Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism was founded by a famous Jamaican leader, Marcus Garvey in the 1930’s. It is a black conscious movement which focused on the significant political and social hardships faced by the poor black people of Jamaica. Rastafaris took their name from Ras Tafari Makonnen (1892–1975), who became the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930 and was lauded as “Lion of Judah, Elect of God, King of Kings” (Dubb, 2016).

Some years prior to Haile Salassie I’s coronation, Garvey had predicted the coming of a black king and the fulfilment of this prophecy was extremely significant. The movement focuses on several biblical references which they have interpreted into an ideology to free themselves. The Africans in the Caribbean were led to believe that God was a white man, with blue eyes and blonde hair. Garvey sought to open their minds and teach them about what it means to free themselves of the mental and physical slavery created by colonialism.

Rastarianism is not a structured religion. Their beliefs are based on Judaism and Christianity, particularly the Old Testament laws and prophecies and the Book of Revelation. They believe that Jah was on the earth as Jesus, who was black, and also as Haile Selassie I. They also believe that all black people are descendants of early Israelites and that they were exiled because of their sins. They consider Africa (Zion) to be heaven on earth while Babylon (the West – the white society) is hell.

They follow the laws of nature and follow the concept of "I and I," which emphasizes the oneness between humanity and God as well as the equality of all humans. They do not eat meat, especially pork, they abstain from alcohol and food of unknown sources. They have meetings called nyahbinghi where they study the bible and their history. Their sacred text is the Holy Piby which is the "Black Man's Bible." During a nyahbinghi, it is a common practice to use marijuana (ganja) to achieve discernment. Rastas value family life however they do not follow the ideals of formal marriage (according to the western Christian way). Abortion and contraception are prohibited.

Rastas are easily identified by their symbols. Their main colours are gold, red, green and black which are the colours of the Ethiopian flag; they have dread locks or braids which symbolizes the mane of the Lion of Judah and rebellion against Babylon; the Lion which symbolizes Africa and the Emperor Haile Selassie. It is seen as a sign of strength.

There are three main sects of the Rastafari Movement, namely The Nyahbinghi Order, Bobo Shanti and The Twelve Tribes of Israel. The Nyahbinghi Order is managed by an Assembly of Elders. It is named after Queen Nyahbinghi of Uganda who stood against colonialists in the 19th century and is the oldest of the orders. Its main focus is on Haile Selassie, Ethiopia, and the eventual return to Africa. Bobo Shanti was founded in Jamaica in the 1950’s by Prince Emanuel Charles Edwards. They believe that Prince Edwards is the reincarnation of Jah, that they will return to Zion and that they must obtain monetary compensation for slavery. And finally the Twelve Tribes of Israel was founded by Dr. Vernon Carrington in 1968. The members of this sect can worship in any church they decide. Each member of this sect belongs to one of the 12 Tribes (or Houses), which is determined by birth month and is represented by a color. (Religion Facts, 2015)

With approximately one million followers to date, Rastafarianism has evolved into a very popular religion. It has crossed different ethnicities, religions and cultures. The promotion of popular reggae music