Nine Nights For Mr Reid

©Priscilla Etienne

Last Saturday me and my son Kross went to the home of a very dear, old friend. He is also the godfather of my son. His father recently died and we went to the last night of the Nine Nights. This is a very important part of the bereavement process for Carribean culture. It's practiced in Jamaica, Guyana and Dominica, with roots in African tradition. Friends and family gather at the home of the deceased and share prayers, hymns, memories, condolences, then eat and drink together.

In the past, this would be a more quiet and reserved evening, but this has changed in keeping with modern times. The Nine Nights celebration is a time to be joyful that the deceased is no longer suffering. 

Tradition states that the spirit of the deceased moves around the party on the ninth and final night gathering food and saying goodbye before moving on to the resting place. 

             This tradition appears to be fading out though. So when there are plans for Nine Nights to take place, I do make an effort to go. I think it's equally important for our children (younger generation) to experience it.

When I do go I'm instantly transported back to my childhood. There is always rum consumed, and with absolutely no mixers. It's the only time I get to spend time with Carribean elders and it's a real need for me. 

Later on this morning family, friends and the local community will be saying goodbye to the wonderful, unforgetable, Mr Reid. He leaves behind his devoted wife and vibrant children. 

Everyones love and support are with them. 

I dedicate this blog to Mr Reid. God bless him and always keep him.