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Why is Rum Known as the Devil’s Drink?
Rum is a popular spirit made from sugarcane or molasses, first distilled in the Caribbean in the 17th century. Its history is intertwined with the colonial exploitation of slavery, piracy, and trade, but also with the cultural diversity and creativity of the region. Despite its many qualities, however, rum has often been associated with negative stereotypes and superstitions, including the label of the “devil’s drink”. In this blog post, we will explore the origins, meanings, and myths surrounding this infamous nickname, and try to separate fact from fiction.
Chapter 1: The Origins of Rum
To understand why rum became known as the devil’s drink, we need to delve into its origins and evolution. Rum emerged as a byproduct of the sugar industry, which was based on the labor of enslaved Africans who were forced to work on plantations in the Caribbean and America. The production of sugarcane involved crushing the stalks to extract the juice, which was then boiled, clarified, and fermented to make molasses. Molasses was a thick, dark, and sweet substance that was used as a food additive, a livestock feed, and a base for making rum. The first distillation of rum, according to historical records, was made around 1650 by a group of planters in Barbados, who discovered that they could obtain a stronger and more appealing drink by fermenting and distilling molasses. This crude rum was called “kill-devil”, which meant “the devil’s curse” or “the devil’s drink”, probably due to its fiery taste and effects.
Over time, rum became a popular commodity in the Caribbean, as well as in Europe and America, where it was used for various purposes, such as medicine, trade, and socializing. Rum was also a key element of the triangular trade, a system of exchanges between Africa, America, and Europe that involved the forced migration of millions of slaves and the exploitation of colonial resources. Rum was often used as a currency or a gift for the enslaved Africans, who used it to alleviate their pain, forget their sorrows, or rebel against their oppressors. Rum was also consumed by sailors, who needed a strong and portable drink to survive long voyages across the seas. Rum was mixed with water or other liquids, such as lime juice, sugar, or spices, to create various cocktails and punches that became part of the Caribbean and Atlantic culture.
Chapter 2: The Meanings of Rum
While rum had many positive and practical uses, it also had negative connotations that reflected the social and moral concerns of the time. Rum was associated with drunkenness, violence, and disorder, which were regarded as signs of moral decay and social instability. Rum was also associated with rebellion, piracy, and slavery, which were seen as threats to the colonial authorities and their economic interests. Rum was also associated with cultural and racial stereotypes, which portrayed the Caribbean and African people as exotic, primitive, and dangerous. These negative meanings of rum were reflected in various expressions and proverbs, such as “rum, sodomy, and the lash”, which summarized the brutalities of the naval discipline, or “pouring oil on troubled waters”, which symbolized the soothing effect of rum on conflicts and tensions.
The label of the “devil’s drink” was one of the most enduring and pervasive meanings of rum, which persisted despite the changing attitudes and contexts of rum consumption. The devil was a powerful and ambiguous figure in the Christian beliefs of the time, who was associated with sin, temptation, and evil in general. The devil was also a symbol of rebellion, freedom, and resistance, which appealed to the enslaved and oppressed people who looked for ways to challenge the status quo. The devil was also a source of fear, superstition, and myth, which fed the imagination of the sailors and travelers who encountered strange and unfamiliar cultures. The devil was thus a complex and multifaceted image that could reflect different aspects of rum depending on the context and the perspective.
Chapter 3: The Myths of Rum
The myth of rum as the devil’s drink was not just a matter of negative connotations, but also of popular beliefs and superstitions that people associated with the spirit. Some of these myths were based on misunderstandings, exaggerations, or ignorance, while others were deliberately spread by religious or moral authorities who wanted to discourage or control the consumption of rum. Some of the most common myths of rum were:
– Rum was made from the blood of slaves who were whipped to death: This myth was based on a misunderstanding of the dark color of molasses, which was mistakenly thought to be the result of adding blood or charcoal to the drink. In fact, molasses was dark because it contained residual minerals and organic compounds from the sugarcane juice. Moreover, the process of making rum did not involve killing the slaves, but rather using their labor to produce the sugarcane and the molasses.
– Rum was cursed by God or the devil because of its sinful origin: This myth was based on the belief that rum was a product of the slave trade, which was considered a moral abomination by many religious and ethical systems. Some people thought that God or the devil had punished the makers and the drinkers of rum for their sins by causing disasters, diseases, or accidents. While such beliefs were not supported by any evidence, they reflected the moral anxieties and taboos of the time.
– Rum was possessed by evil spirits or demons that could possess the drinkers: This myth was based on the idea that rum, like other alcoholic drinks, had a spirit that could enter the body and alter the mind of the person who consumed it. Some people believed that this spirit was actually a demon or a ghost that could take over the soul of the drinker and make them do evil things. This myth was often used to justify the prohibition of rum in religious or moral circles.
Chapter 4: The Reality of Rum
Despite the myths and the negative stereotypes surrounding rum, the reality of the spirit is much more complex and diverse. Rum is a product of human creativity and ingenuity, but also of human suffering and exploitation. Rum has been used for both positive and negative purposes, but also for artistic and cultural expressions. Rum has shaped the history and the identity of the Caribbean and the Americas, but also of the world at large. Rum is more than just a drink, it is a symbol and a story that reflects the human experiences and aspirations.
If we want to understand why rum is known as the devil’s drink, we need to recognize the multiple layers of meanings and myths that have been woven around it. We need to acknowledge the historical and social contexts in which rum emerged and evolved, and the cultural and psychological dimensions of the myths and the beliefs that people associated with it. We need to appreciate the diversity and the richness of the rum culture, and the ways in which it has inspired and challenged artists, writers, and thinkers. We need to respect the ethical and moral issues that are still relevant today, such as the exploitation of labor, the effects of colonialism, and the responsibility of the producers and the consumers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, rum is known as the devil’s drink because of a complex and dynamic interplay of historical, social, cultural, and psychological factors. The label of the devil’s drink reflects the negative stereotypes and the superstitious beliefs that have been associated with rum, but also the rebellious and creative spirit that has animated the Caribbean and the Americas. To understand rum as the devil’s drink, we need to appreciate its origins, meanings, and myths, but also to recognize its reality, its diversity, and its potential. Rum is not just a symbol of the past, but also a vision of the future that we can shape and enjoy. Cheers!
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