Rastafarianism is a rather new religion that began on November 2, 1930. This was the day that Ras Tafari Makonnen became Emperor of Ethiopia. Many Rastafarians believed that he was divine and was the manifestation of Jesus. When Ras Tafari was crowned emperor, he became known as Haile Selassie I, which means “Might of Trinity”. Rastafarians referred to him as Jah, which means God. In 1975, Selassie was captured and was said to be killed, but Rastafarians believe that his death was faked and he is in hiding until Judgement Day. The founder of Rastafarianism is Marcus Garvey, “A black Jamaican who taught in the 1920s and is considered a second John the Baptist” (Religion facts-Rastafarianism). Rastafarianism holds interesting ideologies and can
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Rastafarians sing and chant, with African drums, during this ritual. Music is very important to the Rasta’s culture and is incorporated into their traditions. Rastafarians also encourage followers to smoke marijuana during worship, because it is said to “enhance spiritual responsiveness” (Rastafari Beliefs). Rastafarians believe that marijuana, or ganja, is an herb of wisdom. They also believed it was growing on the grave of King Solomon. It was cited in the bible, “Psalms 104:14, to attest to its sacramental properties: He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Beliefs, Practices, and Sacraments of Rastafari). Rastafarians also have a diet called ital, which means that they cannot consume milk, coffee, meat, shellfish, sacless fish, snails, alcohol, or tobacco. They do this because it enables them to be pure and natural. Another ritual is that Rastafarians do not cut their hair, because of the first moral code, “No sharp implements to be used to damage man.” The first thing you will notice when looking at a Rastafarian is that they have very long dreadlocks. These dreadlocks are replicating the mane of a lion: “the lion is the symbol of Rastafarianism” (Rastafari …show more content…
Rastafarians use a type of music called Nyabinghi, for important celebrations. Nyabinghi is a traditional reggae music that is played at events, such as communal gatherings and the celebration of the birth of Haile Selassie. There are also Nyabinghi ceremonies, which can be at any given time and celebrated with the whole community. These celebrations include lots of organic and indigenous Jamaican influenced reggae music. “Binghis are held at the discretion of the members who feel the need to become a spiritual force and evoke the presence of righteousness and justice on the Earth”
Rastafarians sing and chant, with African drums, during this ritual. Music is very important to the Rasta’s culture and is incorporated into their traditions. Rastafarians also encourage followers to smoke marijuana during worship, because it is said to “enhance spiritual responsiveness” (Rastafari Beliefs). Rastafarians believe that marijuana, or ganja, is an herb of wisdom. They also believed it was growing on the grave of King Solomon. It was cited in the bible, “Psalms 104:14, to attest to its sacramental properties: He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Beliefs, Practices, and Sacraments of Rastafari). Rastafarians also have a diet called ital, which means that they cannot consume milk, coffee, meat, shellfish, sacless fish, snails, alcohol, or tobacco. They do this because it enables them to be pure and natural. Another ritual is that Rastafarians do not cut their hair, because of the first moral code, “No sharp implements to be used to damage man.” The first thing you will notice when looking at a Rastafarian is that they have very long dreadlocks. These dreadlocks are replicating the mane of a lion: “the lion is the symbol of Rastafarianism” (Rastafari …show more content…
Rastafarians use a type of music called Nyabinghi, for important celebrations. Nyabinghi is a traditional reggae music that is played at events, such as communal gatherings and the celebration of the birth of Haile Selassie. There are also Nyabinghi ceremonies, which can be at any given time and celebrated with the whole community. These celebrations include lots of organic and indigenous Jamaican influenced reggae music. “Binghis are held at the discretion of the members who feel the need to become a spiritual force and evoke the presence of righteousness and justice on the Earth”