DR RITA PEMBERTON

It is generally accepted that change is an inescapable feature of culture, and these changes can be observed in every society over time, especially since culture is shaped by the course of history.

It is possible to identify some of the forces which have affected cultural practices in Tobago, which was colonised by Europeans and populated by Africans. The combined influence of these two forces resulted in the island's cultural heritage.

In more modern times other forces stimulate change, and in the minds of some, these changes raise questions about what should be the best direction for the island: to hold on to its traditions or to surrender to new influences.

Central to the issue is the fact that the traditional practices have been passed on orally, which has caused the number of people with accurate knowledge of these practices to diminish over time. Consequently, there is a generation which is unfamiliar with some of the traditions and which has become more oriented to what is trending on the various media platforms.

Unfortunately, up to this time, it has not been deemed relevant to the island's development to preserve its traditions for the empowerment of the population through the school system. It is ironic that an island which lays claim to its uniqueness for marketability as a tourist destination leaves its population open to the cultural erosion that could be caused by that very tourism drive. Those older folks remain steeped in the traditions with which they grew up, while the younger generation, which has little familiarity with the older practices, is more oriented to the newer and more modern global influences which are easily spread in the age of communication.

Tobago's culture reflects inputs from the countries from which its population was drawn European religious and other influences have been merged with the African traditions of the majority to forge a distinctly Tobago cultural tradition.

Despite the purpose for which European-influenced practices were used at their home bases, cultural practices in Tobago were more than avenues for entertainment and leisure activity; they provided the means for a strong assertion of identity for the island's oppressed African population during and after Emancipation.

They were also vehicles for community-building and strengthening which were recognised as essential for overcoming the mechanisms used to control and exploit the population. Above all, cultural practices were expressions of resistance to European subjugation.

An examination of Tobago's cultural practices shows two characteristic community activities which were mixed with European religious influences and practices which were influenced by later population movements.

Reflecting the influences of the religious bodies, Christmas, Easter and Harvest were important events on the cultural calendar. Christmas was the foremost celebration during the post-emancipation years right up to the first part of the 20th century. Christmas season was family time, w