Marijuana’s use as part of religious ceremonies is nothing new. The practice goes back for thousands of years in a variety of cultures such as The Hindu, Rastafarians, and monks.
Rastafarians are well known for their religious use of marijuana. Most Rastafarians are vegetarians or vegans, and the most Rastas follow a strict dietary law called ital, which is based on natural vegetarian food. Many Rastafarians wear their hair in dreadlocks. Rastas call the cannabis plant ganja, the holy herb, Iley or call, and believe it was given by God. Rastafarians believe that marijuana originated from Africa, which is called the motherland. Rastafarians feel that marijuana is important for their understanding of self, the universe and God. Based on their …show more content…
However, marijuana is more of a natural drug and it is known as “The Holy Herb” and consider it to be sacred. Marijuana is used primarily during the two main Rastafari rituals: reasoning and nyabinghi. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes. When marijuana is used it is called the “reasoning sessions” where members join up and are encouraged to interact and discuss life according to the Rasta perspective. Rastafarians reject materialism, oppression and sensual pleasures, called “Babylon.” In fact, they see the marijuana plant as the “Tree of Life” mentioned in the Bible and often quote scriptures that support their beliefs. For example, at Revelation 22:2, the phrase “the leaves of the tree (of life) were for the healing of the nations”. While marijuana use forms part of their beliefs, it is not compulsory for a Rastafarian to smoke it. The two main Rastafari rituals are reasonings (an informal gathering involving cannabis and discussion) and nyabinghi (a festive …show more content…
This ritual is promoted unity, strength the rasta heart of those who attend. During a Nyabinghi celebration, men and women have different roles and expectations. Men are expected to remove their tams (Rasta hats) whilst women must keep their hair covered. A group of men form a line or a semi-circle and are assigned to beat the drums throughout. The remaining congregation continue to sing well known songs or chants. The earliest mention of Marijuana was found in the Vedas, or sacred Hindu texts. The discovery of Hinduism was 2000 to 1400 B.C. Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and
Rastafarians are well known for their religious use of marijuana. Most Rastafarians are vegetarians or vegans, and the most Rastas follow a strict dietary law called ital, which is based on natural vegetarian food. Many Rastafarians wear their hair in dreadlocks. Rastas call the cannabis plant ganja, the holy herb, Iley or call, and believe it was given by God. Rastafarians believe that marijuana originated from Africa, which is called the motherland. Rastafarians feel that marijuana is important for their understanding of self, the universe and God. Based on their …show more content…
However, marijuana is more of a natural drug and it is known as “The Holy Herb” and consider it to be sacred. Marijuana is used primarily during the two main Rastafari rituals: reasoning and nyabinghi. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes. When marijuana is used it is called the “reasoning sessions” where members join up and are encouraged to interact and discuss life according to the Rasta perspective. Rastafarians reject materialism, oppression and sensual pleasures, called “Babylon.” In fact, they see the marijuana plant as the “Tree of Life” mentioned in the Bible and often quote scriptures that support their beliefs. For example, at Revelation 22:2, the phrase “the leaves of the tree (of life) were for the healing of the nations”. While marijuana use forms part of their beliefs, it is not compulsory for a Rastafarian to smoke it. The two main Rastafari rituals are reasonings (an informal gathering involving cannabis and discussion) and nyabinghi (a festive …show more content…
This ritual is promoted unity, strength the rasta heart of those who attend. During a Nyabinghi celebration, men and women have different roles and expectations. Men are expected to remove their tams (Rasta hats) whilst women must keep their hair covered. A group of men form a line or a semi-circle and are assigned to beat the drums throughout. The remaining congregation continue to sing well known songs or chants. The earliest mention of Marijuana was found in the Vedas, or sacred Hindu texts. The discovery of Hinduism was 2000 to 1400 B.C. Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in India and