Concept in Definition ABC

The movement Rastafari forms a culture that began to develop in the Caribbean from 1930, especially on the island of Jamaica. The people who belong to this movement have their own signs of identity. Many of them practice vegetarianism and non- violence as a vital principle. The music reggae, especially the songs of Bob Marley, is one of its most characteristic icons. Do not forget other elements: the dreadlocks hairstyle (the dreadlocks), the colored hat or tam, the consumption of marijuana and the use of robes and turbans.

Rastafarian culture has its remote origins in the African slaves who arrived in Jamaica in the 18th century.

While black slaves were subdued, they did not totally renounce their African roots.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Jamaican preacher Marcus Garvey prophesied, drawing inspiration from the Bible, that a black king would soon arrive who would become the new messiah. Thus, when Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, Garvey's followers interpreted that his prophecy had been fulfilled.

Haile Selassie's real name was another, Tafari Makkonnen and that's where the word Rastafari comes from (it's a combination of Ras, which means prince and the real name of the emperor). The monarch of Ethiopia became the symbol of Rastafarianism and for this reason the colors of the Ethiopian flag (red, gold and green) are very present in this culture.

On conclusionThis movement is a combination of biblical elements, the black culture of African slaves, and a set of traditional Jamaican elements.

Among the rastaris or dreadlocks the expression in English is frequently used "I and I" (literally me and I)

It does not mean that I am the first, but it refers to the connection between the individual and God (also called as Jah). In other words, the self of God is within us.

Marijuana use among Rastafarians

You might think that Rastafarians smoke marijuana because they find it enjoyable and thus they manage to escape from reality and enjoy reggae music.

This view is quite imprecise, since they smoke marijuana because they are inspired by biblical passages (in the book from Genesis or in some psalms and proverbs there are references that are interpreted by Rastafarians as an invitation to consume cannabis).

Photos: Fotolia - MatiasdelCarmine / Steinar