Rastafari movement- Originating in the 1930s [9], one of the most prominent, internationally known aspects of Jamaica's African-Caribbean culture is the Rastafari movement, particularly those elements that are expressed through reggae music. In the 1970s and early 1980s Bob Marley became the most high-profile exponent of the Rastafari culture and belief system. His reputation as an innovative musician devoted to his faith [10] has continued to grow since his death, so that by 2004 his greatest hits compilation 'Legend'had sold 20 million copies worldwide [11], making him arguably the world's most famous Jamaican, and certainly the nation's biggest-selling recording artist.
Rastafari itself is a monotheistic belief system, based on teachings found in the Old Testament and the New Testament - particularly the Book of Revelations [12]. However, what distinguishes Rastafari from Christianity, Islam and Judaism (which also cite Abrahamic beliefs) is that Rastas believe in the divinity of the Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.
Hailed by Rastas as H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty), Haile Selassie I is regarded as God himself, the true descendant of Solomon, and the earthly embodiment of Jah (God)[13] - in what believers see as a fulfillment of prophesy regarding the second coming of the Messiah[14].
It should be noted that those Rasta beliefs which are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible (such as the specific name of H.I.M. 'Haile Selassie') are not gathered into a single holy text. Instead, Rasta beliefs are primarily shared through a community of songs, chants and oral testimonies, as well as in written texts (including websites) [15]. The extensive use of song makes Rastafari a particularly musical source of Jamaican culture.
Rasta cultural traditions include wearing their hair in uncut, uncombed strands known as dreadlocks (in adherence to the Nazarite vow [16]), as well as eating unprocessed (natural) foodstuffs which are known as Ital. However, neither tradition is regarded as compulsory - many people who wear dreadlocks are not Rastas and many Rastas do not wear them.
One of the most controversial cultural traditions is Rastas' use of ganja as a sacrament which is smoked to aid in reasoning (contemplation and discussion). Cannabis is a strictly prohibited substance in Jamaica so its use by Rastas means the movement is in a more-or-less permanent state of tension with police agencies.
In its Jamaican homeland, Rastafari is a minority culture and receives little in the way of official recognition. Jamaica is an overwhelmingly Christian country, so Rasta beliefs and practices - such as the divinity of H.I.M Hailie Selassie - are sometimes regarded as pagan by Christian Jamaicans [17] (although some Rastas can also express hostility towards aspects of Christianity[18]). Nevertheless, the artistic contributions of the movement, particularly Bob Marley are widely respected. The rasta singer was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit in 1981 and there are two official monuments to him [19].
Rastas can be found in many countries outside Jamaica and among many non-Jamaicans [20]. Because it is not a centrally organised religion, there is no way of knowing how many devotees there are.
DEEP, DEEP….A RASTA MI SEH…..
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