Interesting facts about Rastafari
RASTAFARI was founded in Jamaica as an African-centric philosophy and religion in the 1930s. It was popularised by the reggae singer Bob Marley during the 1970s, who made people aware of Rastafari across the world. Since then, Rastafari (or Rastafarianism) has been predominantly practised in Jamaica and Ethiopia.
Rastafari has roots in the prophecies of a man named Marcus Garvey, who is considered a Rastafari prophet. In the 1920s, Garvey started the black nationalist movement in the United States. He wanted all of the descendents of former slaves to make their way back to Africa. He also said that one day, a black man would be crowned as King in Africa, and that this man would become the new messiah.
Haile Selassie I became King of Ethiopia in 1930. Garvey's followers saw this as the fulfilment of a prophecy, and believed that Selassie was actually “Jah,” or the Second Coming of Christ.
In 1948, Selassie created a land grant that invited Caribbean descendants of slaves to come and live in Ethiopia for free, if they wanted. To Rastafarians, this was a fulfilment of the prophecy.
The Rastafarian colours are red,
green, gold, and black. The colours, respectively, symbolise the blood of the black community killed in Jamaica during the slave era, the country's lush vegetation, the wealth of Ethiopia, and the Africans themselves, who began the Rastafarian religion.
Lions are the symbol of Rastafari. This comes from the story of Selassie I, who was called the “Conquering Lion of Judah.” The Rastafarian dreadlock hairstyle and beards also look very lion-like.
Because many of the descendants of Jamaica's population were slaves who were taken from their homes in Africa, Rastafarians believe that Jamaica is “hell” or “Babylon.” Conversely, Ethiopia is the “Homeland,” “Zion,” or “Heaven.” Many Rastas aspire to make a pilgrimage to Ethiopia.
The Nyahbinghi Order is the oldest subdivision of the Rasta religion. They practise speaking Amharic, which is the language spoken in Ethiopia. They are very strict with an organic vegan diet, and they celebrate their Sabbath on Tuesdays.
In the Bobo Shanti subdivision, Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards is considered to be part of the new “holy trinity” along with Garvey and Selassie. The Bobo Shanti choose to wear turbans and long robes, men are priests, and they follow the Old Testament very closely.
Rastafarians avoid meat, do not eat pork, and consume a lot of fruits and vegetables. They are not allowed to drink coffee, cow's milk, or alcohol. They also refuse to eat processed food.
Rastafarians believe in what is pure and natural, and do not tamper with their bodies. This means that no one is allowed to get a tattoo.
Even though they follow a lot of passages in the Christian Bible, Rastafarians
celebrate Christmas on January 7, since this is Ethiopian Christmas.
Rastafari use marijuana as part of their religion. During “Reasoning Sessions”, they smoke together and discuss issues in the community. Every meeting also has a huge feast afterwards.
Rastafari took a verse from Leviticus 21:5 that says, “They shall not make baldness upon their head.” Rastas interpreted that as “don't ever get a haircut.” Dreadlocks is a way for Rastas to continue to grow out their hair while still maintaining cleanliness and neatness
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in a settlement called Shashamane, a group of 600-800 Rastafarians live together in what they called the promised land.
Some Rastafari prefer natural athome childbirths rather than going to a hospital.
When Marley died in 1981, he was buried near his home in Jamaica. However, in 2005, his wife finally decided it was time to exhume his remains and bring them to Ethiopia, since it would have been in line with his religious beliefs.
There is no formal funeral ceremony for Rastafari.
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