Groundation
Also spelled: grounation, grounding
Meaning
A Rastafari holy gathering marked by drumming, chanting, reasoning and dancing that can last through the night. The most important is held on 21 April, marking Emperor Haile Selassie I's 1966 visit to Jamaica.
Examples
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“Wi a keep a groundation pon di 21st.”
We are holding a groundation on the 21st.
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“Di drums beat all through di groundation.”
The drums played all through the gathering.
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“Elders lead di reasoning at di groundation.”
Elders lead the discussion at the gathering.
Origin
Coined from English 'ground' plus 'foundation', with 'grounation' reflecting the Jamaican pronunciation. It names the practice of gathering on the ground to commune and reason.
How it's used
A sacred occasion. The Nyabinghi order in particular keeps groundation with formal drumming and chant.