Rastafarianism Brief Overview

Rastafarianism Marcus Garvey

Ras Tafari Makonnen

The Rastafarianism Religion

Began with the teachings of Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), a black Jamaican who led a "Back to Africa" movement.

Rastafari developed in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica,

In an environment of great poverty, depression, racism and class discrimination.

The Rastafarian movement first became visible in Jamaica in the 1930’s.

Marcus Garvey

In 1927 Garvey prophesied, “Look to Africa, for there a king shall be crowned."

Ras Tafari MakonnenOn November 2, 1930, Ras Tafari Makonnen was

crowned emperor of Ethiopia.At his coronation he took the name Haile Selassie,

meaning "Might of the Trinity”.Selassie also took the titles, "Conquering Lion of

the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God and King of the Kings of Ethiopia."  

Followers of Garvey's teachings believed that Selassie is the messiah that had been predicted, and the return to Africa would begin.

Rastafarians named their movement for Ras Tafari and regarded the emperor as the physical presence of God (Jah) on earth.

Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whose birth name was Ras Tafari Makonnen.

A major event in Rastafarian history was Haile Selassie's visit to Jamaica on April 21, 1966.

He told the Rastafarians that they should not seek to immigrate to Ethiopia until they had liberated the people of Jamaica, a command that came to be known as "liberation before repatriation.“

April 21 is celebrated as a Rastafarian holiday.Selassie was deposed in 1974 in a military coup

and kept under house arrest until he was apparently killed by his captors in 1975.

The Holy Text of Rastafarianism The Holy Piby is the holy text of rastas. It was

compiled in 1913- 1917 and published in 1924 by  Robert Athlyi Rogers of Anguilla. It is also known as the “Black Man’s Bible.”

The Holy Piby is a version of the Christian Bible that has been altered to remove all the deliberate distortions that are believed to have been made by white leaders during its conversion to english.

Beliefs Jah was manifested on earth as Jesus, who Rastas

believe was black.Rastas also believe in Old Testament prophets like

Moses and Elijah.Rastafarians do not believe in the afterlife, but

instead look to Africa, called "Zion" as a heaven on earth.

True Rastas are believed to be immortal, both physically and spiritually, a concept called "ever living.”An important Rastafarian concept is "I and I.“

Another central concept is Babylon, which refers to the white power structure of Europe and the Americas. Rastas seek to resist Babylon.

Rituals and Traditions

Rastafarians are perhaps best known for their religious use of marijuana.

Scriptural support is found especially in Psalm 104:14: "He causeth the grass for the cattle and herb for the service of man."

Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it to a variety of ailments including colds.

Rasta holidaysNovember 2 - the coronation of SelassieJanuary 6 - ceremonial birthday of SelassieApril 21 - Selassie's visit to JamaicaJuly 23 - Selassie's personal birthdayAugust 1 - emancipation from slaveryAugust 17 - Marcus Garvey's birthday

Rituals and Traditions One of the most visible practices of Rastafarians

is the wearing of one's hair in dreadlocks. Dreadlocks have several purposes and layers of meaning for Rastafarians, including:

the biblical command not to cut one's hair (Leviticus 21:5)

the appearance of the lion's mane, representing strength, Africa, Ethiopia, and the Lion of Judah

naturalness and simplicity, which are associated with Africa

the Rasta's roots in Africa

Red, Gold and Green Red stands for the triumphant church of the

Rastas as well as the blood of the martyrs in the black struggle for liberation.

Gold represents the wealth of their African homeland.

Green symbolizes Ethiopia's beauty and lush vegetation.

Black is often also included, representing the color of the Africans.

Lion of Judah, which represents Haile Selassie as the King of Kings, Africa, and strength.

Rastafarian FlagColours of Red, Green and Gold, with the Lion of Judah.

Rituals and Traditions ContinuedThe most observant Rastas follow a dietary

law called Ital.Ital food is food which is completely natural

(not canned and free of chemicals and preservatives) and eaten as raw as possible. Old Testament prohibitions against pork and shellfish are part of Ital.

Rastafarians reject the use of alcohol, since it is a fermented chemical that does not belong in the temple of the body and it makes a person stupid.

Sects Of Rastafarianism

There are three main sects of the Rastafarian religion:

The Nyahbinghi Order  Bobo Shanti The Twelve Tribes of Israel 

Dreadlocks

Rastafarian Hair style

Emperor Haile Selassie I on the cover of Time magazine, November 3, 1930.

First Black Man to be on the cover of Time Magazine.

Marijuana

Rastas know it as ganja.

The End

By: Travis Seepersad