- The Rastafari movement
- History and background
- Beliefs
- Practices and customs of the Rastafari culture
- Grounding
- Spiritual use of cannabis
- Diet
- Dreadlocks
- Music
- Language
- Organization
- References
The Rastafari culture is classified as a religious movement developed in Jamaica during the 1930s. Rastafari refers to their beliefs, which are based on a specific interpretation of the bible known as Rastalogia.
The followers of this culture give a central importance to the ancient Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. Many followers regarded it as the reincarnation of Jah on Earth and as the Second Coming of Christ. Others regard him as a human prophet who recognized the inner divinity within each individual.
The Rastafarian culture is Afrocentric and focuses its attention on the African diaspora, which is seen as oppressed by Western society or 'Babylon'. Many practitioners call for a resettlement of the African diaspora in Ethiopia or Africa, referring to this continent as the Promised Land of Zion.
Other interpretations focus more on adopting an Afrocentric attitude while living outside of Africa. Rastas refer to their practices as 'livity' (life). Rasta gatherings are characterized by music, chants, discussions, and the use of cannabis.
Rastas place an emphasis on what they consider to be 'living naturally', adhering to Italian dietary requirements, allowing their hair to form dreadlocks (dreadlocks), and following patriarchal gender roles.
The Rastafari movement
History and background
The Rastafarian culture originated in poor and socially disenfranchised communities in Afro-Jamaican communities during the 1930s in Jamaica.
His Afrocentric ideology was a reaction against Jamaica's then dominant English culture. The Rastafari was influenced by Ethiopianism and the Turn to Africa Movement.
During the 1950s, the Rastafarian counter culture had come into conflict with Jamaican society, including violent clashes. But by the 60-70s he gained respect and greater visibility thanks to Rasta reggae musicians like Bob Marley.
Beliefs
Rastas refer to the totality of ideas and beliefs as Rastalogia. An emphasis is placed on the idea that personal experience and intuitive understanding should be used to determine the validity of a particular belief or practice.
The beliefs are influenced by the Judeo-Christian religion. Rastafari believe in a god they call Jah. Babylon represents the ultimate evil, since it was the origin of suffering; they expect mainstream white society to think their beliefs are false.
The Zion is the ideal to which it aspires. This term is used in reference to Ethiopia or all of Africa, a land that has a mythological identity in Rastafarian speech.
Its moral principles are to love God and love your neighbor. The Rastafari is patriarchal, he sees women as an inferior being.
Practices and customs of the Rastafari culture
The religious and cultural practices of the Rastas are referred to as livity. Rastafari do not have professional priests, as Rastas do not believe that there is a need for a mediator between the divinity and the practitioner.
Grounding
This is the term used to refer to the establishment of relationships between Rastafari practitioners. Groundings often take place in a community or courtyard and are chaired by an elder. This older person is in charge of maintaining discipline in the group.
Some activities that take place during groundings include drumming, hymn singing, reciting poetry, discussions of current events and early days, and smoking marijuana or ganja.
Spiritual use of cannabis
One of the main rituals of this culture is smoking cannabis. When smoked in ritual contexts, Rastas refer to it as the 'holy herb'.
Additionally, they also ingest it in tea, as a culinary herb, and as an ingredient in medicines.
Diet
Rasta culture seeks to produce food 'naturally', eating what they call ital or natural food. This is often produced organically and locally.
Most Rastas adhere to the dietary laws that appear in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus, thus avoiding pork and crustaceans.
Other practitioners remain fully vegetarian and avoid adding any additives, such as sugar and salt, to their food.
Rastas typically avoid food produced by non-Rastafarian or unknown sources.
Male practitioners also refuse to eat food prepared by a woman who is menstruating. They also avoid alcohol, cigarettes, heroin, and cocaine.
Dreadlocks
Rastafarian practitioners want to visually differentiate themselves from non-practitioners; one of these marks is the formation of dreadlocks in your hair.
The formation of dreadlocks or dreadlocks is inspired by the bible, and they are related as a symbol of strength related to Samson.
Dreadlocks are often styled in styles that mimic the mane of a lion, symbolizing Haile Selassie. Dreadlocks represent a commitment to the Rasta idea of naturalism and a refusal to conform to aesthetic norms and standards.
Music
Rastafari music developed in sessions where singing, drums and dancing were present. Rastafari music is a way to support Jah.
When this music is played, the rejection of Babylon is reaffirmed. Rastas believe that their music has healing properties.
Many of the songs are sung to the tune of ancient Christian hymns, but others are original Rastafarian creations.
Rasta ritual rhythms began to be incorporated into reggae, and this genre also incorporates Rasta chants, languages, motives, and social criticism.
Language
Rastas treat words as if they had some intrinsic power, the Rastafari language reflects the Rasta's own experiences; it also supports group identity and cultivates a particular set of values.
Rastas believe that the English language is a tool of Babylon, so they had to form their own language
Organization
The Rastafari is not a homogeneous movement and does not have a single administrative structure, nor a leader. Centralized and hierarchical structures are avoided because they want to avoid replicating the formal structures of Babylon.
Rastafarian culture is similar to the structures of other African diaspora traditions such as Haitian voodoo, Cuban Santeria, and Jamaica's Zion Revival.
Rastas are considered members of an exclusive community, the membership of which is restricted only to those who recognize the importance of Haile Selassie. Dreadlocks are considered to be the 'enlightened' who 'have seen the light'.
Many of its practitioners do not establish good relationships with other non-Rastas, as they believe that they will never accept the Rastafarian doctrine as true.
References
- Culture Rastafari. Recovered from slideshare.com
- Rastafari culture. Recovered from debate.uvm.edu
- Rastafarian. Recovered from wikipedia.org
- All about Rasta culture. Recovered from nyahbingiman.galeon.com.