Many people view the Rastafarian religion as originating in Africa. However, others sometimes view Rastafarianism as an American invention developed by Marcus Garvey, an African-American leader from the United States. Today it is often associated with the poor Black populations in Jamaica. It is a religion which reaches back into Africa for its history and meaning. It is primarily a Bible-based religion which rebels against the dominant white culture. It is a religion born of a people oppressed through slavery and racial prejudice and which teaches love and respect for all living things. It seeks to give black people pride in themselves and their heritage. It is similar to many other ethnic religions in that it is a way of life, not just a belief system.
Ethiopia was never a European colony. The last Ethiopian emperor, Haile Sellassie, was the 225th monarch, a direct descendent of Menelik, the ruler who brought the ark of the covenant to Ethiopia. In Rastafarianism, Haile Sellassie is seen as a living God for the Black race. His actual name is Ras Tafari, which is the origin of the term Rastafarianism.
Haile Sellassie himself, an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, had nothing to do with the founding of Rastafarianism.
When the media reported the death of Haile Sellassie, Rastafarians saw this as a trick to try and bring down their faith. They feel that Haile Sellasie now sits on the highest point of Mount Zion where he and Empress Menen await the time of judgment.
Rastafarians use the term "Babylon" to indicate the white political structure that has been holding blacks down for centuries. They feel that in the past blacks were held down through the institution of slavery. At the present time, they feel that blacks are held down through poverty, illiteracy, inequality, the trickery of the white power structure.
For the Rastafarians, the color red is used to symbolize the Church Triumphant, that is, the Rastafarian Church. It also is a symbol of the blood of the martyrs. Yellow is used to symbolize the wealth of the homeland and green represents the beauty and vegetation of Ethiopia, the promised land. Black is used to represent the color of Africans.
One of the important elements of the Rastafarians is the use of ganja (cannabis). This herb is used for both spiritual and healing purposes. They feel that this beneficial plant is the Tree of Life described in the Bible. They see the smoking of ganja as a way of discussing the truth with each other. They also feel that the plant brings them closer to nature.
"The herb is the key to new understanding of the self, the universe, and God. It is the vehicle to cosmic consciousness"
The dreadlocks worn by the Rastas represent the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings. The Lion of Judah represents Haile Sellassie, the Conqueror.
Musically, many of the Rastafarian concepts are expressed through Reggae, particularly through musicians such as Bob Marley.
It is estimated that there are between 200,000 and 800,000 Rastafarians world-wide.
This was originally posted on Street Prophets