Happy 2008, Jah people!
UNTO those that are not intimately affiliated with Ras Tafari, Rastafarian holidays do not make much sense. An old year has dusked, a new one is dawning. May old corrugated habits rot and new ones re-incarnate and occupy the void. Let us also take the opportunity to awaken and arise the true, official and expected Rastafari; Nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti, Twelve Tribe and so forth.
Very few people truly know a thing concerning the Ras Tafari Movement. Especially with regards to the spiritual aspects which define this way of life as a “religion”.
Commoners and lay persons mainly assume reggae music, Jamaica and controversial cannabis to be the only aspects involved with this rubric cube brain teaser.
My people perish because of lack of knowledge. The Movement of Jah people is more than what meets the eye.
In their advanced state of confusion; a great many fool themselves into believing they are Rastafarians. This is so maybe because they inhale a considerable amount of smoke and or because they own and know every famous reggae track ever produced. Attention also to those who claim to be Rastafarians at heart and insist they have mighty dreadlocks growing inside their chests. Disturbingly the likes of who venture into cutting other persons’ dreadlocks and wear them as their own.Lord have mercy.
Including renowned musicians, artists and celebrities; we hope and pray that all these wannabes pull up their stockings and fulfill that which they proclaim. The Rastafari Empire is in short supply of human especially woman resource.
Above all, submitting one’s soul unto Jah is paramount and a cornerstone. Reggae music is mainly a media meant to spread Jah message to all four corners of the world. There shall be singers and players of instruments.
Currently the lyrics and sub-cultures being emblazoned by participants in these clubs of entertainment portray nothing of essence to be related to the core. The language is profane and ungodly.
Hear and behold, a divine conception of the heart. We have churches and they need masses to rally behind. Whilst listening to Jah music, wannabes flock houses of ale, getting wasted in the process. As they call Jah name in vain, the Binghi is empty yet the beer-hell is full of people playing dance-hell music.
The vehement shaking of buttocks trademark in these dangerous places is not part and parcel of the movement. Strict adherents of the faith never visit such places of filth. When a famous musician visits Zimbabwe, such is not a holy event. It’s just recreation.
Observing the Sabbath and keeping it holy. Ever since time was created, the seventh day of the week has always been Saturday, nothing has changed. Rahab and Babylon system, the mark of the beast has tried to alter Jah natural cause of life. They shall change the times and set times.
Chanting praises, hailing Jah name and drumming Nyabinghi is what defines one as Rastafari. This is yet to hold grip onto a great many. We verily hope and pray citizens reduce the noise emanating from reggae records and hence follow the true footsteps of His Imperial Majesty.
The Emperor of Ethiopia, The Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah was vegan. The nasty habit of consuming fellow mammal and animal relatives is gross. We eat to live, we do not live to eat.
A vegan lifestyle is not evidence of poverty. It is hardcore proof of compassion and humility, extended evenly to non-human forms with whom we equally share the planet. We are stewards and not chewhards.
Nyabinghi Rastafarians observe the following holidays throughout the year. Nyabinghi guidelines stipulate that a holiday is celebrated for seven days and seven nights.
If say a holiday falls on Tuesday, from the Sabbath before the actual date to the next Sabbath after this honored day is one festival in the name of that holiday.
Due to rampant poverty; this does not usually occur as we will, hence compromise is inevitable. Nonetheless, Jah army encourages not short cuts.
The Ethiopian New Year on September 11. The whole month of October in the United Kingdom is Black History Month.
Their Imperial Majesties Coronation Day is celebrated on November 2. The Festival of First Fruits on December 26. The Ethiopian Christmas or the Nativity of Christ follows on January 7.
In the United States Black History Month is commemorated throughout the month of February.
The birth or coming to Earth in human form of Empress Menen or the Earth Day of Her Imperial Majesty and Goddess Queen Omega is celebrated on February 31.
In context to Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Independence Day is celebrated on April 18. Nationalities of other territories honour their relevant liberation days from colonial groping by terrorists.
Groundation Day or Haile Selassie I Visit to Jamaica is celebrated on April 21.
His Imperial Majesty did also visit Malawi in 1965 for a three day state visit from August 2 to the 5th. He is the first head of state to pay an official visit to post-independent Malawi.
August 27 is not on the Nyabinghi calendar.
Leonard Percival Howell/Soweto Massacre/Day of the African Child June 16. Haile Selassie I Earth Strong or the Birth of His Imperial Majesty July 23. Marcus Garvey Earth Strong August 17.
Happy and prosperous 2008.