Rastafari is a religion that began in the 1930’s in the slums of Jamaica, and is still being practiced by many to this day. Rastafarianism often calls to mind many stereotypical images of dirty hair in dreadlocks, large use of marijuana, reggae music, Bob Marely, and the colours red, green, and yellow. Although this religion has no universally acknowledged leaders or agreed upon defining principles, they have a strong sense of unity that brings them together. This essay will reveal Rastafarian history, their practices, rituals, and symbols, as well as their holidays and festivals.
History Background Rastafarianism, just like any other religion, has a history that describes how it had derived. This religion originated from an Afro Caribbean, black consciousness movement that takes its name from an Ethiopian Emperor Ras Tafari (Religion Facts, 2015) .Ras meaning ‘head’, or ‘prince’ and Tafari meaning ‘to be feared’. Ras Tafari Makonnen became the Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie upon his coronation in 1930, and was lauded the title ‘king of kings’ (Religion Facts, 2015). After given this title, there was a shock wave that was sent through the whole Afro Caribbean culture. People began declaring Selassie as the long awaited Messiah, and most importantly the second coming of Christ (McAlister, 2015). This is how Rastafarianism was created, as the African culture looked to Selassie as the living God and black messiah who would overthrow the existing order and usher in a reign of blacks …show more content…
Rastafarianism is often interpreted as strictly just smoking marijuana as a way of life; however, this religion is much more than that. It brings together all those who want to come closer to Jah through meditation, prayers, symbols, and many other rituals. It’s a form of life that will continue to be practiced in future
History Background Rastafarianism, just like any other religion, has a history that describes how it had derived. This religion originated from an Afro Caribbean, black consciousness movement that takes its name from an Ethiopian Emperor Ras Tafari (Religion Facts, 2015) .Ras meaning ‘head’, or ‘prince’ and Tafari meaning ‘to be feared’. Ras Tafari Makonnen became the Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie upon his coronation in 1930, and was lauded the title ‘king of kings’ (Religion Facts, 2015). After given this title, there was a shock wave that was sent through the whole Afro Caribbean culture. People began declaring Selassie as the long awaited Messiah, and most importantly the second coming of Christ (McAlister, 2015). This is how Rastafarianism was created, as the African culture looked to Selassie as the living God and black messiah who would overthrow the existing order and usher in a reign of blacks …show more content…
Rastafarianism is often interpreted as strictly just smoking marijuana as a way of life; however, this religion is much more than that. It brings together all those who want to come closer to Jah through meditation, prayers, symbols, and many other rituals. It’s a form of life that will continue to be practiced in future