ABOUT RASTAFARIANISM
ONE GOD. ONE AIM. ONE
DESTINY.
Mission
The Rasta believes in
peace and they are constantly trying to preach down violence. This preaching
down of violence is often hard for Rasta’s to do because most Rasta live in
poor areas where peace is often unattainable. The Rasta fear world wars, and
especially Nuclear war. This want for world peace is heard often in the Rasta’s
Reggae music.
One of the most important parts of Rasta thought is the protest against authority and structure. The Rasta’s refer to the authorities that rule the world as Babylon. Babylon is connected to the devil and is ruled by the oppressive “white man”. This rejection of authority can be seen in how Rastafari has no rules like many other religions do. There is not one thing that Rasta has to do to be a Rasta because that would defeat the whole purpose of being a Rasta. The Rasta’s reject the Pope very much. “Burn the Pope. Burn the Pope man….The Pope is a vampire, wants our blood. Selassie I is the head. The Pope is the devil”. This quote of a Jamaican Rasta is an example of how the Rasta’s feel about organized religion and the Pope.
.
The Rastafari Movement was founded by Leonard Percival "Gong" Howell in 1932. Leonard P. Howell was a Mystic Jamaican born in the hills of Clarendon, Jamaica in 1898. Howell left Jamaica as a youth traveling the world over returning to Jamaica from the United States of America on November 17, 1932.
He had attended the Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen in Ethiopian on November 2, 1930 and knew what the crowning of the Emperor and Empress signified to all African People. Leonard P. Howell had audiences with the Emperor Haile Selassie when he was Supreme Regent of Ethiopia.
Rasta began with Leonard P. Howell and his street preaching to lift the spirits of the enslaved black men and women from Kingston to St Thomas. He was very popular, had a bakery along with his skills as a Naturopathic Doctor which he sustained himself his people and his children. He was tried for sedition in St Thomas, Jamaica, in the case cause celebre of the assizes. He spoke out against the wrongs of the crown and colonial Jamaica against the men women and children of Africa stolen, sold and enslaved in Jamaica for hundreds of years.
He called for International Salvation for all peoples globally while on trial for his life. Howell was found guilty and sentenced to two years imprisonment. On his return, the Rastafari Movement faced a Moraunt Bay rebellion of their own as they were attacked, beaten and robbed for days by the police, Christian populace spurred on by the colonial planters and their acolytes. Days later buses were sent into this tense criminal situation and the Rastafari people and Leonard P. Howell returned to Kingston where he purchased the old abandoned colonial estate at Pinnacle.
At Pinnacle, The Rastafari Movement grew and was self-sufficient and self-reliant. However, the settlement was continually raided, robbed, burnt with many incarcerations by the colonial police with their ultimate aim being the fragmentation and destruction of the Rastafari Movement. The Colonial Records, Spanish Town archives.
The Kebra Nagast, the national epic of Ethiopia, is also taken as important amongst many Rastas. The Kebra Nagast is an Ethiopic text describing, in greater detail the relationship between King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.
One of the most important parts of Rasta thought is the protest against authority and structure. The Rasta’s refer to the authorities that rule the world as Babylon. Babylon is connected to the devil and is ruled by the oppressive “white man”. This rejection of authority can be seen in how Rastafari has no rules like many other religions do. There is not one thing that Rasta has to do to be a Rasta because that would defeat the whole purpose of being a Rasta. The Rasta’s reject the Pope very much. “Burn the Pope. Burn the Pope man….The Pope is a vampire, wants our blood. Selassie I is the head. The Pope is the devil”. This quote of a Jamaican Rasta is an example of how the Rasta’s feel about organized religion and the Pope.
.
The Rastafari Movement was founded by Leonard Percival "Gong" Howell in 1932. Leonard P. Howell was a Mystic Jamaican born in the hills of Clarendon, Jamaica in 1898. Howell left Jamaica as a youth traveling the world over returning to Jamaica from the United States of America on November 17, 1932.
He had attended the Coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie and Empress Menen in Ethiopian on November 2, 1930 and knew what the crowning of the Emperor and Empress signified to all African People. Leonard P. Howell had audiences with the Emperor Haile Selassie when he was Supreme Regent of Ethiopia.
Rasta began with Leonard P. Howell and his street preaching to lift the spirits of the enslaved black men and women from Kingston to St Thomas. He was very popular, had a bakery along with his skills as a Naturopathic Doctor which he sustained himself his people and his children. He was tried for sedition in St Thomas, Jamaica, in the case cause celebre of the assizes. He spoke out against the wrongs of the crown and colonial Jamaica against the men women and children of Africa stolen, sold and enslaved in Jamaica for hundreds of years.
He called for International Salvation for all peoples globally while on trial for his life. Howell was found guilty and sentenced to two years imprisonment. On his return, the Rastafari Movement faced a Moraunt Bay rebellion of their own as they were attacked, beaten and robbed for days by the police, Christian populace spurred on by the colonial planters and their acolytes. Days later buses were sent into this tense criminal situation and the Rastafari people and Leonard P. Howell returned to Kingston where he purchased the old abandoned colonial estate at Pinnacle.
At Pinnacle, The Rastafari Movement grew and was self-sufficient and self-reliant. However, the settlement was continually raided, robbed, burnt with many incarcerations by the colonial police with their ultimate aim being the fragmentation and destruction of the Rastafari Movement. The Colonial Records, Spanish Town archives.
The Kebra Nagast, the national epic of Ethiopia, is also taken as important amongst many Rastas. The Kebra Nagast is an Ethiopic text describing, in greater detail the relationship between King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.
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Description
The Rastafari
Movement. Arose in a Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its adherents,
who worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, former Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–1936
and 1941–1974), as the Second Advent, are known as Rastafarians, or Rastas. The
movement is sometimes referred to as "Rastafarianism", but this term
is considered derogatory and offensive by some Rastas, who dislike being
label...See More
General Information
Many people throughout
the world have a hard time understanding what it means to be a Rasta. For some
their troubles in understanding Rasta’s come because they look as Rastafari as
only a religion. When one does this they run into many problems. This is
because Rastafari is much more than a religion. It is a way of life, a social
movement, as well as a mindset.
A lot of people’s
understanding of Rasta’s only goes as far as to
think that Rasta’s are people that live in Jamaica, smoke weed, and have
Dreadlocks.
These people do not begin to think what is behind the movement. The idea that Rastafari is strictly Jamaican is also very wrong. Since the origination of Rastafari, the Rasta movement has expanded far beyond the island of Jamaica.
Rasta’s now live all over the world. There are Rasta cultures in all parts of Europe, Asia, New Zealand, United States, and especially Africa.
These people do not begin to think what is behind the movement. The idea that Rastafari is strictly Jamaican is also very wrong. Since the origination of Rastafari, the Rasta movement has expanded far beyond the island of Jamaica.
Rasta’s now live all over the world. There are Rasta cultures in all parts of Europe, Asia, New Zealand, United States, and especially Africa.
Awards
The name Rastafari is
taken from Ras Tafari, the pre-regnal title of Haile Selassie I, composed of
Amharic Ras (literally "Head," an Ethiopian title equivalent to
Duke), and Haile Selassie's pre-regnal given name, Tafari. Rastafari are
generally distinguished for asserting the doctrine that Haile Selassie I, the
former, and final, Emperor of Ethiopia, is another incarnation of the Christian
God, called Jah. They see Haile Selassie I as Jah or Jah Rastafari, who is the
second coming of Jesus Christ onto the Earth.
The Rastafari movement encompasses themes such as the spiritual use of cannabis(marijuana) and the rejection of western society (called Babylon, in reference more to the metaphoric Babylon of Christianity than to the historical Mesopotamian city-state). It proclaims Africa (also "Zion") as the original birthplace of mankind, and embraces various Afrocentric social and political aspirations such as the sociopolitical views and teachings of Jamaican publicist, organizer, and black nationalist Marcus Garvey (also often regarded as a prophet).
Today, awareness of the Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world, largely through interest generated by reggae music. The most notable example is Jamaican singer/songwriter Bob Marley (died 1981). By 1997, there were around one million Rastafari faithful worldwide. About five to ten percent of Jamaicans identify themselves as Rastafari.
The Rastafari movement encompasses themes such as the spiritual use of cannabis(marijuana) and the rejection of western society (called Babylon, in reference more to the metaphoric Babylon of Christianity than to the historical Mesopotamian city-state). It proclaims Africa (also "Zion") as the original birthplace of mankind, and embraces various Afrocentric social and political aspirations such as the sociopolitical views and teachings of Jamaican publicist, organizer, and black nationalist Marcus Garvey (also often regarded as a prophet).
Today, awareness of the Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world, largely through interest generated by reggae music. The most notable example is Jamaican singer/songwriter Bob Marley (died 1981). By 1997, there were around one million Rastafari faithful worldwide. About five to ten percent of Jamaicans identify themselves as Rastafari.
MARIJUANA
One of the first aspects of Rastafari that come to mind when people hear of Rastafari is their use of MARIJUANA. The smoking Ganja for a Rasta is a special experience. They use the Ganja to help enlighten their mind so they can correctly reason the ways of the world. The Ganja is always smoked in a ritual way. Before smoking the plant the Rasta will say a prayer to Jah (God). The Rasta call them reasoning sessions when they use Ganja for Nyabinghi.
One of the first aspects of Rastafari that come to mind when people hear of Rastafari is their use of MARIJUANA. The smoking Ganja for a Rasta is a special experience. They use the Ganja to help enlighten their mind so they can correctly reason the ways of the world. The Ganja is always smoked in a ritual way. Before smoking the plant the Rasta will say a prayer to Jah (God). The Rasta call them reasoning sessions when they use Ganja for Nyabinghi.
DREADLOCKS
DREADLOCKS are another well-known part of Rastafari. The origin of the dreadlock traces back to ancient Africa, originating in eastern Africa,
“The hairstyle was worn by warriors in Kenya, and a Hairstyle of ancient Kemet and Nubia. However in Jamaica, in post slavery and Eurocentric culture, the Hairstyle was deemed in the early years as “Dreadful”.
The name dreadlock comes from the locks of hair deemed dreadful as Dubb explained.
The Rasta’s also believe that they should not put sharp metal objects to their head. This comes again from interpreting the Bible literally. Due to this belief they do not believe it is right to shave or comb their hair. Another belief that led to the dreadlocks among Rasta’s is that the wearing of the Dread resembles the main of a lion.
The lion is significant because the lion is the respected king of the animal kingdom, as well as humble animal. Both of these traits the Rasta believes are divine and important to the “Black Man”. The dreadlock is also a natural state of the African person hair, and by being natural the Rasta feels they are more connected to Jah.
DREADLOCKS are another well-known part of Rastafari. The origin of the dreadlock traces back to ancient Africa, originating in eastern Africa,
“The hairstyle was worn by warriors in Kenya, and a Hairstyle of ancient Kemet and Nubia. However in Jamaica, in post slavery and Eurocentric culture, the Hairstyle was deemed in the early years as “Dreadful”.
The name dreadlock comes from the locks of hair deemed dreadful as Dubb explained.
The Rasta’s also believe that they should not put sharp metal objects to their head. This comes again from interpreting the Bible literally. Due to this belief they do not believe it is right to shave or comb their hair. Another belief that led to the dreadlocks among Rasta’s is that the wearing of the Dread resembles the main of a lion.
The lion is significant because the lion is the respected king of the animal kingdom, as well as humble animal. Both of these traits the Rasta believes are divine and important to the “Black Man”. The dreadlock is also a natural state of the African person hair, and by being natural the Rasta feels they are more connected to Jah.
RASTA DIET
The Rastafari diet is something that is often overlooked by many people who do not know a great deal about Rastafari. The Rasta has a very interesting belief in their thoughts about dead beings.
The Rasta’s do not like being around any animal that is dead. This idea stems into their diet. The Rasta believes that it is wrong to eat animals that have died because then you are turning your body into a cemetery. This does not mean that a Rasta will not eat dairy products. Most Rasta’s have no problem with the consumption of milk because it does not come from a dead animal.
Although most Rasta’s will not eat animal meat, many Rasta’s will eat fish. However the Rasta will not eat shellfish. This stems from more readings in the Bible. Some but not all Rasta will go as far as to not to eat fruit that has been altered from its original form. This means they would not eat fruit that has been pealed, cut, or smashed. There is also a large number of Rasta that will not eat any processed food.
The Rastafari diet is something that is often overlooked by many people who do not know a great deal about Rastafari. The Rasta has a very interesting belief in their thoughts about dead beings.
The Rasta’s do not like being around any animal that is dead. This idea stems into their diet. The Rasta believes that it is wrong to eat animals that have died because then you are turning your body into a cemetery. This does not mean that a Rasta will not eat dairy products. Most Rasta’s have no problem with the consumption of milk because it does not come from a dead animal.
Although most Rasta’s will not eat animal meat, many Rasta’s will eat fish. However the Rasta will not eat shellfish. This stems from more readings in the Bible. Some but not all Rasta will go as far as to not to eat fruit that has been altered from its original form. This means they would not eat fruit that has been pealed, cut, or smashed. There is also a large number of Rasta that will not eat any processed food.
RASTA DIALECT
The dialect of the Rasta reflects their beliefs in many ways. “If you Really want to know how Rasta’s think, listen to them Talk”. Rasta’s take their speech very seriously. Rasta’s are often trying to make their speech sound very powerful and grateful.
The Rasta’s speech reflects how they often think literally. Their speech uses a literal translation of words, just like their beliefs use a literal translation of biblical readings. Their speech reflects their protest against oppression, as well as their protest against authority. When the Rasta’s speech is analyzed, it shows how the Rasta’s are always trying to think positively.
The Rastafarian rhetoric changes the English language in a way that helps them make more sense of the world, as well as to protest against what the Rasta believe to be unjust. Rasta will often change word from a negative meaning to a positive meaning.
The changing of the word understand to “overstand” is an example of this. To “overstand” means to fully and entirely have a grasp of a concept. This Rasta reasoning for this is that something that is under is worse than something that is over it, so they change “under” to “over”. A Rasta might say “I and I, must not just understand but overstand, seen”.
A Rasta will almost never use a negative term. They will always replace it with something positive. This is a great reflection on how the Rasta always sees things positively.
Another interesting concept of the Rasta’s language is their concept of I and I. The letter “I” is in almost every part of their language. It is in the name of their Religion “Rastafari”, and it is part of their gods title Selassie I.
The Rasta use the word to connect themselves to god, to show that that god is always part of them. A Rasta will never “I am going there” instead it would be “I and I am going there”. The Rasta does this to show that god is part of him, and that he is not separate from any other person.
“I” is also used to replace letters of powerful words. This too is reflected in the word “you” not being part of the Rasta language. The Rasta believes that first there was just “I” and then the devil came and created “you”.
The dialect of the Rasta reflects their beliefs in many ways. “If you Really want to know how Rasta’s think, listen to them Talk”. Rasta’s take their speech very seriously. Rasta’s are often trying to make their speech sound very powerful and grateful.
The Rasta’s speech reflects how they often think literally. Their speech uses a literal translation of words, just like their beliefs use a literal translation of biblical readings. Their speech reflects their protest against oppression, as well as their protest against authority. When the Rasta’s speech is analyzed, it shows how the Rasta’s are always trying to think positively.
The Rastafarian rhetoric changes the English language in a way that helps them make more sense of the world, as well as to protest against what the Rasta believe to be unjust. Rasta will often change word from a negative meaning to a positive meaning.
The changing of the word understand to “overstand” is an example of this. To “overstand” means to fully and entirely have a grasp of a concept. This Rasta reasoning for this is that something that is under is worse than something that is over it, so they change “under” to “over”. A Rasta might say “I and I, must not just understand but overstand, seen”.
A Rasta will almost never use a negative term. They will always replace it with something positive. This is a great reflection on how the Rasta always sees things positively.
Another interesting concept of the Rasta’s language is their concept of I and I. The letter “I” is in almost every part of their language. It is in the name of their Religion “Rastafari”, and it is part of their gods title Selassie I.
The Rasta use the word to connect themselves to god, to show that that god is always part of them. A Rasta will never “I am going there” instead it would be “I and I am going there”. The Rasta does this to show that god is part of him, and that he is not separate from any other person.
“I” is also used to replace letters of powerful words. This too is reflected in the word “you” not being part of the Rasta language. The Rasta believes that first there was just “I” and then the devil came and created “you”.
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