Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism (pronunciation: /ˌrastəˈfɛərɪənɪzəm/), also known as Rastafari or Rasta, is a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is an Abrahamic faith that adheres to much of The Bible, although Rastafarians interpret it in their own way.

Etymology

The term "Rastafarianism" is derived from Ras Tafari, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. "Ras" is an Ethiopian title equivalent to "duke", while "Tafari" means "one who is to be feared" in Amharic.

Beliefs

Rastafarianism is a monotheistic religion that believes in the divinity of Haile Selassie. Rastafarians regard Selassie as the second coming of Jesus Christ, who they refer to as Jah. They also believe in the concepts of Zion and Babylon, representing the ideal place of peace and the corrupt establishment respectively.

Practices

Rastafarians follow a number of practices, including the wearing of dreadlocks, adherence to the Ital diet, and the use of marijuana in religious rituals. They also engage in reasoning sessions, where they discuss issues and smoke marijuana to aid in meditation.

Related Terms

Haile Selassie: The Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, regarded as a divine figure in Rastafarianism.
Jah: The Rastafarian term for God.
Zion: In Rastafarian belief, the ideal place of peace and the ultimate destination for all people.
Babylon: Represents the corrupt establishment in Rastafarian belief.
Ital: A diet followed by many Rastafarians, which emphasizes natural foods.