The Virgin IslandsAn Introduction to the Culture of the Virgin Islands

A simple way to communicate better

Presented by: Casseanna Anderson, Gina Blanchet-Parker, Brooke Costa, & Ashley Wood

(Virgin islands picture, 2012)

Table of ContentsThis guide to the culture of the Virgin Islands can help a person avoid culture shock, the sense of anxiety, stress or confusion while traveling to another area (Beebe, Beebe, Ivy, Lane & Redmond, 2011) It is best to learn about the culture before travel to be comfortable and polite during travel. Topics include:

Introduction to the Islands

Gender Roles by Brooke Costa

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Informal by Cassea Anderson

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Formal by Gina Blanchet-Parker

Traditions and Rituals by Ashley Wood

Communication Concepts/Conclusion

Virgin Island Discussion Questions

Virgin Islands Introduction

• Christopher Columbus landed on St. Croix during his second voyage in 1493 and named the island Santa Cruz

• The U.S. purchased St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John under the guidance of the U.S. Navy in 1917 for $25 million in gold

• Average temperature is 77°F in the winter and 82°F in the summer

• Before the United States purchase of the islands, “6 flags have flown over” them including Spanish, British, Danish, Knights of Malta, French and Dutch

Provided by: Facts and figures, 1998

(A nation or, 2011)

(Lee, 2010)

(Flag of the, 2011)

by Brooke CostaGender Roles

As in many societies, the woman are expected to be responsible for most of the cooking and food preparation in the home. In this section we will

look at the gender roles in the Virgin Islands. On the left a Virgin Island

woman carries fruit in a head basket (Richardson, 2010). The image on

the right is from an old cookbook and displays culture and heritage (Virgin

islands cooking, 2012).

Roles of Virgin Island Women

Ockerstrom (2012) explains, women in the Virgin Islands are

primarily responsible for cooking, cleaning, gardening, sewing and

care of the children. Although many families are considered

traditional including a mother and a father, 28% of families are led

by single mothers. 76% of the University students are female.

Some women hold jobs outside of the home including:

• “Higgling” or street peddling including selling food or

homemade items

• Crafting piece work items at home for large companies (often

for low wages)

• Educators & many Civil Service Duties

Roles of Virgin Island Men

• Virgin Island men are responsible for many domestic chores including:

fishing, building houses and agriculture production.

• Many men hold positions in upper level management & public offices.

• 71% of US Virgin Island families are lead by a male who is “head” of

the family.

• 30% of workers are employed to aid and support tourism.

• Fruit, vegetables and bay leaves are harvested from the islands.

Puerto Rico purchases cattle from the islands.

• St. Croix is home to the largest oil refinery in the world.

In 1990 the median income for Virgin Islanders was just over $24,000 per year. Ockerstrom (2012) explains

by Cassea Anderson

Nonverbal Use of

Clothing- Informal

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Informal

Tactful swim wear.

In the Virgin Islands, swim wear stays at the beach. While in town, it is considered not acceptable to wear swim wear such as bathing suits. (U.s. virgin island travel guide, 2007)

(Wedding pictures, 2009)

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Informal

For the children norms, they wear cotton school uniforms with shoes and sneakers. Men wear shirts and long pants with shoes or sandals. The younger generation prefers styles from the U.S. mainland, such as T-shirts, jeans, or shorts. (Proquest, 2009)

Ockerstrom (2012) shows typical school apparel.

by Gina Blanchet-Parker

Nonverbal Use of

Clothing-

Formal(St. croix’s carnival)

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Formal

The Virgin Islands are divided into two parts- the British side and the U.S. side. Both sides retain

conservative clothing expectations – even of visitors. (Clothing and attire in the virgin islands)

• Many locals will find any clothing that shows the tummy and chest too casual and socially inappropriate. Going shirtless, even for men is not acceptable. (Clothing and attire in the virgin islands)

• In some parts of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s even illegal to wear beachwear to places other than the beach. (Clothing and attire in the virgin islands)

Nonverbal Use of Clothing- Formal

Although the Virgin Islands’ apparel is generally modest and casual, special celebrations call for a more formal attire such as the one pictured here. (Bareuther, 2011)

Ceremonial dresses are worn during beauty pageants, which are in important part of the Virgin Islands’ culture.

(Blu, 2011)

Nonverbal Use of Clothing

The weather in the Virgin Islands is tropical, so dress to prevent overheating and sunburn.

Remember, the Virgin Islands are located closer to the equator, so the sun does more damage in less time than here in the Continental U.S.

The key to dressing either formally or informally is to be comfortable but

modest conservative...less than that is considered disrespectful.

(St. thomas, 2011)

by Ashley Wood

Traditions and Rituals

Rituals of the Virgin Islands

• Started to disappear during World War I and then revive again in 1952 (Culture & history- carnival)

• Carnival festivals include beauty pageants, talent shows, boat races, and floats (Culture & history- carnival)

• Goal is to preserve the Islands’ culture and the development of tourism (Celebrating sixty years)

• Began in 1912 during the final year under Danish ruling (Culture & history- carnival)

•Carnival known as the “Biggest Party of the Year” (Culture & history- carnival)•St. Croix- December (Culture & history- carnival)•St. Thomas- Final week of April (Culture & history- carnival)•St. Johns- 4th of July week (Culture & history- carnival)

(Carnaval- 2010, 2010)

Rituals of the Virgin Islands

• Traditions include numerous superstitions and storytelling (Virgin islands culture)

• Tales are told to children as “cautionary” in order to teach lessons; much like our American Aesop fables (Virgin islands culture)

• Superstitions include “jumbies” or ghost-like spirits (Virgin islands culture)

• “Bru-Nansi”; most common story character (Virgin islands culture)

• Mocko jumbies refer to “healer spirit” (Mocko jumbies- the)

(Virgin islands culture)

Rituals of the Virgin Islands

A Mocko Jumbie performance at weddings, graduations, parties, or parades is considered an honor as well as a blessing (Mocko jumbies- the)

The Mocko Jumbie dance is traditionally performed at religious ceremonies and rites of passage (Mocko jumbies- the)

Dancers perform on stilts while wearing long and colorful dresses; stilts add on height to scare away evil spirits and “chase” children that misbehave (Mocko jumbies- the)

Spiritualizes the spirit world (United states virgin)

Includes acrobatics and stunts as part of performance (United states virgin)

(Mocko jumbies- the)

Rituals of the Virgin Islands

Many weddings take place at churches like St. Ursula’s Episcopal (pictured left) to honor the European-influenced style ritual (United states virgin)

“Jump the Broom” style includes the bride and groom “sweeping away” their former single lives and the joining and creation of a new family (Jumping the broom)

(Church wedding locations)

Rituals of the Virgin Islands

Johnny Cakes and Seamoss (Virgin islands food)

Popular food/drink at parties, graduations, wedding, births (Virgin islands food)

Johnny Cakes- fried cornmeal cakes made from baking powder, salt, shortening, flour, sugar, and milk (Caribbean cooking)

Seamoss- seaweed boiled until it dissolves and then mixed with milk and spices (Virgin islands food)

Agriculture and Food Fest

Includes farmers and local merchants and craftsmen; similar to Farmer’s Markets in the U.S.

Highlights the agriculture and the richness of the island’s culture

Highly anticipated annual event that is supported by the Department of Tourism

AgrifestFestivals

Photo Credit: (Barnes, 2011)

Photo Credit: (Spivak, 2007)

(38th annual agrifest)

Communication Concepts

While learning the culture you may find the following communication concepts helpful in interacting with the native

people. Visitors are encouraged to slow down and relax as taking their time will help to comprehend and communicate better with

the culture (Beebe, Beebe, Ivy, Lane & Redmond)

• English is the most widely spoken language but infused with a Creole or calypso twist (Virgin islands’ languages)

• Locals speak very quickly and with a heavy accent; often difficult to understand at first (Virgin islands’ languages)

Ockerstrom explains, (2012) Some common proverbs are: “What a kallaloo!”

Kallaloo is a soup made of greens and seaweed but this phrase is used in the Islands to reference any type of mess.

“Limin’” A slang term referring to laying back and enjoying the day.

Communication Concepts -Verbal

Learning a few key phrases can help you adjust to the new culture quicker and more smoothly.

“Good Morning”, Good Afternoon”, and “Good Night” are warm greetings in the Islands and are considered the norm (Virgin islands culture)

Saying “Hello” or “Hi” is informal and frowned upon by the locals (U.s virgin islands local customs)

Ockerstrom explains, (2012) Some common proverbs are: “What a kallaloo!”

Kallaloo is a soup made of greens and seaweed but this phrase is used in the Islands to reference any type of mess.

“Limin’” A slang term referring to laying back and enjoying the day.

Communication Concepts- Nonverbal

Use of ClothingTo have good communication it is a necessity to find out culture norms when traveling to new places.

The U.S virgin island: tipping & etiquette guide (2006) states, A culture’s norms are important to understand to have good communication with the residents of that area. Residents of the Virgin Island are extremely modest in their dress. Dress is casual, and you want to be as cool as possible, but please cover up when in public.

One of the most important aspects to consider while visiting the islands is to remember to treat locals with respect and not as tourist attractions. Instead of being condescending or patronizing, be polite and courteous during your stay.

Discussion Questions

?• Why do you think saying “Hello” or “Hi” is frowned upon?

?• When is it okay and not okay to wear swim suit attire?

?

• With nearly ¾ of University students being women, how do you speculate this may change the family dynamics and economy of the island in the upcoming generation?

References38th annual agrifest. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.vinow.com/articles/011609agrifest.phpA nation or nobody. (2011). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://baytreekingdom.blogspot.com 2011/10/geraldo-guirty-on-us-virgin-islands.htmlBareuther, C. (Photographer). (2011). Celebrate st. john!. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/featured_articles/_by_carol_bareuther_rd.htmlBarnes, D. (Photographer). (2011). ‘must try’ local foods. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.virginislandsthisweek.com/featured_articles/must_try_local_foods_1.htmlBeebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., D. K., Lane, S. D., & Redmond, M. V. (2011) The Blue Book of Communication Studies. (p.151) Boston, MA: Pearson Learning Solutions. Blu, S. (Photographer). (2011). Virgin islands carnival queen 2011 elisa thomas. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://shinymeteor.blogspot.com/2011/04/virgin-islands-carnival-queen-2011.htmlCaribbean cooking. (2005, January 25). Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.caribbeancboice.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?tid=75386Carnaval- 2010. (2010). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.carnaval2010.org/tag/virgin-islands carnival/Celebrating sixty years. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.vicarnival.com/whattoexpect.htmlChurch wedding locations on st. john us virgin islands. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www. usviwedding.com/ceremony_locations_churches.htmlClothing and attire in the virgin islands. (2012) Retrieved from http://virginislands-guide.info/travel.basics /clothing.and.attire/

ReferencesCulture & history – carnival. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.visitusvi.com/culture_historyFacts and figures about the u.s. virgin islands. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://usvi-info.com/infousvi faqsguide.htmlFlag of the british virgin islands. (2011). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki File:Flag_of_the_British_Virgin_Islands.svgJumping the broom history. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.celebrateintimateweddings.com/ceremonybroom.htmlLee, C. (Photographer). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.here.vi/Islands/islands.htmlMocko jumbies– the colorful spirits of the virgin islands. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.piratesparadiseadventures.com/mocko-jumbies-colorful-spirits-of-virgin-islands/Ockerstrom, L. (2012) Virgin Islander Americans. Retrieved from http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Sr-Z/Virgin-Islander-Americans.htmlProquest. World Edition. (2009) The Americas 1. (p.146) Utah, Provo: Culture Grams.Richardson, K. (Photographer). (2010). Santa rosa. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1429464935622&set=o.80785538462&type=3&theaterSpivak, S. (Photographer). (2007). Salt fish and callaloo fritters. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.best-virgin-islands-guide.com/images/salt-fish-and-callaloo-fritters-by-avlxyz-virgin islands.jpgSt. croix's carnival. (n.d.) [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.gotostcroix.com/images/carnival/carnival5b.jpg

ReferencesSt. thomas. (2011). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://virgin-islands-hotels.com/category/navigation/hotels/st-thomas-hotels-resorts/U.s. virgin islands local customs. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/U_S_Virgin_Islands/U.s. virgin islands: tipping & etiquette. (2006) Retrieved February 13, 2012 from www.tripadvisor.comU.s. virgin travel guide. (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2012 from www.best-virgin-islands-guide.comUnited states virgin islands. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/United-States-Virgin-Islands.htmlVirgin islands carnival celebrations. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/carnival/Virgin islands cooking. (2012). [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.facebook.com/photo/phpfbid=10150488934403463&set=a85586203462. 82438.80785 538462%type=3&theater#1/photo.php? fbid=1429464935622&swt=o. 80785538462&type= 3&theaterVirgin islands culture. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/culture/Virgin islands food & drink. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/culture/food.phpVirgin islands’ languages. (n.d.) Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://www.virginislands-guide.info/travel.basics/languagesVirgin islands picture. (2012). [Printo Photo]. Retrieved from http://picture4u.net/virgin-islands/Wedding pictures. (2009, April 27). Retrieved from http://ohanablog.com