This article, “Christmas Jamaican Tradition | Fruit Cake,” shows how Jamaicans all over the world enjoy and share this rich fruit cake during the holiday season.
Christmas Jamaican traditions include the delightful, one-of-a-kind, mouthwatering fruit cake. This is a must have during the Holiday Season!
So, here’s another custom passed on throughout generations from multicultural ancestors. Of course, there’ll be variations, each resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience.
Individuals, local stores, bakeries, and supermarkets can’t seem to supply enough to meet the huge demands. People also use this rich cake for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Christmas Jamaican Traditions | Around the World.
Traditions can be hard to break especially if they are embedded in rich culture. Jamaicans are no exception as they take their traditions with them around the world.
Families usually come together for the holidays whether they’re in Jamaica or abroad. They’re sure to include their favorite Christmas Fruit Cake.
Also, people traveling abroad from Jamaica oftentimes take cake for family and friends. On the other hand, companies and entrepreneurial individuals will also ship overseas.
As we experience other cultures, we exchange ideas. This results in the addition or subtraction of ingredients. And the more we have conversations, we learn the origins of each practice.
A good way to sample different products between cultures is by giving them as gifts.
For that reason, it is common practice for some people to save or collect round cookie tins. They use these to bake their cakes and give away as gifts or sell them.
Fruit Cake | How Do You Like It?
There are several variations of dried or candied fruits and spices used to make Jamaican Christmas Fruit Cake. Some are enriched with bright colored red and green candied cherries.
On the other hand, some use less conspicuous colors going with raisins and currants. Individuals may add these to the batter whole or blended for a smoother cake.
Either method is just as tasty. It’s just a matter of preference.
The secret to a good fruit cake is soaking the fruits in wine, rum and/or brandy for several months in advance. Another option is adding the alcohol to the batter.
You’ll find something just the way you like it:
- With or without bright-colored candied cherries.
- Finely blended or coarse dried fruits.
- Or adding alcohol or having no alcohol.
Whatever your preference, have a slice of real Jamaican Christmas Fruit Cake. Enjoy!
By the Slice? | Or Buy the Whole?
If a slice is all you need, go for it. But, you’ll be craving more! A whole cake just makes much more sense to me, especially since it has a long shelf life.
As a matter of fact, you can keep Christmas fruit cake in the freezer for many years. So, you can indulge or entertain throughout the year to your heart’s desire.
Many families will have several cakes. That depends on the size of their families and gatherings during this festive time of year. People will also give cake, sorrel, and other food items as gifts when they go visiting.
It is customary for companies to serve slices of cake and sorrel to their staff and clients to show their appreciation. Furthermore, some organizations may even have raffles with a cake as the main prize.
If you like made-to-order cakes, they are usually ordered days or weeks ahead to ensure getting them in time.
Christmas | Enjoy the Cake, Celebrate Christ!
Twas the night before Christmas when all lights were out, Mass Joe and Miss Janie awakened by a shout. “You have anymore of the Christmas cake there? Mi wife throw mi out ’cause mi finish her share.”
This could actually happen. For example, the husband got carried away and couldn’t resist eating the entire cake before Christmas. Naturally, his wife was not prepared to be left out on Christmas Day!
A lot of preparation and time go into making this delightful cake in accordance with the Christmas Jamaican tradition. But, it is well worth it and most people appreciate that.
There’s also quite a bit of hustle and bustle on Christmas Day to get things done. These include cooking, last minute baking, and visiting to be close to loved ones.
Additionally, many churches have an early morning Christmas service. People get to celebrate the birth of Christ as Savior of the world. This is the most important tradition as we honor Him.
“Oh come, let us adore Him!
On the other hand, some people choose to ignore the festivities for personal or spiritual reasons. However, that’s not surprising as everyone will not agree on interpretation of any celebration.
This is usually a time to share with others and spread glad tidings for those who celebrate in one way or the other.
Finally, Let’s Recap.
Traditions make one culture distinct from another. The Jamaican Christmas Fruit Cake may be similar to those of other cultures. However, some aspects are unique to Jamaica.
Dried and candied fruits in various assortments, wine, rum and/or brandy give it its special feature. It’s another item that is savored into New Year and will be enjoyed throughout the year.
Go with your gut and have a slice or stock up to have enough for the family. You can also give it away, or treat yourself after the holidays.
So, it’s Christmas Eve and most of the preparations for the Christmas Day celebration are done. Take time out to relax and enjoy the festivities.
Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of everything else. The reason for the season is celebration for the birth of Jesus. His coming is the Father’s gift to the world.
While you show love to those around you, show some love for the traditional Christmas Jamaican Fruit Cake! You will be glad you did.
To everyone, from my family to you and yours, have a blessed Christmas–stay safe! We are approaching the beginning of another year, 2021. We wish you all the best.
Let us know if and how you like the fruit cake or any other cake for the holidays. We would also be interested to hear what your favorite Christmas tradition is. Please comment below.
I hope you enjoy this article, “Christmas Jamaican Tradition | Fruit Cake.” If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I will be more than happy to serve you.
Veron
Business Owner | The Way 4Word Enterprises
