World Religions - Rastafarianism

The singer Bob Marley will be forever identified with Reggae music and his religion Rastafarianism. He was the best known Rastaman in the world. Rastafarians have a very distinctive hair style called Dreads or Locks and look to Haile Salassie(born Tafari Makonnen) as their leader.

The Life of Haile Salassie

Tafari Makonnen was born on the 16th Hamle 1884 by the Ethiopian Calendar which corresponds to July 23rd 1892. He was the only one of ten siblings to survive childhood. His mother died before his second birthday and he was raised by his father's cousin. At the age of thirteen he was given his first region to rule. He married at age 19 and had six children. After a series of governorships in various regions, he was crowned Emperor Haile Salassie(meaning Power of the Trinity) I, on Nov. 2nd 1930.

Mussolini invaded Ethiopia in 1935. Haile Salassie went into exile in 1936. In 1941 he returned and with the help of British troops defeated the Italians. He ruled Ethiopia until 1974 when he was overthrown in an army coup. He died in Addis Ababa on Aug. 27th 1975.

Birth of Rastafarianism

The Rastafari Movement began in Jamaica in the early 1930's amongst poor and working class black people. Some of the titles attributed to Haile Salassie such as:

• King of Kings


• Conquering Lion of Judah


• Lord of Lords


• Elect of God


• Power of the Trinity

insinuated a an association with religious connotations. His status as the only Ruler of an Independent Black Country caught the attention of many. However other factors such as the ritual use of marijuana and the emergence of Afro-centric philosophers like Marcus Garvey gave rise to the popularity of Rastafarianism.

Rastafarian Beliefs

What Rastas believe vary a great deal. However there are some things that all Rastas have in common:

1. The Divinity of Haile Salassie. Salassie claims to trace his ancestry back to King Solomon of Israel and Rastas look upon him as Jah (Jehovah) or God. Selassie himself neither affirmed nor denied this claim.


2. The use of Marijuana (or ganja) as a religious sacrament. They believe that its use aids in meditation and wisdom.


3. Special (Ital) Diet that excludes the use of all meat(especially pork). They avoid predatory and scavenger species of marine life. Salt and many household spices are also not used.


4. The Growing of Dreadlocks. They do not believe that hair should be cut or combed.


5. Ethiopia is the Paradise and the Homeland to which all the faithful will return someday.

From its humble beginnings in Jamaica, Rastafarianism has grown to include many of all nationalities and races. Some have migrated to Ethiopia as told in this interview.

The most powerful expression of Rastafarainism can be seen in Reggae Music. It is music that often criticizes the economic and political structure of the world today as being corrupt and oppressive to minorities, and strives to promote a more just society. The following song by Bob Marley articulates this frustration with the world but holds out hope for the future:

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds" - Bob Marley

[youtube="http://youtube.com/watch?v=0L754e0iHk4"]

Sources used for this article include: Beliefs, Practices and Sacraments of Rastafari The State visit of Haile Salassie I The Rastafari Movement Rasta-ites Rastafarianism