Myal

Myal
TypeCreole
ClassificationAfro-Jamaican
OriginSlave era
Jamaica
Separated fromObeah
SeparationsConvince
Kumina
Revivialism
  • Pocomania
  • Revival Zion

Myal is an Afro-Jamaican spirituality. It developed via the creolization of African religions during the slave era in Jamaica. It incorporates ritualistic magic, spiritual possession and dancing. Unlike Obeah, its practices focus more on the connection of spirits with humans.[1] Over time, Myal began to meld with Christian practices and created the religious tradition known as Revivalism.[2]

  1. ^ Paul Easterling, "The Ifa’ Diaspora: The Art of Syncretism, Part 5 – Obeah and Myal" in [1] (Afrometrics.org, 2017).
  2. ^ "Creole Religions in Jamaica". www.caribya.com. Retrieved 2019-02-21.