The Rastafari movement explained to your mom

How do you explain the Rastafari movement to your mom? Easy, in 4 points.

Rastas are religious

The Rasta movement is a religion which draws its inspiration from the Old Testament (like Christianity and Judaism) and Pan-Africanism, a political idea that encourages solidarity between Africans, wherever they may be in the world. It was born in 1930 out of the anger of oppressed blacks in Jamaica, then colonized by the British.

Rastafari was influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey, a black nationalist leader who advocated black emancipation and a return to Africa. Garvey's prophecy of a black king for Africa became central to Rastafari belief.

A foothold in Ethiopia

Rastas venerate the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, called Ras (King) Tafari before his coronation, and the last reincarnation of God on Earth, Jah. They regard Ethiopia as the Promised Land, the place of repatriation for all Rastafarians.

Haile Selassie's speech in Jamaica in 1966 is central to Rasta ideology: «Liberation before repatriation», he said, entrusting Rastas with the mission of delivering Babylon (the world of oppression, the West) before they can hope for a deserved rest in Ethiopia, the biblical Zion.

Selassie, born Ras Tafari Makonnen, was crowned emperor in 1930, at the age of 38. His coronation fulfilled Garvey's prophecy and consolidated his status as a messianic figure in the eyes of Rastafarians.

A certain frugality

The Rasta way of life is frugal and strict: no haircuts (hence the dreadlocks), no meat (considered a poison that feeds aggression). Ital vegetarianism), no alcohol. The use of Ganja, This herb, which is biblically justified in Genesis, is only used in a religious context, and enables them to rise spiritually. Used sacramentally, it is said to promote meditation and spiritual growth, and is sometimes referred to as «wisdom herb» or «sacred herb».

Livity: It's a way of life that promotes harmony with the environment and oneself, with an emphasis on health and spiritual purity.

Symbols

The symbols associated with Rasta come mainly from the Ethiopian flag: green, yellow, red and the lion of Judah, which was originally one of Haile Selassie's titles.

For a long time, Rastas were discriminated against in Jamaica and the West Indies. Even though Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear have done much to gain recognition for the Rasta community, the first dreadlocked Jamaican MP was only elected in 2011.

Here are some other Rastafari symbols:

• Dreadlocks : Wearing dreadlocks is a symbolic expression of Rastafari identity, representing the Lion of Judah and the natural.
• Zion: Africa, in particular Ethiopia, is considered the promised land.
• Babylon: Represents the oppressive Western world and its materialistic culture. Rastafarians strive to escape Babylon and return to Zion.
• Colors : The movement is often associated with the colors red, gold, green and black. Red represents the blood of the martyrs, gold the wealth of the African homeland, green the luxuriance of Ethiopia and black the people.
• The music : Reggae music, particularly through the works of Bob Marley, has been an important vehicle for spreading Rastafarian beliefs and culture around the world. The music often addresses social issues, spiritual themes and resistance to oppression.
• Social and political views : Rastafarianism advocates the liberation and upliftment of black people worldwide. It calls for social justice, human rights and resistance to oppression.

P.S.: NEVER talk about Rastafarianism. Rastas reject all -ism words as Babylonian-inspired.