Haile Selassie I – God of the Black race
Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy – “Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer” – was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia.
Do Rastas believe in God?
Rasta believe in the Judeo-Christian God and refer to their higher power as “Jah”. 7. The Rastafari believe marijuana, known as ganja, is sacred.
Who is the God of the Rastafarian religion?
Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy – “Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer” – was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie I is regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race.
Can Rastafarians cut their hair?
According to Old Testament scripture (Leviticus 19:27), Rastas believe one should not cut their hair because it is where their strength lies . Dreadlocks form naturally over time.
What is the Rasta Bible called?
The Rastafari Bible is an edition of the Holy Bible for Rastas. The Jah International Version is a revision of the King James Version, which has a long history of use in Rastafari. The JIV restores the name of God JAH in both the Old and New Testaments.
What do Rastas say before smoking?
It is common for the cannabis to be smoked via a ‘chalice' (pipe) and the Rasta always say the following as a prayer before imbibing: “ Glory be to the father and to the maker of creation. As it was, in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end.”
Is Jah and God the same?
Jah or Yah (Hebrew: יה, Yah) is a short form of Hebrew: יהוה (YHWH), the four letters that form the tetragrammaton, the personal name of God: Yahweh, which the ancient Israelites used. ... In the modern English-language Christian context, the name Jah is commonly associated with the Rastafari.
Do Rastas read the Bible?
Rastas believe that they can come to know the true meanings of biblical scriptures by cultivating a mystical consciousness of oneself with Jah, called “I-and-I.” Rastas read the Bible selectively , however, emphasizing passages from Leviticus that admonish the cutting of hair and beard and the eating of certain foods ...
What do Rastas wear?
The “rastacap” or “tam” is a tall (depending on the user's hair length), round, crocheted cap . It is most commonly associated with the pat as a way for Rastafari (Rastas) and others with dreadlocks to tuck their hair away, but may be worn for religious reasons by Rastafari. The cap is worn mostly by men.
Can anyone be a Rastafarian?
AS RASTAFARIANISM has no official dogma and no formal ‘church', there is no conversion process. The nearest thing to a church that Rastas have is the Twelve Tribes of Israel Church, which is multi-racial and will accept anyone, without a ceremony, who recognises Haile Selassie I to be one of a long line of prophets.
What is a female Rasta called?
The role of Rastafarian women, who are called Queens , and the rules that apply specifically to women.
Can you be a Rasta without dreads?
The locks partly define Rastas but one can still be without them and be a Rastafarian. Metal Mulangira, who is a Rastafarian as well, says that one can indeed be a Rastafarian without dreads by simply following their way of life. “Rastas neither smoke cigarettes nor drink alcohol.
Why do Rasta have long hair?
Dreadlocks. ... Rastafarians grow their hair long, before coiling it into dreadlocks. The wearing of hair in dreadlocks by Rastafarians is believed to be spiritual ; this is justified in the Bible: They shall not make baldness upon their head.
Do Rasta eat meat?
To stay healthy and spiritually connected to the earth, Rastas eat a natural diet free from additives, chemicals, and most meat . The style of primarily vegan eating is known as ital cooking. ... Rastas are commonly called Locksmen and Dreadlocks, as they believe God (Jah) instructed them to to never cut their hair.
What do Rastas mean by Babylon?
Babylon is an important Rastafari term, referring to governments and institutions that are seen as in rebellion against the will of Jah (God). ... It has gone on to also refer to corrupt members of government, or “politricksters” who continue to oppress the poor, regardless of race.
What do Rastafarians smoke?
A chalice, also known as a wisdom chalice or chillum chalice , is a type of cannabis smoking pipe used most often by members of the Jamaican Rastafari movement. It is a sort of water pipe with a hose, or drawtube, for inhaling; the water cools and filters the smoke and the hose provides additional airspace for cooling.
