Introduction
Understanding Rastafari
Rastafari was born in a colonial society marked by slavery, racism and poverty. He read the Bible from the African experience and proclaimed black dignity, return to Zion and rejection of oppressive systems called Babylon.
Ras Tafari Makonnen's coronation as Haile Selassié was interpreted by Jamaican preachers as a prophetic achievement.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Rastafari was born in a colonial society marked by slavery, racism and poverty.
- Ras Tafari Makonnen's coronation as Haile Selassié was interpreted by Jamaican preachers as a prophetic achievement.
- Selassia's interpretations vary: incarnation of Jah, sacred representative or angelic king.
- Rastafari makes spirituality an affirmation of dignity, African memory and Babylon's liberation.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Ras Tafari Makonnen's coronation as Haile Selassié was interpreted by Jamaican preachers as a prophetic achievement.
Historical developments
Leonard Howell is one of the pioneers.
Ritual life and teachings
Selassia's interpretations vary: incarnation of Jah, sacred representative or angelic king.
A living and plural tradition
The movement is being repressed and marginalized.
History and development
Ras Tafari Makonnen's crowning as Haïlé Selassié was interpreted by Jamaican preachers as a prophetic achievement. Leonard Howell was among the pioneers. The movement was being repressed and marginalized.
Selassié's visit to Jamaica in 1966 was decisive. The reggae, including Bob Marley, then spread its symbols around the world.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
The interpretations of Selassia vary: incarnation of Jah, sacred representative or angelic king. The *reasoning sessions* are community spiritual exchanges; Nyahbinghi ceremonies associate drums, songs and prayer.
The *ital* lifestyle seeks a natural diet, often vegetarian. Cannabis can be used as a sacrament in certain groups, never as a universal obligation nor without legal and health risks.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Bible, speech and image of Selassie, Holy Piby and pan-African writings according to currents. Symbols: lion of Judah, red-gold-green colors, dreadlocks, Africa and chalice.
What research can and cannot say
Reducing Rastafari to reggae or cannabis erases his theology and his liberation project. Divine claims are a matter of faith; his political and cultural impact is historically observable.
References