What is the Rastafarian Religion?

Rastafari is a young, Africa-centred religion which developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, following the coronation of Haile Selassie I as King of Ethiopia in 1930.

Elect of God, Conquering Lion of Judah and King of Kings, c.1930

Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie is the son of God, and that he will return to Africa members of the black community who are living in exile as the result of colonization and the slave trade.

Slave Auction

Marcus-Garvey.... National Hero of Jamaica

Rastafari theology developed from the ideas of Marcus Garvey, a political activist who wanted to improve the status of fellow blacks.

There are approximately one million worldwide adherents of Rastafari as a faith. The 2001 census found 5,000 Rastafarians living in England and Wales.

Followers of Rastafari are known by a variety of names: Rastafarians, Rastas, Sufferers, Locksmen, Dreads or Dreadlocks.

Bob Marley....Jamaican Reggea super star

It spread globally following the success of Bob Marley and his music in the 1970s
Rastafarians believe that blacks are the chosen people of God, but that through colonization and the slave trade their role has been suppressed
The movement's greatest concerns are the repatriation of blacks to their homeland, Africa, and the reinstatement of blacks' position in society

It is an exocentric religion - as Haile Selassie, whom adherents consider as God, is outside the religion
Rastafari religious ceremonies consist of chanting, drumming and meditating in order to reach a state of heightened spirituality




Rastafarian religious practice includes the ritual inhalation of marijuana, to increase their spiritual awareness
Rastafarians follow strict dietary laws and abstain from alcohol.
Rastafarians follow a number of Old Testament Laws
There is a separate code of religious practice for women in Rastafari
Rastafarians believe reincarnation follows death and that life is eternal
Rastafarians are forbidden to cut their hair; instead, they grow it and twist it into dreadlocks
Rastafarians eat clean and natural products, such as fruit and vegetables
Rastafarians try to refrain from the consumption of meat, especially pork
Rastafarians are opposed to abortion and contraception
Rastafarian colors

(

The Rastafarian colors are red, gold and green, black is added. These colors are chosen because:
Red signifies the blood of those killed for the cause of the black community, throughout Jamaican history
Green represents Jamaica's vegetation and hope for the eradication of suppression
Gold symbolizes the wealth of Ethiopia
Black signifies the color of the Africans who initiated Rastafari
The Rastafarian symbol
The lion is the symbol of Rastafari.

This lion represents Haile Selassie I, who is referred to as the 'Conquering Lion of Judah'. Rastafarians' dreadlocks represent the lion's mane.


feels free to follow, upvote are resteem ,One Love