Today (22 June) marks the 78th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush. This historic moment brought the first large group of Caribbean migrants to post-war Britain.
Windrush day is a time to remember and pay homage to the contributions of our Caribbean elders who paved the way for us to have a better life.
It’s a day of reflection for Caribbean families nostalgic about the warm and bittersweet memories of the past. As society continues to grow and modernise, much our history and culture are slowly fading away.
As a child of the 80s, I fondly remember the warmth and comfort of a traditional Caribbean home. The stories heard, the food ate and the music played.
Caribbean homes were a melting pot of rich history and culture.
From the polished porcelain ornaments to the cast iron Dutch pot and simple kitchenware, these were the common staple items in a typical Caribbean household.
Whether these ‘hidden treasures’ were hoarded in the attic or displayed in a glass wall cabinet, the abundance of what we may now consider to be ‘clutter’ and often discard, hold deep cultural meaning.
They contribute to our story, personal memories and anchor a collective cultural identity of Black Caribbean heritage.
Our Caribbean elders of the Windrush generation and those ‘back home’ bore a close resemblance in their domestic decor, style and taste.
They boasted floral fabric sofas often left wrapped in plastic (for some time) to keep ‘fresh’.
And pretty flower-patterned curtains hung neatly that highlighted the textured damask wallpaper.
While the mahogany dining table complete with chairs, and adorned with white lace doilies were the trend, so too was the colourful fruit bowl centrepiece.
Then there was the scared wall art, a photo of the Last Supper depicting Jesus and his 12 disciples.
Every object, family heirloom and overlooked historical artefact created the necessary aesthetic setting which transformed a casual house into a traditional Caribbean home.
Here are some keepsake items I found in my home that I hope will keep my ancestral stories alive.
