Ever listen to Bob Marley? Ever knowing the meaning of Rastafari? Would you love the combination of Green, Yellow and Red?Is RASTAFARI the way of life? well.they say,YES. How come this kind of faith become such a culture in Jamaica?The culture is known with its own significant such as dreadlocks, smoke weed, believe in Jah, Reggae, Peace and some of the ceremonies. So now, I will study a lil bit on this culture. I might not give full information and go deep into each point, but at least, by introducing the Rastafari identified characteristics, we could have some ideas on what is RASTAFARI. Its better than knowing nothing. Rastafari theology developed from the ideas of Marcus Garvey, a political activist who wanted to improve the status of fellow blacks. He preached the importance of Africans worshipping God in their own image."We Negroes believe in the God of Ethiopia, the everlasting God, the one God of all ages; we shall worship him through the spectacles of Ethiopia," Garvey said.Rastas claim that Haise Selassie is their God. For Rastafari, Haile Selassie is their God and King. They see Selassie as being worthy of worship for having stood with great dignity in front of the world's press and the representatives of many of the world's powerful nation. Rastafari is monotheism.They believe in one God whom they called JAH or their God Haise Selassie. While Selassie officially died in 1975, many Rastas do not believe that Jah can die and thus that his death was a hoax. Others believe that he still lives in spirit although not within any physical form. Below is the Rastafari ten point moral code, the first two points of which reflect Old Testament laws. No sharp implements to be used to damage Man, for example no trimming or shaving, no tattooing of the skin or cutting of the flesh. As foretold in Leviticus 21:5: "They shall not make baldness upon their heads, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh."1 Vegetarianism: Rastafarians use as little animal flesh as possible. They avoid eating pig flesh, shellfish, scaleless fish or snails, etc.2 Worship and recognise no God other than Haile Selassie, and reject pagan beliefs, without disrespecting believers.3 Love all mankind, but make one's first love the sons of Ham.4 Condemn hate, jealousy, envy, deceit, craftiness, treachery, etc.5 Oppose the pleasures of modern day society.6 Create a world of one brotherhood.7 Be charitable to any afflicted Rastafarian brother, and latterly to any other human, animal, plant, etc.8 Adhere to the ancient laws of Ethiopia.9 Do not accept aid, titles or possessions that the enemy might impart upon you, in fear. One's main purpose is to uphold Rastafari.(List taken from Leonard Barrett, The Rastafarians: The Dreadlocks of Jamaica, page 104.)So, by looking at the rules listed, we can clearly see the way of life that Rastas' practice. Its not religion, but its a way of life and movement. We cannot just say the people who smoke weed, has dreads and plays reggae are rastas. Its more than just those three elements.The GANJA SMOKING. Western do use ganja or weed or marijuana or cannabis. But, its just for having and laugh. Its certainly differs compared to Rastas. They use ganja for special session called Nyabinghi. Nyabinghi is a ritual that need Rastas to be serious and acting silly while smoking is seemed rude.This is because before they smoke ganja,they have to pray to their Jah.It is smoked to cleanse their body and mind.The DREADLOCKS is also a famous hairstyle of Rastafari. The name of dreadlocks come from the hair that is locked. Rastafari associate dreadlocks with a spiritual journey that one takes in the process of locking their hair (growing hairlocks). It is taught that patience is the key to growing locks, a journey of the mind, soul and spirituality. Its spiritual pattern is aligned with the Rastafari movement. The way to form natural dreadlocks is to allow hair to grow in its natural pattern, without cutting, combing or brushing, but simply to wash it with pure water. But remember, "Not every dread is a Rasta and not every Rasta is a dread..."; "It's not the dread upon your head, but the love inna your heart, that mek ya Rastaman" (Sugar Minott).Rastafarian colours which are GREEN, GOLD, RED and a lil bit BLACK are chosen because, red signifies the blood of those who killed for the cause of the black community. Green which shows vegetation and hope for the eradication of suppression. Gold shows the wealth of Ethiopia. and Black signifies the colors who initiated Rastas.Rastafari has become associated with RAGGAE music. Especially following the success of Robert Nesta Marley or known as BOB MARLEY. He spreaded the idealogy of Rastafari through his appearance and his lyrics. The songs spoke out against the inequality towards the black community. Rastafari movement greatest concern is their position in society and their role that has been suppressed.
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RASTAFARI CULTURERASTAFARI MOVEMENT RASTAFARI-WAY OF LIFE RASTAFARI-RELIGION