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Mermaids in Jamaica

Jamaica can be as mysterious as it is beautiful. The belief that ghosts, spirits and evil forces that cannot be seen with the naked eye, is alive and well in Jamaica. While Mermaids may be seen as just mythical creatures, in Jamaican they are quite real – or, so some think. Let’s talk about the Mermaids in Jamaica.

Mermaids in Jamaica
Mermaids in Jamaica

The Caribbean is a place of beauty, culture, and a deep-rooted history. It’s also a place of myths, legends and folktales, with one of the most popular being the legend of mermaids. Mermaids have been described in many different ways, but they are all part of the same enchanting folklore.

The Caribbean is home to a variety of mermaids and water spirits, each with their own unique characteristics. These include the Mami Wata, a powerful African water spirit. The River Mumma, a fierce mermaid of the Rio Cobre. The La Sirene, a benevolent spirit believed to protect sailors from harm. And the Sirens of Greek mythology, who entice sailors with their beautiful singing. The legends of these creatures continue to capture the imagination of people living in the Caribbean and beyond.

The Mermaids of Jamaica

The Mermaids of Jamaica
Mermaids of Jamaica

The Mermaids of Jamaica, also known as River Mummas. They are mythical creatures that appear in Jamaican folklore. River Mummas are said to inhabit the rivers of Jamaica and all the fish are believed to be her children.

It is said that she only comes to the surface when the Rio Cobre turns lizard green. She is seen sitting on a rock combing her hair with a golden comb. According to legend, she tests people by leaving her golden comb on a rock. When someone takes it, she drags them down into the riverbed. She is said to be a fierce and protective spirit. According to some stories, she leads those who pass her test to a treasure.

What is a River Mumma?

The mermaids are usually depicted as rather calm beings. In contrast, the River Mumma is more like the sirens of Greek mythology. For those she gets close to, she puts into a trance before leading them to their death.

It is believed that all the fish in the rivers of Jamaica are the descendants of the River Mumma, a mermaid that lives there. She often sits by the river teasing her long black hair. Anyone who sees River Mumma is likely to go into a state of trance, approach her, be grabbed by the heel and pulled into the water.

River Mumma

Some folklore holds that a River Mumma only permits individuals who have good intentions to cross her river. Those who have bad intentions are either forced to turn back or perish in the water.

Mermaid Sightings in Jamaica

There are many stories about the River/Riva Mumma. Whether they are all true may be somewhat questionable, but the tellers of these stories will assure you that they are true.

In a recent media interview, a young man confirmed reports of numerous car accidents and collisions near the Rio Cobre bridge. Locals attribute the crashes to a supposed curse, with vehicles plunging off the bridge and drivers reportedly plunging into the river, resulting in fatalities.

The river can become hazardous when it is not clean, and that the so-called mermaid appears in search of blood. He additionally claimed that locals have refrained from conducting any blood rituals at the river for some time in an attempt to placate the mermaid. Reports of car accidents and collisions near the Rio Cobre bridge have been circulating for some time.

In addition, Eddie Edwards reported sightings from the canyon. Allegedly of a being that is half man, half fish. This being stands on the bridge at certain times during the night. Another fisherman described an incident several years ago. A colleague was reportedly found dead while trying to catch a mermaid. The fisherman subsequently warned others not to return to that section of the river. From these reports, it is clear that some of the locals in Jamaica take the stories about mermaids seriously. Many believe they are real and should be treated with respect.

Where Can I See a Mermaid in Jamaica?

Jamaica’s Montego Bay Marine Park has recently announced the creation of its first underwater environmental sculpture. This sculpture is presented in the form of a 226.796 kg (500-pound) mermaid figure, crafted from crushed glass and cement. 

This mermaid sculpture is the first installment in the establishment of an underwater sculpture park that is set to become an iconic attraction for visitors and locals alike. To make this project a reality, the Montego Bay Marine Park has partnered with Smilozone Waste Management Limited, which will play an integral role in its completion. 

This exciting new project is sure to be a major draw for tourists, who will be able to witness the beauty of Jamaica’s underwater life in an entirely new way.

What are Mermaids called in Jamaica?

Mermaids in Jamaica are called River Mummas or River Mama. River Mummas are said to inhabit the rivers of Jamaica and all the fish are believed to be her children. 

Who is the oldest mermaid?

Atargatis
Atargatis 

Atargatis is a renowned mermaid figure who dates back to ancient times, believed to be some 3000 – 4000 years ago. She is the oldest known mermaid legend, and is the Assyrian goddess of the moon, water and femininity. Often depicted as a mermaid, Atargatis is among the earliest known stories of mermaids. She is widely known and revered in many cultures around the world. 

Her legacy has endured throughout history. She has become an important part of the collective cultural identity of many nations. A symbol of grace, strength and femininity. She is often used as an allegory for the divine power of the feminine.

In Jamaica, the oldest mermaid in folklore is River Mumma. She is also known as the Siren of Bog Walk Gorge, who is said to live under one of Jamaica’s oldest bridges. River Mumma is a popular figure in Jamaican urban legends. She is believed to be an ancient siren. Many have tried to capture the famous mermaid, but no one has ever succeeded. She is said to be a fierce and protective spirit According to some stories, she leads those who pass her test to treasure.

Summary – Mermaids in Jamaica

The Caribbean and Jamaica is a popular destination for beach-goers and culture enthusiasts alike. It’s also a place of myth and legend, where stories of mermaids are aplenty. One of the most renowned mermaids of the Caribbean is the River Mumma of Jamaica

She is believed to inhabit the rivers of Jamaica, protecting her fish children and testing the intentions of all who cross her path. It is said that the Riva Mumma only appears when the Rio Cobre turns lizard green, sitting on a rock and combing her long, dark hair with a golden comb. It is said that if anyone takes the comb, she will drag them to the riverbed. 

YouTube video
Residents claim mermaid lives in Rio Cobre

In addition, anyone who crosses her path must prove their intentions or risk being dragged to their doom. Though there is no concrete evidence of River Mumma’s existence, numerous accounts from locals and visitors alike have been documented. Whether the Río Mumma is real or not remains to be seen, but it’s legend continues to capture the imagination of people in the Caribbean and beyond. For those seeking a unique and mysterious experience, the search for the fabled Río Mumma is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

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Marcel Kuhn