Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism arose in the ghettos of Kingston in the early 1930:s at just about the same time as Haille Sellassie was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. Some of the most significant signs of Rastafarianism are the long dreadlocks, the red, green and black colours and the caps. This is not only a style, but also a part of their religion. The dreadlocks symbolize many different things for example the Rastafarians roots. It is also meant as a contrast to the white mans blond, straight hair and because of that it says in the Bible: "They shall not make baldhead upon their hair, neither shall they shave of the corner of their beards, nore make any cutting of their flesh. The way the hair grows also represents the lion Judah who in turn symbolizes Haille Sellassie. Another thing that's related to Rastafarianism is the reggae music, which is the most popular music on Jamaica.

2 of the symbols within Rastafarianism are the royal ring of Haille Selassie and the Rastafarianism bible, the Holy Piby. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church gave the ring to Haille Selassie when he pledged loyalty to the church. The ring was said to have belonged to King Solomon who had given it to the queen of Sheba so that she in turn could give it to their son prince Menelik I of Ethiopia. He became the first King in a dynasty that lasted for more than 3000 years and ended with the death of Haille Selassie. When he died in 1975 the ring disappeared. Though it is said that Bob Marley later got the ring in his possession when he met with Prince Wossen in London in 1977. Even this time it disappeared with the death of Bob Marley.

The Holy Piby is also known as the black mans bible. It was first printed in 1924 by Robert Rogers, in the Ethiopian language of Amharic. It says that God and all of his prophets were black. It first reached Jamaica in 1925 and it quickly became one of the most important symbols for the back to Africa movent. 

Rastafarianism is and was quite an unliked religion amongst those on Jamaica who weren't Rastas  and it didn't really have that many followers until the visit of HIM Haille Sellasie to Jamaica. This day came to called by the brethrens  as "Groundation Day". It was also on that day that Rita Anderson was converted to Rastafarianism. Later she  convinced her husband, Bob Marley to convert to Rastafarianism and he in his and the other Wailers turn spread the teachings of Rastafarianism throughout the world with his lyrics.

In 1975 Rastafarianism was introduced in Barbados. It  quickly spread amongst the young people of Barbados who saw it as a way to rebel against their parents.

The Rastafarian colours were taken from the Garvey movent. The colours are black, red and green. The red stands for the church triumphant, which is the church of the Rastas. Black stands for the colour of the Africans, who more than 98 % of Jamaica's population descend from. Green represents the beauty and vegetation of Ethiopia.
 

There are a lot of different rules within Rastafarianism that are almost impossible to follow in the society of today. For once the Rastafarians aren't allowed to eat just any food. A true Rasta only eats I-tal food. This is food that is cooked but served as raw as possible. It never touches chicals, it's natural and it isn't canned. Many Rastas are vegetarians since it can't be nice to eat almost raw meat. Those Rastas who eat meat however don't eat pig since pigs are the scavengers of land. Fish however is common food for the Rastas though they're not allowed to eat any shellfood since lobsters, crabs, shrimps and so on are the scavengers of the sea and the fish that they eat must be no more than 12 inches long.

 
They are neither allowed to drink anything. Liquor, milk, coffee and soft drinks are seen as unnatural.

Rastas are neither allowed to work or travel with aeroplane called the "Iron Bird". You wonder how Bob Marley made his money and traveled to his concerts outside of Jamaica.

Soap is forbidden for Rastafarians to use. Instead they use the ackee as soap, which is the national fruit of Jamaica.Western medicines are also forbidden according to the religion of the rastaman but it is considered a virtue to smoke the Ganjaweed (marijuana).It is considered to be the weed of wisdom and to contain all sorts of healing ingredients. There is no better natural medicine for the Rasataman than "the herb".
Read the stories told by youths who have been smoking "The weed".

Something you often here when Rastafarians talk is the expression I and I. Bob Marley sings this expression in the song Jah Live. They mean with this that no man is more privileged than another in the basic truth of life.

Be sure to read this very interesting book----"The first book on Rasta written by a Rasta",and follow the interview conducted with the author of this work. It truly deserves the time taken and the knowledge gained will be great. Interview with Journalist, Author and Rasta: Makeda