Socyberty > Subcultures

Dreadlocks, Ganja and Reggae: What is Rastafarianism?

The foundations and beliefs of the Rastafarian culture.

Since the mid seventies a reggae artist by the name of Bob Marley has introduced the sound of Reggae music to the western world. Accompanying his music was his long uncut braid-like hair (dreadlocks) and the strong scent of burning ganja (marijuana) which is an integral part of the full picture of Rastafarianism.

Many people are of the impression that there is little more to Rastafarianism than smoking weed and growing your hair into tangled locks. This however is not the case.

Interestingly enough, the Rastafarian religion draws its central belief system from the Christian bible. They believe that the bible has been incorrectly translated from its Aramaic roots and therefore contains mistakes. A Rasta believes that one can use experience and intuition to discern the truth and interpret the words in the bible correctly.

The belief System

At the core of the Rastafarian belief system is the doctrine that black people are the descendants of the early Israelites and were exiled because of their transgressions against God. Their salvation will come through Haile Selassie I (the last crowned black Emperor of Ethiopia) who, they believe, is God and their savior, the incarnation of Jah -or Jehovah. Haile Selassie I is seen as the reincarnation of Christ, the one who will bring them to the Land of freedom, to Africa. For them, Africa and, more precisely Ethiopia, is the home of all Black people, the place where they can be saved. This salvation comes through repatriation. The meaning applied to repatriation varies among those who are believers. For some, it means a physical return to Africa; others, however, think that the return to Africa does not need to be a physical return; most important is to become aware of their African identity, to re-establish their identity undermined by the different kinds of power, and to immediately start changing their reality right where they are now.

Although they believe in reincarnation they are not overly concerned with the after life, as salvation happens here in their search for their home, in the search for Africa which is for them associated with heaven, while Babylon (that is the place of the white man, the white man's society) is associated with hell.

Dreadlocks and Identity

Growing one's hair into dreadlocks is also a belief that stems from the bible. The dread locks are one of the ways Rastafarians use to emphasize their identity. It is related to the lions and inspired in the bible. Cutting one's locks is strictly prohibited in the Rasta culture hence some Rastafarians have hair that is past their waist. To be a Rasta is to live in accordance with the laws of nature, in other words is to live in an African way.In their diet they avoid meat, and above all, pork, alcohol, and food of unknown sources.

Some of them make use of smoking ganja (marijuana). There are no strict rules concerning its use. A true Rasta however believes that the overuse of this potent herb might turn into an end in itself if not used properly and in sessions to give thanks and praise unto Jah. Reggae music is an integral part of a Rastafarian's lifestyle as well. This music is empowering to a Rasta and also allows him to give thanks to Jah for what he has in this life, and what he will have in the life to come. Its mix of deep of bass, simple guitar, and rhythmic drumming is reminiscent of something that is an inherited form of African music.

Another important Rastafarian identification is with the colors, red, gold, and green from the Ethiopian flag. They are a symbol of the Rastafarian movement, and of the loyalty Rastas feel towards Haile Selassie I, Ethiopia and Africa rather than for any other modern state where they happen to live. These colors are frequently seen on clothing and other decorations. Red stands for the blood of martyrs, green stands for the vegetation of Africa, while gold stands for the wealth and prosperity Africa has to offer.

There are over 100,000 Rastafarians in Jamaica alone. There are also Rastafarians in Great Britain, the United States, and elsewhere in the Caribbean. It is not known how large these communities are.

With understanding and tolerance the Rastafarian religion has grown to coincide with the many religions of the world. Rastafarian people are very approachable and readily discuss their beliefs if asked. The next time you come upon a true Rastafarian, if you still aren't sure what his/her belief is all about you have only but to ask. A Dread (Rastafarian) is only too happy to share his truth with you.

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Comments (46)
#1 by Eli, Aug 30, 2007
it's not rastafarianism... rastas believe the term is -ism is a bad thing cuz it is in relation of schism.
#2 by Judy Sheldon, Oct 21, 2007
This is an interesting piece. Thank you for sharing.
#3 by Brooklyn B, Dec 6, 2007
thats right fire bun all ism's and schisms
and being a rastfarian is a lifestyle NOT a religion

JAH RASTAFARI
#4 by Aidonia's Wife , Dec 7, 2007
Rastafarianism IS a Religion yet it is also a lifestyle... A religious lifestyle so to speak.....
#5 by Carm, Jan 9, 2008
Question? Can a rasta be with someone who is not rasta?
#6 by zulu-man, Jan 15, 2008
ya man
#7 by geno, Jan 20, 2008
rasta is peace and love and power
#8 by polar, Jan 22, 2008
mi luv all mi read on this. pease n luv to all true RASTAS
#9 by Gaynelle, Feb 4, 2008
Red stands for the blood of martyrs. Red to the ism. RASTAFARI STYLE
#10 by dahviaI, Feb 13, 2008
rastas live in a world of non rasta so to commune with others is only natural..
Livity is only a theory to Babylon and not really understood so "religion" is the closest thing for them to say..where there is no overstanding there is to be name calling.. no offense from the ignorant shall turn our heads from the truth.. Jah is jah and Rastafari is HIMself.. those who seek understanding should not be rebuffed but educated into truth.. livity and Inity..one sees too much the rasta lion roar and the smoke and locks only and being associated with badness is not our aim nor destiny...good over evil every time.. where is the one love?
"we prefer the title RastafarI to disassociate ourselves from organized religion (isms and schisms) and to emphasize the unity and natural bonding with each other, Jah and the planet and all the plants and animals and natural elements of the world (The capital I)"
peace to all
RastafarI
#11 by mrbildo, Mar 15, 2008
A very informative article. I must stress however how important it is that a rastafari will never call himself \"rastafarian\" the suffix \"ian\" brings about isms, ists, and various other labels we apply to ourselves. Rastafari use the suffix \"I\" in place in many cases. Rastafari has huge emphasis on the individual (IandI). Rastafari also has no structure, i.e it is not an organised religion, there are no priests or ceremonies. This is another reason the \"ian\" suffix is avoided.
#12 by yael, Mar 16, 2008
crazy article, enjoyed it
#13 by AL, Mar 22, 2008
and let man partake and use of all SEED bearing plants. ! now what? It's not what you put in your mouth but what comes out of it. Thank you Have A Good Day.
#14 by golden clay, Apr 1, 2008
whats all.fire burn dem.uganda
#15 by Danielle Almonism, May 1, 2008
I want to be jamaican so bad my mother is rastafarian but im only it by like 39 percent i love all jamaicans
#16 by Understand, May 14, 2008
Do u mean 50% Danielle?... lmao.
#17 by Faith, Jun 25, 2008
I'm engage to someone whom claim to be rasta. States we must have the same believes always judges my youth states that rasta means I must give up my faith but we have been having sex without the blessing from the creator so I ask what this all about and whats the laws on wedding, marriage, rearing of the youths, sex, do I have to give up my faith when this relationship was build in sin
#18 by Brandy, Jul 29, 2008
Unfortunately there are very few true Rastafarians left in Jamaica. The \"Rent a Dreds\" have caused the loss of lots of respect for the Rastas. A true Rasta is a family man, conservationalist, pure in body and spirit, doesn\'t drink alcohol, and tries to be a good example to all people. I hope their culture never dies out but there are fewer and fewer true Rastas. I am a Jamaican-American citizen and have lived in Jamaica many years.
#19 by TC, Aug 13, 2008
I believe and practice Rastafari…

Rastafari isn’t a religion that is amongst one race… Such as Jamaican or African…

Nor is it a religion built on what sexual preference you have…

There are people who hail up being a Rasta but str8 up Mash down certain individuals that give praise to the most high.

They are the ones who never increase in there faith!!!!

Rastafari is against the oppression of all people of all kinds… no matter what your trod is…

Any soul giving praise to the most high is worthy of being a rasta.

Picking and choosing who Deserves the most high love is not of Rastafari!!!

That is turning the love from Rastafari to there own vanity and pride for fear of the emperor or empress standing next to them.

Rastafari is 1 love!!!! NOT A LOVE OF DIFFERENT SEXES OR PREFERENCES!!!!
#20 by jake, Aug 28, 2008
can you be white and still be a rasta
#21 by LoVelOvE, Sep 22, 2008
wow. thanks! very nicely written...and very helpful. i\'ve been wondering about this. so yeah. thanks.
#22 by wanting to know, Sep 24, 2008
not to be like i know everything but some of your information is not quite the truth it sounds like you are trying to make Rasa as a black thing when it isnt Haile Selassiei is not GOD he is the profit and red green and gold stands for RED the blood of man kind GREEN the lush vegetation of the earth GOLD the son and the all mighty so you might want to watch how you word things!!!!!
#23 by myron a bennett .ja. wi, Sep 26, 2008
very informative and helpful
#24 by midnniht, Oct 2, 2008
I could find the word \'livity\' in the dictionary. What exacly does it mean???
#25 by midnniht, Oct 2, 2008
sorry!

I 'could not' find the word 'livaty' in the dictionary. what does it mean?
#26 by t-more, Oct 2, 2008
blesinz un2 u ol hu blv in da most high. lets trod on both to our promised land.
JAH RASTAFARI
#27 by mr.tagasa, Oct 12, 2008
i love dreads but i dont considered my self as a rasta
#28 by arianna, Nov 6, 2008
so what exactly do the dreads mean? doesnt it have something to do with well "dread"?
#29 by tonylove24, Nov 22, 2008
dose a true rasta sell weed and make $ off it to kids and black adults also not take care of is family (children). is it also ture they cant not work for the system (or i would like to call normal jobs). and abuse the herb like no 2morro.
#30 by collieman, Dec 9, 2008
Rastafari changed my life thanks and praise to the most high Jah. life is one love.Bless all of Humanity and Jah help them who only value vanity.
#31 by midnniht, Dec 13, 2008
Does anyone know what "Livity" Means?? I asked the question above but no one gave me an answer. I hear Rastafarians use the word a lot and sure enouth it has something to do with praising Jah.
I just was not able to find the word in any dictionary. any clue???

Blessings yea!
#32 by Kwan, Dec 15, 2008
PEACE AND LOVE TO ALL!!! Let your thoughts be free!!
#33 by I-DWANE, Jan 31, 2009
BLESSING FROM DA MOST HIGH JAH RASTAFARI
#34 by Miss Katie +& Miss Alix , Feb 9, 2009

#35 by Darian, Feb 15, 2009
"Livity" simply means way of life...
#36 by senzi i, Feb 22, 2009
every1 is running around talking about the end of days soon an all this and dat and yet they have them belly full and they spending like no other....yet the rastafari is denied work for staying true to christ\'s kingdom....as this was foretold in revalation.JAH lives Rejoice and live it up....iNi love the most high and praise him a king of kings conquering lion of the tribe of judah as also foretold....shall those who see be blind in the end of days and those that are blind see the truth. the devil is in the church acting as a shepard(pastor) and teacher as he was in the days of Jesus.Lying to the people about the coming suffering lamb messiah of JAH. and even as new jerusalem sets as a glorious kingdom of christ reign foriver more in inity....the old dragon is lying to the very elected.roman washed christianity.
#37 by senzi i, Feb 22, 2009
christ in his kingly character....yess i
#38 by shantal, Mar 25, 2009
it oa o.k but it does not it does not give info like y they do not eat pork and other meat
#39 by ahmed, Mar 25, 2009
i'm personally a 16 year old Muslim living in America, and therefore don't associate myself with RastafarI as a religion, however as a lifestyle it is present in my life. Allah, God, Jah, Yaweh, any names you have for your God,
let him live in all of you

-Salaam (peace)

mousacorp@gmail.com
#40 by HORIDEL, Mar 30, 2009
i love ragga muzik so much.. i love the beat and the contents of their song!it gives me peace of mind and inspires me to move on despite of d pains ive experienced because i know JAH would never let me down!
#41 by alexis scott, Apr 9, 2009
hey hey i have a rasta boyfriend ans trying to find out how there belief in relationships differ from ours
#42 by christafari, Apr 28, 2009
rasta is just a fashion
#43 by tafa, Apr 28, 2009
am a christian!!!!!!!!!dont ever get confused with your belief,. jesus is the only way to heaven,. thats it
#44 by JL, May 20, 2009
Tafa, minds are like parachutes; they only function when they are open!
#45 by rae rie, May 22, 2009
i am not a rasta, becasue i was not born a rasta.i smoke the herb though, but did long before i knew of the rasta ways man. i am very interested in learning about rastafarianism, and i have been. i love bob marley and his music and believe it was a testement of his fait the the ratsa.
#46 by Riggs, Jun 25, 2009
R.I.P. BOB MARLEY
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