General
jumbie
What does jumbie mean?
A restless spirit or evil apparition in Caribbean folklore; the source of many children's warnings.
"Don't whistle at night or you go call the jumbie."
Origin
From Kongo 'zumbi' (ghost); shared across the Caribbean.
Frequently asked questions
What is a jumbie?
A jumbie is a ghost, restless spirit or malevolent supernatural being in Caribbean folklore.
Where does the word jumbie come from?
It derives from the Kongo word 'zumbi', meaning ghost, and is shared across the Caribbean; it is also linked to the word 'zombie'.
Why do people say not to whistle at night in the Caribbean?
Folklore holds that whistling after dark can call or attract a jumbie, so children are warned against it.
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