. "Members will become possessed and 'travel' to the spirit world. Each member imitates the particular spirit in movement and sound, e.g., dove ... the leader himself receives and interprets spirit messages."

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This concludes Part III of this Pancocojams series on Jamaica' Revival churches.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Video About The History Of Jamaica's Revival Church & A Video Of Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church, A Jamaican Revival Church

ACIJJMB, Nov 4, 2020

This is a short video produced by the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB). It explains the tenets of the Revival Church in Jamaica as a Christian denomination - from its emergence in 1860 to present day.

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a three part pancocojams series about Revival churches in Jamaica.

This post showcases two videos about the Revival church in Jamaica. The first video presents information about the history of that Christian denomination and the second video showcases Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church, a Jamaican Revival church. 

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/10/two-videos-of-jamaicas-kumina.html for Part II of this series.Part II showcases two YouTube videos of Kumina Revivalist music and dancing. Selected comments from this video's discussion thread are included in that post.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/10/2010-video-about-watt-town-revival.html  for Part III of this pancocojams series. Part III showcases a YouTube video of Jamaica's Kumina churches. Part II also provides a complete reprint of Part II of a 2015 Jamaican Gleaners' three part series on Kumina.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks to the producers of these embedded videos, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on Jamaican Revival churches. Click the "Jamaican Revivalist Religion" tag for more posts in this series, including "General Information About Jamaica's Revivalists Religious Denominations (with YouTube video: "Who are Zion Revival people ?") http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/general-information-about-jamaicas.html   and "Seven Videos Of Jamaican Revivalists Thanksgiving Tables (with information & comments)" http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/seven-videos-of-jamaican-revivalists.html .

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BRIEF NOTES ABOUT JAMAICA'S REVIVAL CHURCHES
From http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/the-rise-of-revivalism-in-jamaica_122140?profile=1470 "The rise of Revivalism in Jamaica" by Shalman Scott, January 21, 2018
 "Revivalists are known widely as Revival Zion, Zionist, Revival, and Pocomania — [These churches are] a blend of Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Pentecostal beliefs and practices with modified African beliefs and practices added." 

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From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumina#:~:text=7%20External%20links-,Definition,a%20form%20of%20Jamaican%20Revivalism.
"Kumina is also known as Pukkumina or Pocomania, although the latter term is largely pejorative.^[4] It is a form of Jamaican Revivalism.^[4]

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR VIDEO #1
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. Queenie Bee, 2018
"Spiritual Baptist JA version."

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Reply
2. Ro in the cut, 2018
"Jemelia Miller i love jamaican revival & spiritual  Baptist  my parents  are Jamaican but i grew up in spiritual Baptist church  in Canada"

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Reply
3. Love Endless, 2019
"Baptist has nothing to do with revivalist totally different sects hun"

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

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Reply
5. 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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Reply
6. Shelly-Ann John, 2020
"I am from trinudad wow baptist is really powerful wow love it.It surely cleanse your spirit and deliver you.

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7. Delicious Occasions, 2020
"Good to know that revival is still alive in Jamaica. I remember going to one of these churches as a child when I went on holidays to my aunt in St. Thomas. I remember being scared senseless when ladies in white from head to toe marched into the church and started spinning persons around. When they got to me I quickly sat down. It was all very suspicious and scary.   Thank you for preserving this in video form."

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Reply
8. Kerry teegs, 2021
"Ironically so did I. Scary for a child indeed"

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9. Luna Lea, 2021
"I smile from ear to ear when viewing this, deny or accept it, so good to see, Africa in Jamaica, I used to follow them and loved the "trumpeting" and later discovered it was to call the Ancestral spirits!🥳💚🙏🏾👏🏼

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10. miss j Rich, 2021
"All this kind of worship is from Africa ase"

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11. Christine Reynolds, 2021
"My father Kapo was instrumental in pushing for THIS religion to be recognized as such.  “61” as you would  be more my father’s thing.. celestial bodies.. invoking spirits.. African based.. you might think it started in ja... it was brought over!"
-snip-
Here's an explanation of "6i" as it is used in the context of this comment:
From https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150613/spirit-revival-part-one  "In the spirit of Revival - Part One"  by Paul Williams, June 10, 2015 
..."Revivalism didn't emerge as one cohesive force. There are two branches, the 60 Order or Revival Zion, and the 61 Order or Pocomania. Zion tends to have many elements of orthodox European religions, while Pocomania represents mainly elements of African spiritual worship and practices."
**
Reply 
12. Nico E, 2021
"Your father is a national treasure, a plan should be put in place to preserve and teach these traditions. Otherwise the mysteries of revival die with the elders .

**
13. Damion Wallen, 2021
"I am a proud Rivival youth living in new York Rivival all the way big up my Rivival family in jamaica"

**
14. Jenny Kaye, 2021
"Blessed be,am a 60 revivalist and all I can say,If a person doesn’t understand it , don’t criticize it . One spirit but different calling .blessed up my brothers and sisters in jesus name."

**
15. Celestial Tarot Readings with Sam Jo, 2021
"I am from St Thomas Revival tradition."

**
16. KingJDMI, 2020
"Great! If more would get involved and share their faith of Revivalism, Spiritual Church and the Spiritual Baptist, there could be greater respect and understanding. Thank you for sharing. Now, if someone will take time to explain the use of the cords, talcum power etc., that would help even more."

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2: Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church

Rupert Bourne, Apr 15, 2014

**** 
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR VIDEO #2 
Numbers are added for referencing purposes only

1. dellee smith dellee smith, 2014
"glory!!!"

**
Reply
2. Oneil Gordon, 2018
"Glory to God dancing for the almighty God."

**
3. Oquive Morgan, 2015
"I love Jamaican revival so much u'll making dance all the time"

**
Reply
4. John Miller, 2018
"Real talk"

**
5. Angela Reid, 2016
"I wish you all were in New York or Pennsylvania, USA. I'm  from Jamaica, and I was raised in a Revival Zion church just like this one. So, I'm accustom to worshiping  like this. It touches every part of me and reminds me of going to church with my grandmother. No other church can worship like Zoin church. When you're done for the day, you already lost ten pounds. Revival church gives you a work out!! No gym is required when you attend a Revival church lol!! God Bless my homeland JAMAICA!!"

**
6. Life wid Sammi, 2017
"good movements ...zion ave the key to open may lands"

**
7. Shaquan Orlando, 2018
"Revival feel the vibrations watching from my beautiful country Guyana."

**
8. Kayson Jones, 2018
"Zion love 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥"

**
9. 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. 🇯🇲❤💛💚"

**
Reply
10. Teddy Boo, 2020
"Jeremiah plant"

**
11. Mellicent Slowley, 2018
"Come on revival people"

**
Reply
12. Luna Lea, 2020
"U can tek de people outa Africa, but u can neva tek Africa outa de people!🥳💚"

**
13. Safia Seivwright, 2019
"True Revival Time...AMEN, Glory to God."

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

**
Reply
15. Vera Wallace, 2020
"I think it is some kind of water.   "Kananga water""

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

**
17. Claudette James, 2019 
"I love my Zionists"

**
18. June Blackwood, 2019
"Yes Zion awake...."

**
19. Cynthia Smith, 2020
"I realylove this revival band this is the real Old time."

**
20. Sharron Thompson Mcfarlane, 2020
"I LOVE REVIVAL CHURCH...OH WHAT A BLESSING 💃💃💃💃💃✊✊✊✊💃💃💃💃"

****
This concludes Part I of this three part pancocojams series on Jamaica's Revival churches.
 
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Article Excerpts & Online Comments About Jamaican Revivalists Clothing & Head Wraps

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents article excerpts and comments that I've found online about the clothing and head wraps that are worn by members of Jamaica's Revivalist churches.

One video of Zion Revivalism and one video of Pocomania Revivalism are also included in this post as examples of some of the attire that is referred to in these articles and comments.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the persons who are featured in this video
-snip-
Click the "Jamaican Revivalist Religion" tag below for more pancocojams post about that subject.

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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
There is surprisingly little online descriptions of the clothing, turbans, and other headwraps of members of Jamaica's Revivalist religious denominations. While there are a number of YouTube videos of Revivalist Zion services, and particularly videos of their thanksgiving tables, there are very few YouTube videos of Pocomania, and none of those videos are entitled Pocomania. This is excluding videos of "Pocomania Day" and other similarly entitled Reggae music videos or sound files, although how "Pocomania members" are dressed in some of those videos provide hints about the attire that is worn by actual members of those churches.

Furthermore, most of the YouTube videos about Jamaican Revivalists have very few if any comments, and most of those comments contain no descriptive information about the attire of those churches members or their reasons for wearing that attire.

I know nothing about Revivalists churches other than what I have read online or watched in YouTube videos. My comments (given below) may not be completely or even partially accurate.

Also, the other YouTube comments that are given below may not be completely or even partially accurate.

The following articles and comments (excepting those comments that I wrote) is my attempt to compile information about this subject that I've found online. Additional information and comments, including corrections, are very welcome for cultural, folkloric, and religious purposes.

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ARTICLE EXCERPTS & COMMENTS ABOUT JAMAICAN REVIVALISM ATTIRE
These article excerpts and comments are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.

EXCERPTS
Excerpt #1
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150627/spirit-revivalism-part-iii "In The Spirit Of Revivalism – Part III
Published: June 27, 2015; Paul H. Williams
"REVIVALISM IN Jamaica evolved out of Myalism, another Afrocentric religion whose purpose was to rid the land of evil charms and to heal the spiritually and physically afflicted.

The emergence of Revivalism came in the 1860s with two different branches: 60 (1860) or Zion; and 61 (1861) or Pocomania.

Revivalists believe in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and they see no separation between the earthly and the spiritual realms.

[...]

Because of the spiritual nature of Revivalism, Revivalists use many artefactual symbols to represent elements of the religion. From their attention-grabbing attires, adorned with sundry paraphernalia, to the objects they use in their services and rituals, Revivalism is replete with symbols.

One of the symbols of Revival is the turban, wrapped, styled, and embellished in a variety of ways. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Revivalism and has given use to the term 'wrap-head church'. The wrapping of the head and how it is wrapped has many symbolic reasons, likewise the things with which the turban is adorned.

Early this year, Family and Religion spoke with Pastor Henry Hunter of Morant Bay, St Thomas at the first 2015 quarterly conference held at the Zion Headquarters and Jerusalem Schoolroom in Watt Town, St Ann, about the Revival turban. He said the turban represents many things. For instance, Henry said his black turban, which he calls a diadem, represents power and authority.

Turban Colours And Style
The colours and styles of the turbans are based on how the wearers are instructed by angels and the angels with whom that they are working. It is also "a spiritual covering of the head", he said. "Because, you see, as servants of God, being faithful to God, we will come under spiritual attack. It's a war that we are in - a spiritual war going on between God Almighty and the devil," he said.

Family and Religion also spoke with Revivalism scholar and researcher at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Dr Clinton Hutton. He said the influence of the turban is to attract a particular type of spirit. In this case, Hutton said the turban is like an altar, a seal, as it is adorned with objects to induce spiritual possession. In this case, the spirit takes over the head of the wearer until the possession is over.”...

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Excerpt #2
From https://sensejamaica.com/Revival "Revival: From Sense, the Jamaican encyclopedia"
"A distinctly Jamaican Religion created by a synthesis of European and African religious influences. Revival embraces two different branches: Revival Zion and Pukumina (also called Pocomania or Poco). Revivalists are noted for their colourful dress (robes and turbans in different colours depending on the ceremony), for their powerful drumming and singing, and their characteristic wheeling dance to induce spirit possession

[...]

Revival for its adherents is a way of life. Leaders dress in long flowing robes and wear characteristically styled turbans. Members dress soberly with their heads tied turban-style. For meetings, leaders and members will wear clothing of specific colours, depending on the ceremony. Ivy Baxter has commented on the elegance of dress and regalia, and careful adornment of the table in pukumina that is ‘often in striking contrast to the stark appearance of poverty that exists in the surrounding area’."...

****
Excerpt #3
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/art-leisure/20150322/symbolic-revival-turban "The Symbolic Revival Turban"
March 22, 2015 | Paul H. Williams
"...like other denominations, Revivalism is replete with symbols, which are subject to various interpretations - negative and positive.

The most obvious of the symbols is the uniforms that Revivalists wear. They are easily identifiable, and are embellished with a plethora of equally symbolic paraphernalia. To complement the mostly colourful tunics are turbans, worn by men and women. The turbans gave coinage to the term 'wrap-head church'. But what is the significance of these headpieces that are sometimes artistically arranged?

They are left to different interpretations based on their colour/colours, arrangement, embellishment, and the occasion on which they are worn. Because of this, turbans and their wearer are oftentimes misunderstood, unintentionally evoking fear or resentment. In essence, there is much negative attitude towards Revivalism.

Different Interpretations
...To Pastor Henry Hunter of Morant Bay, St Thomas, the turban represents many things. He is a long-time Watt Town pilgrim and schoolroom sojourner. He was also in Watt Town for the first quarterly conference. When Arts & Education bumped into him, he was wearing a long, black gown adorned with red and gold cords. His black turban, which he called a diadem, had an Arabian look. A diadem is a type of crown denoting power/authority.

Instructed By 'Angels'
Hunter said the colours and styles of the turbans are based on how the wearers are instructed by "angels", and the angels that they are working with. He also pulled a biblical significance when he said, "If yuh go back to the Bible, when Jesus Christ was laid in the sepulchre, they say the napkin that he wore was folded properly and laid aside. This (the turban) is a representation of the napkin that Jesus wore at the time."

It, he said, also represents healing, and, as a diadem, power, and "a spiritual covering of the head". "Because, you see, as servants of God, being faithful to God, we will come under spiritual attack. It's a war that we are in, a spiritual war going on between God Almighty and the Devil," Hunter explained. The turban then is a protection for the head.

University of the West Indies educator and Revival scholar/ researcher, Dr Clinton Hutton, said the Revival turban is coming out of the Revivalists own belief systems, and that the turbans mean different things. The styles, he said, are influenced by those worn in Africa, East India and in biblical times.

Another reason for the style, colour and influence of the turban is to attract a particular type of spirit. In this case, Hutton said, the turban is like an altar, a seal, as it is adorned with objects to induce spiritual possession. In this case, the spirit takes over the head of the wearer until the possession is over.

But amid all of the symbolism, the artistry of the turbans is very important, with wearers skilfully arranging them into eye-catching, if not flamboyant styles. At Watt Town, when Arts & Education visited, there was a myriad turbans, but it was those worn by the men that were most outstanding, as you can see."

****
Excerpt #4
From https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/history-and-culture.html "Revivalism in Jamaica" by Simone (Spanish Town,Jamaica)
QUESTION: How does Jamaican revivalists dress?
"How did, or how does revivalists dress?"

ANSWER: June-22-2009 by Wellesley Gayle
"Revivals attire themselves in many different ways for different occasions.
Fundamentally though, they are mostly attired with a head wrap known to many as turban -some will have various attachments in it, such as a pencil, ruler, candles etc - pleated skirts and blouse to match.

Some revivalist wears a gown as well. Even though some may be attired in this way, there are revivalist who dress like other christian protestant denominations, but traditional revivalist are normally dressed in their turban, pleated skirts or gown.

They tend to wear a lot of African type/print materials as well. (See picture above).

I hope that helps."

**
Excerpt #5
From https://imani.wordpress.com/author/imani/page/24/
"A hollow sacrifice" Posted by: imani on: October 9, 2007
"A Quality of Violence by Andrew Salkey is a strange novel. Set in April 1900 in the eastern part of St. Thomas, a rural Jamaican parish, a large part of its narrative occurs at night and involves long Pocomania rituals. (Perhaps incorrectly, I consider it to essentially be a religion built on obeah, and so I use the terms interchangeably.) I knew little about Pocomania before, only the clothes the women wore when they danced: red and white turbans with pencils inserted at the sides and long, flowing white dresses; and this information is based on an old Jamaican music video I saw when I was a child."...

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COMMENTS
From the discussion thread for "Jamaican Revival in Watt Town", published by Aston Cooke on Mar 17, 2014*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0apj4Rybb4

*This video is given as video example #2 below.
1. Patra Harris, 2018
"Hello everyone. Does anyone know the significance of the colors and what they represent? The white red and blue?"

**
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."
-snip-
I think that this video and this comment are about Pocomania Revivalism. If that's not correct, please correct my mistake by posting a comment in the discussion thread for this pancocojams post. Thanks!

**
From the discussion thread for "Lovindeer POCO PARTY Music Video" by Otis wiggan, Published on Mar 7, 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyV4GS1Kgb0
1. solidrockifcation, 2013
"why do they have pencils in their hair?"

**
REPLY
2. Camille Henderson, 2015
"@solidrockification dont know, but its a poco signature. Its from the Africans"

**
REPLY
3. Ohene Ifrit, 2015
"+Camille Henderson that's right, the Ashanti people when they dance, they do those same spins. They say me ko, me ba(I go , I come back), jus like wheel and COME AGAIN."

**
REPLY
4. Azizi Powell, 2019
"@Ohene Ifrit thanks for sharing that information about the source (at least partially) of Jamaican "wheel and turn" dance movements. That was very interesting!

@solidrockification, I'm an African American whose only knowledge about Jamaican Revivalism is what I've read online along with the YouTube videos such as this one that I've watched. Unfortunately, there's very little information about Revivalism customs such as women wearing pencils in their hair. However, my guess is that these wooden pencils are worn either to honor ground spirits or to help call forth (bring near) those ground spirits for protection and/or other purposes.

I reached this conclusion after reading several online articles about Pcocomania Revivalism and Zion Revivalism, and particularly this excerpt from https://sensejamaica.com/Revival Revival : ..."Poco and Zion are alike in many respects, their basic difference having to do with ritual and doctrine and with the types of spirits they invoke, Zion deals only with sky spirits, i.e. God, archangels, angels. Poco spirits are the ‘ground spirits’, i.e. human dead, or ‘earthbound spirits’, i.e. fallen angels. ... Unlike European beliefs that see ‘good’ and ‘evil’ as two separate and distinct forces, Revivalists are concerned with harnessing the unseen forces of the universe that are not good or bad in themselves but can be utilized by man for different purposes. "

**
UPDATE
REPLY
5. Bongo Zion, June 6, 2019
"Pencil is to do autonomous writing . Spirits move your hand and make you write in a type of spirit language in a book , if on the ground we use chalk. The writing would look like Arabic but it is not Arabic. I am just giving a near description."

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From the discussion thread for the YouTube video "mother Rowe church in jamaica" by Fellowship Redeem Church, Published on May 16, 2011 [This video is given as #1 below.]
1.Carole St. louis, 2019
"Guys this looks like a traditional Church from slavery mixed with a taste of the British colons. The candles and the decor say it all. The ladies are wearing the most beautiful "afranchi dresses" which are the outfit of the free slave women. A few Churches similar to this one can be found in Casemance, Senegal. I definitely agree this is a lot of fun to sing and dance to the beat. The music is lovely and the way they dance is very graceful. Most particularly between a man and a woman. Praise be Jesus!"

-snip-
2. Here's my note that was written in response to that comment and posted on this pancocojams blog post under that video:
Articles that I've read about the two divisions of Jamaican Revivalism: "Zion Revivalist" and "Pocomania" Revivalism usually indicate that "Zion Revivalism" is less African than Pocomania. However, from the YouTube videos that I've seen, it appears to me that the attire worn by members of Zion Revivalist churches - and particularly the women- is closer to traditional West African attire than the clothing worn by members of Pocomania churches.

In particular, in this video and in some other YouTube videos of Revivalist churches that I've watched (including some other videos in this post) the women's attire-including their headwraps (geles) remind me of Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) women's traditional formal attire. Less often, some of the men's attire in Revivalist videos (but not their turbans) remind me of Yoruba men's fashions."...

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/seven-videos-of-jamaican-revivalists.html for my subsequent comments about dancing as couples in that is found in a number of Zion Revivalists videos. In those videos couples (man and woman as well as two people of the same gender) appear to spontaneously dance together in what reminds me of square dancing (quadrille) swing or promenade movements.

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
ZION REVIVAL
Video Example: mother Rowe church in jamaica



Fellowship Redeem Church, Published on May 16, 2011

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POCOMANIA REVIVAL
Video Example #2: Jamaican Revival in Watt Town



Aston Cooke, Published on Mar 17, 2014

Labouring and Drilling. Here is a clip of Bishop Ray Foster's Band captured at the Watt Town Revival Ceremony 2014. Revivalism is an authentic Afro-Christian religious folk form that evolved during the eighteenth to nineteenth century.

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Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Seven Videos Of Jamaican Revivalists Thanksgiving Tables (with information & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents information about Jamaica's Revivalist Thanksgiving tables and showcases seven videos of these religious occasions.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
-snip-
This post is part of a series on Afro-Caribbean religions.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2019/04/general-information-about-jamaicas.html for the pancocojams post entitled "General Information About Jamaica's Revivalist Religion."

Click the "Afro-Caribbean religions" tag for additional posts in this series.

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INFORMATION ABOUT JAMAICAN REVIVALIST TABLES
From https://sensejamaica.com/Revival Revival
From Sense, the Jamaican encyclopedia
"A distinctly Jamaican Religion created by a synthesis of European and African religious influences. Revival embraces two different branches: Revival Zion and Pukumina (also called Pocomania or Poco). Revivalists are noted for their colourful dress (robes and turbans in different colours depending on the ceremony), for their powerful drumming and singing, and their characteristic wheeling dance to induce spirit possession. In recent times the general public has been more exposed to Revival ceremonies such as their elaborate ‘Tables’ and to some of their imagery through art and Music.

[...]

Revivalists usually hold three distinct types of meetings - prayer meetings (divine worship), rituals for special occasions, and street meetings - in addition to ‘baths’ for healing. The special services include baptismal rites, death rites, dedication of new church, installation of new officer. The rituals are usually elaborate ceremonies -each held for a specific purpose, and might last for days. ‘Tables’ are held for special events such as anniversaries or for specific purposes such as healing, mourning, etc. and can last for a week. A ‘feasting table’ is held as thanksgiving for deliverance from trouble. The Table is laid with spirit conductors such as rum, flowers, fruits, water and candles. These along with the colour theme will indicate to initiates the purpose of the ritual. Each spirit - like the orishas or deities in other African-Caribbean religions, such as Santerfa or Vodun - has a special colour, food preference, music, etc. which must be used if it is to respond to the summons....‘Getting into the spirit* or possession, is brought about by the use of a specific ritual which involves singing, drumming, dancing, clapping, groaning, and prayers.Zion deals only with sky spirits, i.e. God, archangels, angels... Unlike European beliefs that see ‘good’ and ‘evil’ as two separate and distinct forces, Revivalists are concerned with harnessing the unseen forces of the universe that are not good or bad in themselves but can be utilized by man for different purposes."....

****
SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Video #1: Bishop Ray Foster @ Bishop Shaw Thanks Giving Table 2010 #1



Howard Beckford, Published on Nov 2, 2010
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
lisa goodas, 2013
"Everyone has their own style of worship. Revival or African worship was all the African knew.chanting for mercy in the spirit....it is beautiful. If the Catholics can stick to their tradition, why can't we keep the African tradition alive? yes there is a big difference between religion and tradition and tradition doesn't save anyone but for most zion ministries around Jamaica or even throughout the westindies we honor our tradition. I love zion church and the order in which they move."

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Video #2: Jamaican Zion Table Part3



johnnybegood60, Published on Apr 7, 2011

Pastor Stewart in action

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Video #3: Bethel Table Service For Leadress Bell



BethelPower, Published on Apr 17, 2011

Leadress Belle Table

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Video #4: mother Rowe church in jamaica



Fellowship Redeem Church, Published on May 16, 2011
-snip-
Walking around table begins around 4:41 in this video.
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
Carole St. louis, 2019
"Guys this looks like a traditional Church from slavery mixed with a taste of the British colons. The candles and the decor say it all. The ladies are wearing the most beautiful "afranchi dresses" which are the outfit of the free slave women. A few Churches similar to this one can be found in Casemance, Senegal. I definitely agree this is a lot of fun to sing and dance to the beat. The music is lovely and the way they dance is very graceful. Most particularly between a man and a woman. Praise be Jesus!"
-snip-
[Pancocojams Editor's note] Articles that I've read about the two divisions of Jamaican Revivalism: "Zion Revivalist" and "Pocomania" Revivalism usually indicate that "Zion Revivalism" is less African than Pocomania. However, from the YouTube videos that I've seen, it appears to me that the attire worn by members of Zion Revivalist churches - and particularly the women- is closer to traditional West African attire than the clothing worn by members of Pocomania churches.

In particular, in this video and in some other YouTube videos of Revivalist churches that I've watched (including some other videos in this post) the women's attire-including their headwraps (geles) remind me of Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) women's traditional formal attire. Less often, some of the men's attire in Revivalist videos (but not their turbans) remind me of Yoruba men's fashions."

Also, I noticed that in this video and in a number of other YouTube videos on Revival thanksgiving ceremonies couples (a woman and a man, or two people of the same gender) dance together. I'm not sure if this dancing occurs as a result of two people "feeling the (Holy) Spirit" and/or if two people dance holding hands do so spontaneously just out of joy. about dancing as couples in that is found in a number of Zion Revivalists videos. In those videos couples (man and woman as well as two people of the same gender) dance together in what reminds me of square dancing (quadrille) swing or promenade movements.


I'm aware that some Afro-Caribbean groups perform quadrilles similar to how those dances were performed in the Caribbean in the 19th century. Perhaps Afro-Caribbeans familiarity with quadrille moves explain why they would incorporate those dance moves while they are "in the Spirit". This couple's dancing is in contrast to the "getting happy" ("feeling the Spirit"; "going in") fast footwork dance that is characteristically done by individuals in African American churches. I don't think that couple dancing ever occurs in African American religious services and, if there were couple dancing, I think it would be highly unlikely that the dance moves would be from any quadrille (square) dancing traditions.

*Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/03/caribbean-quadrille-dancing-dominica.html for a 2017 pancocojams post entitled "Caribbean Quadrille Dancing (Dominica, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, St. Lucia, & The Virgin Islands)"

****
Video #5: Jamaican spiritual table



johnnybegood60, Published on Mar 5, 2012
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
Pretty E, 2017
"Awaken zion awake"

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Video #6: Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church



Rupert Bourne, Published on Mar 21, 2014
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. Juliet Giddings, 2013
"Mi miss Jamaica!!! loving the vibz!!!"

**
2. omar edwards, 2013
"Keep mesmerize by this sister voice....God was in this place,felt it here at home..Keep up the good work Bishop Bourne and saints,one love!"

**
3. Taesha Clarke, 2015
"Lord sweet ,sweet revival music, am feeling the holy Ghost Glory to God. I love it."

**
4. Barbara Malcolm, 2019
"yes pastor I like how you take control March then Heaven is in view no time to was"

****
Video #7: Zion Sacred Heart Christian Church



Rupert Bourne, Published on Apr 15, 2014
-snip-
Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only:
1. omar edwards, 2014
"KuKudoo is great and Bishop Bourne big up urself u a big singer too!! U both can win many souls with ur voices.."

**
2. shamar white, 2015 [In response to the question "Where is this church located?"
"its locaated in kingston jamaica in water house"

**
2. Angela Reid, 2015
"I wish you all were in New York or Pennsylvania, USA. I'm from Jamaica, and I was raised in a Revival Zion church just like this one. So, I'm accustom to worshiping like this. It touches every part of me and reminds me of going to church with my grandmother. No other church can worship like Zoin church. When you're done for the day, you already lost ten pounds. Revival church gives you a work out!! No gym is required when you attend a Revival church lol!! God Bless my homeland JAMAICA!!"

**
3. Oquive Morgan, 2015
"I love Jamaican revival so much u'll making dance all the time"

**
4. Britishinduindii Sage, 2016
"Revivals are some of the most energetic Christians ever and that's what God wants ...he wants true n energetic worship ...he said in his words ...u can either be hot(energetic) or cold ..but if your lukewarm ..he has the desire to spew (spit) you out...let's not be lukewarm todaii ...let's be energetic n give God praise..true worship ....I grew up in a revival church ...dad was the rev n mom was an evangelist.. They bout where the founder of that church"

**
5. Esmerelda Reid, 2016
"Sound exactly like back home and how my grandmother did the same thing love it and keep up the good work and bless everyone in this Zion scared church"

**
6. Charles Burton, 2017
"I love. Revival. Sogs. It got lots. Of. Energy. It. Was. In the. Revival church. I received. My. Holy. Spirit. They. Always laugh at me. God. Has increase. My. Portion. It. Is very strong. When. I am. In the spirit"

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7. Jemelia Miller, 2018
"Spiritual Baptist JA version."
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"JA"= Jamaica

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REPLY
8. Ro in the cut, 2018
"Jemelia Miller i love jamaican revival & spiritual Baptist my parents are Jamaican but i grew up in spiritual Baptist church in Canada"

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REPLY
9. Just Games, 2019
"Baptist has nothing to do with revivalist totally different sects hun"
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Spiritual Baptist is another Afro-Caribbean religious denomination. A pancocojams post on Spiritual Baptists will be published as part of this blog's Afro-Caribbean religious series. Click the "Spiritual Baptist" or "Afro-Caribbean religions" tags to find that post.

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10. Mellicent Slowley, 2019
"Come on revival people"
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"Come on" (also "come on now") is an interjection of support and praise which is similar in meaning to African American Vernacular English phrase "Do it!".

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11. Shaquan Orlando, 2018
"Revival feel the vibrations watching from my beautiful country Guyana."

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12. Claudette James, 2019
"Yes zion children come on now glory to God hallelujah

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General Information About Jamaica's Revivalists Religious Denominations (with YouTube video: "Who are Zion Revival people ?")

African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica,  Nov 4, 2020

This is a short video produced by the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB). It explains the tenets of the Revival Church in Jamaica as a Christian denomination - from its emergence in 1860 to present day

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Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision:  March 30, 2024

This post is part of an ongoing pancocojams series on Afro-Caribbean religions.

This pancocojams post presents complete reprints of two online articles about Jamaica's Revivalist (Christian religious) denominations and one excerpt of an article about Jamaican Revivalism.

This post also showcases three YouTube videos about this Jamaican religious denomination.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also for the producers and publishers of these embedded videos and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos.
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Click the "Afro-Caribbean religions" tag for more posts in this series.

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS:

SHOWCASE VIDEO #1

This video is found at the top of this post.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Who are Zion Revival people ? Jamaica



Selekta Steph Live Up, Published on May 26, 2015

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Revival orders playing

Howard Howiebecks Beckford, May 4, 2019

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT JAMAICA'S REVIVALISM RELIGION
ARTICLE #1 [Reprint]*
From https://sensejamaica.com/Revival Revival
From Sense, the Jamaican encyclopedia
"A distinctly Jamaican Religion created by a synthesis of European and African religious influences. Revival embraces two different branches: Revival Zion and Pukumina (also called Pocomania or Poco). Revivalists are noted for their colourful dress (robes and turbans in different colours depending on the ceremony), for their powerful drumming and singing, and their characteristic wheeling dance to induce spirit possession. In recent times the general public has been more exposed to Revival ceremonies such as their elaborate ‘Tables’ and to some of their imagery through art and Music. Once sidelined as small hands of deluded and derided cultists, Revival bands nowadays are organized as churches with pastors and bishops, conventions and communion services. These churches are increasingly associated with Pentecostalism. Possession by spirits is central to Revival worshippers and powerful rituals, Dance, and music induce the spirits to come. Power derived from the spirit world is used for both physical and spiritual healing and the enhancement of the worshipper’s life and well being.

Although its various elements existed long before in Myal and native Baptist movements, Revival as a distinct folk religion gained impetus and its name from the Great Revival of 1860-61 which started in Christian churches but was increasingly taken over by African elements. Revival groups dating their origin to that time refer to themselves as the ’60 Order’ (Revival Zion representing those at the more Christian end of the spectrum) or ’61 Order’ (Pukkumina or Poco, representing the more ‘African’ element in worship and practice). At the time of the Great Revival, the orthodox church leaders, alarmed by what they saw as over-emotionalism and ‘heathenism’, roundly denounced the Revivalists, and this attitude has influenced popular perception to this day of what are generally referred to as ‘Poco people’. Revivalists are usually poor, working class people and have always been frowned on or ridiculed by the rest of society, ‘Poco’ people especially being regarded as noisy, deluded and dangerous. ‘Pocomania’, many have been quick to point out, translates to ‘little madness’ though there is no evidence to suggest the slightest association with Spanish. Scholars nowadays believe the word is derived from Pu-Kumina. With the ongoing re-evaluation of Jamaican culture since Independence in the 1960s, there has been increasing recognition of the validity of such indigenous religions as Revival and their value in preserving the cultural traditions of Jamaica.

Their colourful ritual involving dance drumming-singing has inspired the National Dance Theatre Company to choreograph one of their more spectacular dances, ‘Pocomania’. One Revival Shepherd, Kapo (Mallica Reynolds) gained international recognition as an ‘intuitive’ artist and many of his works can be seen on permanent exhibition at the National Gallery of Jamaica (see Art); the art, like Revival music, is full of original symbolism and imagery. Indeed, Kenneth W Bilby claims that Revivalists ‘have invented an entirely new musical form’. They have done so ‘by blending Protestant devotional songs (many of them taken from nineteenth century British and American hymnals) with polyrhythmic clapping and, in the case of Revival Zionists, forceful drumming’. The language employed is sometimes rich in symbolism and imagery such as the song, ‘Parakeet in the Garden’ which likens Judas the betrayer of Jesus to a chattering and destructive parakeet.

Origins
Revival origins may be traced to Myal, which embodied traditional West African beliefs. With the introduction of the enslaved Africans to Christianity through non-conformist Missionary activity, the Baptist church became a powerful influence from the beginning of the 19th century. Over time, the native element in the Baptist church began to reinterpret Christianity in ways they believed were more appropriate to their lives and set up their own churches, becoming known as ‘Native Baptists’; by the 1860s they were stronger than the European organizations and fuelled the ‘Revival’ element. Early Revivalist leaders often came from the ranks of ‘daddies’ or Baptist church leaders. From the Baptists, Revivalists adopted certain practices such as baptism with which Africans, accustomed to water rites, could easily identify.

Beliefs
Like Kumina, Revival is based on the African belief that the spiritual and temporal worlds are not separate but form a unified whole, therefore the living can become possessed and influenced by the spirits of the dead. According to G.E. Simpson who was one of the first scholars to study this religious expression, Revivalists have adopted from Christianity the belief that God the father is the creator of the universe and Jesus Christ, his son. The former never comes to service; the latter comes but does not usually manifest himself. Most important is the Holy Spirit (sometimes called ‘Messenger’ or ‘Spirit’) who attends services and possesses followers. Revival spirits also include: Old Testament prophets, New Testament aposdes and evangelists, archangels, Satan and his chief assistants, beings from Hebrew magical tradition, other assorted mystical figures, and the dead: great Revival leaders - shepherds and shepherdesses.

Dreams and visions in which spirits appear are important. ‘Getting into the spirit* or possession, is brought about by the use of a specific ritual which involves singing, drumming, dancing, clapping, groaning, and prayers. Most followers ‘travel under’ (are possessed by) one spirit but some claim they receive messages from and are possessed by many spirits.

Poco and Zion are alike in many respects, their basic difference having to do with ritual and doctrine and with the types of spirits they invoke, Zion deals only with sky spirits, i.e. God, archangels, angels. Poco spirits are the ‘ground spirits’, i.e. human dead, or ‘earthbound spirits’, i.e. fallen angels. Zion is closer to Christianity and Poco to African traditions though sometimes the distinction is not so clearly observed. Unlike European beliefs that see ‘good’ and ‘evil’ as two separate and distinct forces, Revivalists are concerned with harnessing the unseen forces of the universe that are not good or bad in themselves but can be utilized by man for different purposes.

Organization
Revival groups or ‘bands’ are organized around a strong leader, Male leaders are called ‘Captain’ in Zion and ‘Shepherd’ in Poco, female leaders are called ‘Mother’. Each ‘bands’ has many titled officers with different duties including responsibility for the rituals and care of devotees who are possessed. The ‘mission ground’ where meetings are held is usually part of the leader’s Yard. The leader, outside of services, also serves as a temporal adviser and counsellor to his flock. A mission ground is usually marked by a tall pole or poles on which flags of a solid colour are flown. This is both to identify the ground and attract spirits. 

Revivalists usually hold three distinct types of meetings - prayer meetings (divine worship), rituals for special occasions, and street meetings - in addition to ‘baths’ for healing. The special services include baptismal rites, death rites, dedication of new church, installation of new officer. The rituals are usually elaborate ceremonies -each held for a specific purpose, and might last for days. ‘Tables’ are held for special events such as anniversaries or for specific purposes such as healing, mourning, etc. and can last for a week. A ‘feasting table’ is held as thanksgiving for deliverance from trouble. The Table is laid with spirit conductors such as rum, flowers, fruits, water and candles. These along with the colour theme will indicate to initiates the purpose of the ritual. Each spirit - like the orishas or deities in other African-Caribbean religions, such as Santerfa or Vodun - has a special colour, food preference, music, etc. which must be used if it is to respond to the summons. 

Revival for its adherents is a way of life. Leaders dress in long flowing robes and wear characteristically styled turbans. Members dress soberly with their heads tied turban-style. For meetings, leaders and members will wear clothing of specific colours, depending on the ceremony. Ivy Baxter has commented on the elegance of dress and regalia, and careful adornment of the table in pukumina that is ‘often in striking contrast to the stark appearance of poverty that exists in the surrounding area’.

Ceremonies
A Revival ceremony will start with singing, preaching, Bible reading led by the Shepherd, and build up to a pitch where certain members will become possessed or get ‘into the spirit’. Practices called ‘trumping and labouring’ will help to induce such possession. 

In trumping (or tramping) and labouring, members led by the Shepherd dance counter-clockwise around the table, seal or altar in the process of which evil spirits are trampled or expelled, Zionists maintaining a circle, Poco adherents preferring a horseshoe shape to leave space for the spirits to enter. While moving their bodies forward, Revivalists bend, expelling the breath, and utter a groaning sound on the upswing, all in 2/4th rhythm, a movement that causes dizziness in some persons and facilitates the onset of spirit possession. The Shepherd orchestrates the proceedings by ‘cymballing’, i.e. chanting in ‘unknown tongues’. Trumping will continue till the drums are suddenly stopped and the only sounds heard are vocal - the gutteral sounds of the trumping and the Shepherd’s ‘cymballing’ chant. A wheeling stage will follow in which members turn around rapidly on the same spot, their gowns billowing. Members will become possessed and ‘travel’ to the spirit world. Each member imitates the particular spirit in movement or sound, e.g. ‘dove’, ‘bell ringer’ etc. The leader himself receives and interprets spirit messages. 

Outside of their regular services, Revivalists will sometimes hold street meetings that are usually brief affairs held to attract members. Revival music, dress, and behaviour have inspired novels, poems, plays, dance-theatre, and Reggae music. In recent rimes, numerous popular songs utilizing Revival rhythms and satirizing ‘Poco people’ have made the charts, such as ‘Revival Time’ by Chalice and ‘Pocomania Day’ by Lovindeer. [Baxter 1970, Bilby 1985a, Chevannes 1998, Lewin 2000, Ryman 1980, Seaga 1969, Simpson 1956, 1970, 1978]
This page was last edited on 1 October 2018, at 12:39.
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I reformatted this reprint to enhance its readability.

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ARTICLE #2 [complete reprint]
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20150627/spirit-revivalism-part-iii
"REVIVALISM IN Jamaica evolved out of Myalism, another Afrocentric religion whose purpose was to rid the land of evil charms and to heal the spiritually and physically afflicted.

The emergence of Revivalism came in the 1860s with two different branches: 60 (1860) or Zion; and 61 (1861) or Pocomania.

Revivalists believe in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and they see no separation between the earthly and the spiritual realms.

As such, there is communion and communication between the living and the departed through the conduits of spiritual possessions, signs, dreams, and visions. Zion people call upon sky spirits such as archangels and angels, while Pocomania invokes earth spirits, such as fallen angels and water spirits.

Because of the spiritual nature of Revivalism, Revivalists use many artefactual symbols to represent elements of the religion. From their attention-grabbing attires, adorned with sundry paraphernalia, to the objects they use in their services and rituals, Revivalism is replete with symbols.

One of the symbols of Revival is the turban, wrapped, styled, and embellished in a variety of ways. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Revivalism and has given use to the term 'wrap-head church'. The wrapping of the head and how it is wrapped has many symbolic reasons, likewise the things with which the turban is adorned.

Early this year, Family and Religion spoke with Pastor Henry Hunter of Morant Bay, St Thomas at the first 2015 quarterly conference held at the Zion Headquarters and Jerusalem Schoolroom in Watt Town, St Ann, about the Revival turban. He said the turban represents many things. For instance, Henry said his black turban, which he calls a diadem, represents power and authority.

Turban Colours And Style
The colours and styles of the turbans are based on how the wearers are instructed by angels and the angels with whom that they are working. It is also "a spiritual covering of the head", he said. "Because, you see, as servants of God, being faithful to God, we will come under spiritual attack. It's a war that we are in - a spiritual war going on between God Almighty and the devil," he said.

Family and Religion also spoke with Revivalism scholar and researcher at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Dr Clinton Hutton. He said the influence of the turban is to attract a particular type of spirit. In this case, Hutton said the turban is like an altar, a seal, as it is adorned with objects to induce spiritual possession. In this case, the spirit takes over the head of the wearer until the possession is over.

The Seal
"The seal, a consecrated space, is where Revivalists do their cleansing (cutting and clearing) and invoking of spirits. These seals, or sacred ports, or docks, or spirit-empowered devices, are an assemblage of a multiplicity of natural and/or manufactured ritualised objects abounding with movement (aliveness) from the interplay of shapes, colours, light, shade, and texture," Hutton writes in Jamaica Journal Vol. 32 Nos. 1-2.

The name of Hutton's article in the journal is 'The Revival Table - Feasting with the Ancestors and Spirits'. In it, Hutton writes about the symbolism of the Revival table, another important Revival symbol. It is an elaborately set table of cooked and baked food, fruits, citrus, liquor, candles, and other objects.

"The Revival table, which seems to combine the feeding of the ancestral spirits (ground spirits) ... with the feeding of the deifical spirits (heavenly spirits) is an artistically arranged display of traditional Jamaican dishes, which are ritually cooked, usually without salt, especially those which are prepared for the spirits," Hutton said.

Revival Table
In explaining the motivation for the setting up of the Revival table, Hutton writes, among other things, "The ritual feedings of the ancestors and ancestral gods is, in some respects, quite pervasive and central to the way that many people in the African diaspora make sense of their existential reality and sense of self." It is to communicate with and have communion with the ancestors.

Outsiders who do not understand Revival symbolism have come up with their own interpretations. This misunderstanding has led to much distrust of and disdain for Revivalism, which is often vilified as an evil cult. This attitude towards Revivalism is as old as the religion itself.

Yet, no other religion or movement in Jamaica has influenced popular culture and the arts more than Revivalism, the dramatic ritual that it can be. "Revival music, dress, and behaviour have inspired novels, poems, plays, dance theatre and reggae music ... ," Olive Senior writes in Encyclopaedia of Jamaica Heritage."

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ARTICLE #3 [excerpt]
From http://pluralism.org/religions/afro-caribbean/afro-caribbean-traditions/jamaican-religion/ Jamaican Religion
"Over 750,000 African captives came to Jamaica from the Bight of Biafra, the region of present-day Ghana, and west Central Africa. Beginning in the late eighteenth century, Jamaica saw the emergence of a variety of African and African-influenced religious traditions. The three major traditions that then reached the United States are called Obeah, Jamaican Revivalism or Pukumina, and Rastafarianism.

[...]

A Jamaican Revivalist tradition called Pukumina—more structured than Obeah in belief and practice, with numerous churches and congregations—is practiced in most major U.S. cities today. Like mainland black North American Christianity, Jamaican Revivalism is much more likely to be described as “African” by outsiders than by insiders, though there are many parallels between Jamaican Revivalist movements and West African cultures. Various Jamaican Revivalist practices recall West African and Haitian religions. For example, each of the various spirits venerated in Revivalism is said to prefer specific foods, colors, and music. Recalling Haitian Vodou, Pukumina ceremonial space includes the “ritual architecture” of a central pole, to which Jamaicans add a basin of water used for spirit-channelling. This apparatus stands at the center of the sacred space, whether it be in the backyard or in a special meeting hall. Drumming and dancing culminate in trances and contact between the worshippers and the spirits who bring about divine healing or divine inspiration. In the Revivalist traditions, however, it is often said to be the Holy Spirit who “possesses” the devotees, or the spirits of Biblical figures such as the prophet Jeremiah and the apostle Peter.”...

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