Jamaican Nursery Rhymes

Not sure these nursery rhymes were indigenous to Jamaica, but I am sure they are slowly being rid from our memories. If you can remember some that I have not listed here, do me a favor and list it in the comments. Thanks

1) When beautiful school days are over
     And grown men and women are we
    We will think of them ever and say, Oh Lord
    Bring back those beautiful school days back to me

2) Tinga Linga Ling
School Bell a ring
Knife and fork a fight
Fi dumpling (not sure which came first)

(this may have been a song by Shabba Ranks)

3) School ova
Donkey Tun ova

4) 

Peace porridge hot

Peace porridge cold

Peace porridge in the pot nine days old

Some like it hot

Some like it cold

Some like it in the pot

nine days old. 

5) 

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall

And all the kings horses

And all the king's men

couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again

6) Hey diddle diddle

The cat on the fiddle

The cow jumps over the moon

The little dog laughed to see such fun

and the Dish ran aay with the spoon

7)

I'm a little teap pot

Short and stout

Here is my handle hear is my spout

When I'm hot and steamy 

Hear me shout

Just tip me over and pour me out

8)

Jamaican Language - Jah-mek-yah

Years ago there was a movement to translate all English phrases into patios. This was an attempt to establish patios as an official language, however, I think attempts failed.

I know there was even a translation of sections of the bible into patios, but it didn't fly apparently and did not become too popular.

Nevertheless here are a few terms that Jamaicans use a lot and maybe can help with your understanding of their communication.

"Wah Gwan?" - What's going on?  - What's happening? 

This is usually used as a greeting, but it can literally be a way of finding out what's happening at a particular time.

If there are are terms that you would like the meaning of, or some terms that you know the meaning of, please jot it below.

Famous Jamaicans that are now dead

Do you know any Jamaicans that had a significant impact upon the world, that are now dead?

I know Louise Bennet (Miss Lou)and Bob Marley top this list for putting Jamaica on the map. Let us not let their memory disappear from the pages of history. Jot the names of those you know here and what was their contribution.

Marcus Garvey - famous speech
A few words from the esteemed elder The Honorable Marcus Garvey. We have to understand our history and learn from it. 

The Marcus Garvey Story

Although Marcus  Garvey is respected as a national hero of Jamaica, no doubt he was an international influence.

Remembering Ms Lou.

Gone too soon

Some are our National Heroes

but for the other who did not quite make the list of hero or heroine, but were still significant.

Donald Sangster - The man on our hundred Dollar bill

I just heard that Alan Magnus has passed. He used to be a radio personality for decades on he infamous radio station RJR. I often went to school to his voice on the radio.

Another voice that grew along side his was that of Dorraine Samuels. These personalities will indeed be missed by older Jamaica.

little things that save in Jamaica

If you have any ideas about little things that we do  now, or things we used to do in the past becasue of our innovation or lack of funds, jot it down here.

Coconut brush






How to make your own Coconut brush

Coconut Brush in use

Who needs to go to the Gym after this work out. No wonder we Jamaican folks used to be so fit. Regular household chores kept us active and healthy.