Barbados is a coral limestone outcropping of the South American continental shelf that lies in the western Atlantic Ocean, one hundred miles (160 kilometers) east of the island of Saint Lucia and two hundred miles (320 kilometers) north of Trinidad and the northern coast of South America. It is part of the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies and the easternmost island of the Caribbean region. It lies on the boundary of the South American and Caribbean plates. Its capital and largest city is Bridgetown. From the mid-17th century onward, Barbados became a major center for sugar cane production using enslaved Africans, which significantly shaped its economy and society. Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834, leading to significant social and economic changes.
Most Barbadians are of African or mixed-race descent. They are descendants of enslaved people brought from West Africa. Mixed-race Barbadians are descendants of Europeans, Africans, and other ethnic groups. White Barbadians are mainly of British and Irish descent. African, European, and indigenous traditions influence Barbadian culture.
Primarily due to their high level of education and fluency in English, Barbadians also reside in the United States and Canada.
Barbadians are famous for their music, with genres such as calypso, soca, and reggae being the most popular in the country. Rihanna is one of the most well-known Barbadian musicians.
Barbadian cuisine is a fusion of African, European, indigenous, and Caribbean influences. Some of Barbados's most popular dishes are cou-cou and flying fish. Most Saturdays, Barbadians can be found enjoying the popular pudding and souse, a delicacy made with pork or chicken, spices, and steamed pudding served with a pickle made from peppers, cucumber, lime, and a variety of spices. Barbados's rum industry is a significant contributor to Barbadian culture and history.
Many Barbadians unwind on the weekends by visiting the numerous rum shops around the country, partaking in various mixes of alcoholic beverages. There are also many festivals and shows held at various times on the calendar. These include Crop Over Carnival, National Independence of Creative Arts (NIFCA) to name a few. Most locals are involved in cricket and football, and to a lesser extent, swimming, athletics, and hockey.
Historically, there was a strong emphasis on maintaining the nuclear family unit in Barbados, which was possibly tied to the strong Christian values instilled in most households. This is changing as global influences impact the traditional way of life.
Religion plays a significant role in Barbadian society, offering a moral compass and sense of community. Christianity is the predominant faith, with churches dotting the island, from grand cathedrals to humble chapels.
The Anglican Church, a legacy of British colonialism, remains a significant influence. However, Barbados is also home to a variety of other denominations, including Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostal and Roman Catholics. There is a recent emergence of Muslims in Barbados, and the community is fully integrated into the Barbados culture. Muslims can be seen in the workplace, in the schools, and there is a Muslim school operating on the island. Muslims represent about 1.5% of the population. There is also evidence of Rastafarianism on the island. Rastafarianism was introduced to Barbados in 1975 as an offshoot of the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica.
As foreign influences negatively impact the nuclear family, there appears to be an erosion of spiritual emphasis and the family values that are related to life choices, interpersonal relationships, and emotional health. While most of the population still acknowledges the need for spiritual direction, there is a growing emphasis on material possessions and get-rich-quick schemes.
There is also a growing absence of fathers in the lives of children, and single-parent households appear to be increasing. Researchers have indicated that there is a direct correlation between this phenomenon and the mental and social depravity amongst some of the youth.
Generally, there is a need for greater emphasis on spiritual and social interventions to remind citizens of their rich heritage, laid by the great nation builders of Barbados.
Pray that Barbadians will remember the rich Christian heritage on which our country stands and how God has blessed us over the years.
Pray for Barbadian youth to find wholesome, purpose-driving lives in Christ. Pray for gang members to become part of Christ's eternal family.
Pray for the local church to stay faithful to Christ and be salt and light to the lost.
Pray for Barbadians to take up their role as Christ's ambassadors to the lost in Barbados and beyond.
Scripture Prayers for the Barbadian in Canada.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbadians
https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Barbados.html
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/barbados/articles/10-customs-only-barbadians-can-understand
https://terracaribbean.com/things-foreigners-should-kn
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
