Rastafari movement

A Rastafarian

Rastas often use the old flag of Ethiopia as a symbol.

A Rastafarian (often called a Rasta) is a member of the Rastafari movement. Most Rastafarians live in the Caribbean, most notably Jamaica.

Rastafarians say that Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, is Jah (shortened from Jehovah). They say that Jesus has returned again in the form of Haile Selassie I, or Jah, as he promised in the Bible, and he will deliver them to Zion, their name for paradise or Ethiopia.

There are several things that define a Rastafarian: they do not drink alcohol, they do not cut their hair, they spiritually smoke marijuana, they have a strict all-natural (often vegetarian) diet, and they believe in Jah and Zion.

Their diet is called I-tal derived from the word vital, and is something like Jewish kosher, but sometimes with no meat at all.

Dreadlocks are a common hairstyle of Rastafarians. For them, dreadlocks are an expression of spirituality: the term "dread" refers to a "fear of the Lord".

Naturality is an important part of the Rastafari way of life. They want to return to Africa and live naturally. They believe that smoking marijuana helps them to get in touch with Jah, and their way of life is improved when they practice meditation.

Rastafari movement in culture

Many reggae musicians are part of the Rastafari movement, including the famous musician Bob Marley, who died in 1981. Rapper Snoop Dogg became a Rastafarian in 2012. He has made an album of reggae music.

Rastafari Movement Media

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  Rastafari often claim the flag of the Ethiopian Royal Standard as was used during Haile Selassie's reign. It combines the conquering lion of Judah, symbol of the Ethiopian monarchy, with red, gold, and green.

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  Two Rastafari street vendors in Zeerust, South Africa; they are wearing and selling items that display their commitment to the religion

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  The Liberty Bell Temple in Los Angeles

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  Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia between 1930 and 1974. He is of central importance to Rastas, many of whom regard him as the Second Coming of Jesus and thus God incarnate in human form.

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  The eastern African nation of Ethiopia is given great prominence in Rasta doctrine.

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  A map of Ethiopia, the "Zion" of the Rastas

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  A Rasta in Barbados, wearing a rastacap decorated in the Rastafari colours: green, gold, red and black

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  The Rasta Shop, a store selling items associated with Rastafari in the U.S. state of Oregon

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  A group of Rastas in Liberia celebrating Marcus Garvey's birthday

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  A flowering cannabis plant; the smoking of which is considered a Biblically sanctioned sacrament by Rastas