Arutisuse

Arutisuse ( pronounced Ah-rut-tee-SUS-see) is a holiday that celebrates the Foundational Black American culture of freedom fighting and resistance. Arutisuse means Arise In the traditional Foundational Black American TUT language. During the antebellum slavery period in America, many Foundational Black Americans would cleverly plot and execute their escape from bondage around the Christmas season. These enslaved freedom warriors understood that slave owners would be more preoccupied with holiday festivities during this time of year. Also, enslaved Foundational Black Americans were allowed more access to visit family and friends on other plantations during this season as well. The rebel warriors used these relaxed policies as an opportunity to rise to freedom. Another celebration that was prevalent among enslaved people in the Americas was a parade called Junkanoo. Foundational Black Americans engaged in these activities around Christmas time, where they would parade around to different plantations playing multiple instruments, while dressed in outrageous costumes. They would often dress in costumes that mocked the white slave owners.