A Literature Review of A Slice of the Bajan Culture: Kite Flying, Heritage, and Identity in a Barbadian Easter Tradition © 2025 VOL.1 ISBN 979-8-90070-570-5

PREFACE
In Barbados, kite flying at Easter is a celebration of culture, legacy, and identity rather than
merely a recreational activity. In Literature Review: A Slice of the Bajan Culture: Kite Flying,
Heritage, and Identity in a Barbadian Easter Tradition (Gittens, 2025, Vol. 1, ISBN
979-8-90070-570-5), Dr. William Anderson Gittens, D.D., provides a detailed exploration of
this tradition. That said, I delve into this dynamic legacy through a scholarly viewpoint in A
Slice of the Bajan Culture: Kite Flying, Legacy, and Identity in a Barbadian Easter Tradition
(Gittens, 2025, Vol. 2, ISBN 979-8-90214-718-3). This work is not only an analysis; it is a
narrative woven from my experiences as a father, a cultural theorist, and a storyteller.
Writing this book was a journey marked by both challenges and discoveries. I faced the task
of bridging personal narratives with broader cultural themes. The process forced me to reflect
deeply on what kite flying means to my family and our community. My son, Laron, serves as a
central figure in this exploration, representing the new generation learning from their elders.
Observing him learn the craft from me was both joyous and revealing. It highlighted the
importance of storytelling and shared experiences in preserving our cultural identity
(Tummala-Narra & Sathasivam-Rueckert, 2016).
This review draws from the richness of Caribbean scholarship and cultural studies (Jordan &
Jolliffe, 2013). It aims to offer insights into how traditions like kite flying can foster community
ties and celebrate our heritage. Each chapter invites scholars to consider the social and
developmental aspects of cultural practices and how they shape our identities (Gadet, 2015).I am grateful to those who contributed to this work. Their support, encouragement, and
insights have been invaluable in shaping my thoughts and guiding my research. As you
embark on this exploration of Barbadian Easter traditions, I hope you find inspiration in the
connections between culture, family, and identity. May this book serve as a reminder of the
power of traditions to unite us across generations (Aburto et al., 2015). Welcome to a
discussion that goes beyond the kite and into the heart of Bajan culture.
Dr. William Anderson Gittens, D.D.