Rastafari was developed by poor Jamaicans who were of African descent and many early members believed in black supremacy. Rastafarians believe in God who they call Jah. Jah is seen as being part of the Holy Trinity, he is the Holy Sprit. They believe that he was black and that the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I who ruled from 1930 to 1974 is the root of Jesus and that he will lead the righteous into the perfect world of Zion. Rastas believe that his death in 1975 was a hoax as God cannot die (Owens). Rastas believe that Zion is the land that God promised them and that Babylon is the land of the west, full of corruption and that the predominantly white people of Babylon are here on earth to rebel against Jah.
There are two religious ceremonies, Reasoning where they gather together smoke cannabis and talk about social, ethical and religious issues and Groundation or Binghi which is a holy day where there is dancing, singing and eating as well as cannabis and this can last for days (Bradley, 2009).
Jesus was described as the Lion of Judah and the Lion is also the symbol Haile Selassie. Smoking cannabis is a spiritual act and is often done whilst studying the bible where as Catholics see the holy sacrament as bread Rastas see cannabis as a sacrament in that it purifies the mind, body and soul and brings them closer to Jah.
The colors Red, Green and Gold are also a symbol of the culture. The colors are worn as clothes and also badges posters and so on. The colors represent the flags of Jamaica and Ethiopia. The gold is the wealth of Africa, green is both countries countryside and the red is for the blood of the Jamaican martyrs.
Dreadlocks are another symbol associated with Rastas. Some say the first dreads were copied from Kenya others clam it is because of the scriptures All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Music is also important to the culture and reggae is popular around the world. Much of the lyrics in the songs represent the culture and the struggles of Black Africans for example Bob Marleys Exodus song.
A subgroup of Rastafarians who first appeared in 1949 was the Youth Black Faith. They were young and preached the doctrine of Rastafari they wanted to change the burning of oils and candles and revolted against Revival tradition wanting reforms and those who wanted to practice revival tradition were excluded and they had little or no desire to mix with other Jamaicans and thought that women had evil ways, (Eschert 1988).
Rastafarianism is a religion and culture of many symbols and rituals and as a religion continues to grow and practice throughout the globe however unlike Christianity and Islam which are also full of symbolism it is a not a missionary religion it is an ethnic based religion and is mindful of its origins. Its symbols are recognized around the world.
There are two religious ceremonies, Reasoning where they gather together smoke cannabis and talk about social, ethical and religious issues and Groundation or Binghi which is a holy day where there is dancing, singing and eating as well as cannabis and this can last for days (Bradley, 2009).
Jesus was described as the Lion of Judah and the Lion is also the symbol Haile Selassie. Smoking cannabis is a spiritual act and is often done whilst studying the bible where as Catholics see the holy sacrament as bread Rastas see cannabis as a sacrament in that it purifies the mind, body and soul and brings them closer to Jah.
The colors Red, Green and Gold are also a symbol of the culture. The colors are worn as clothes and also badges posters and so on. The colors represent the flags of Jamaica and Ethiopia. The gold is the wealth of Africa, green is both countries countryside and the red is for the blood of the Jamaican martyrs.
Dreadlocks are another symbol associated with Rastas. Some say the first dreads were copied from Kenya others clam it is because of the scriptures All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow.
Music is also important to the culture and reggae is popular around the world. Much of the lyrics in the songs represent the culture and the struggles of Black Africans for example Bob Marleys Exodus song.
A subgroup of Rastafarians who first appeared in 1949 was the Youth Black Faith. They were young and preached the doctrine of Rastafari they wanted to change the burning of oils and candles and revolted against Revival tradition wanting reforms and those who wanted to practice revival tradition were excluded and they had little or no desire to mix with other Jamaicans and thought that women had evil ways, (Eschert 1988).
Rastafarianism is a religion and culture of many symbols and rituals and as a religion continues to grow and practice throughout the globe however unlike Christianity and Islam which are also full of symbolism it is a not a missionary religion it is an ethnic based religion and is mindful of its origins. Its symbols are recognized around the world.
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