Rastafari movement

Definition

The rastafari movement is a spiritual and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, promoting a belief in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and advocating for the empowerment of people of African descent. It combines elements of African traditions, Christianity, and pan-Africanism, aiming to uplift marginalized communities and foster a sense of identity and pride among black individuals worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rastafari movement emerged as a response to the social and economic injustices faced by black Jamaicans, drawing inspiration from Marcus Garvey's teachings about self-empowerment and racial pride.
2. Rastafarians reject materialism and promote a lifestyle centered around communal living, natural foods, and spirituality, often using marijuana as a sacramental herb for meditation and connection to God.
3. The movement emphasizes the importance of repatriation to Africa, advocating for the return of people of African descent to their ancestral homeland as a way to reclaim their identity and heritage.
4. Rastafari has developed its own unique cultural expressions, including reggae music, which became an influential medium for spreading its messages of resistance, love, and social justice worldwide.
5. Despite its roots in Jamaica, the rastafari movement has grown into a global phenomenon, with followers across various countries who interpret its teachings in ways that resonate with their own experiences.

Review Questions

• How did Marcus Garvey's ideas influence the beliefs and practices of the rastafari movement?
  • Marcus Garvey's ideas played a crucial role in shaping the rastafari movement by promoting concepts like black nationalism, pride in African heritage, and the importance of self-determination. His call for a return to Africa resonated deeply within the rastafari community, where many followers view repatriation as a way to reclaim their identity. Garvey's vision of empowerment helped inspire the spiritual and cultural elements that define the rastafari movement today.
• Discuss the significance of Haile Selassie I within the rastafari movement and how he is perceived by its followers.
  • Haile Selassie I holds a central place in the rastafari movement as he is regarded as a divine figure and an embodiment of black liberation. Followers see him as not only the rightful king of Ethiopia but also as a symbol of hope against oppression. His coronation in 1930 was viewed as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy, reinforcing his status among rastafarians as a messianic figure who represents the struggle against colonialism and racial injustice.
• Evaluate the impact of reggae music on the global perception of the rastafari movement and its message.
  • Reggae music has been instrumental in shaping the global perception of the rastafari movement by serving as a powerful medium for expressing its core messages of resistance, love, and social justice. Artists like Bob Marley popularized rastafari beliefs through their music, bringing attention to issues such as inequality, poverty, and cultural pride. This genre has not only allowed rastafarian ideals to reach a wider audience but has also fostered connections between diverse communities striving for social change, thereby enhancing the movement's relevance on an international scale.

Related terms

Haile Selassie I: The former emperor of Ethiopia, revered as a divine figure in the rastafari movement and considered a symbol of black liberation and resistance.

Marcus Garvey:

A Jamaican political leader and advocate for black nationalism whose ideas greatly influenced the rastafari movement, especially his emphasis on pride in African heritage and the need for self-determination.

Zion: In rastafari belief, Zion represents a promised land of freedom, often associated with Africa and specifically Ethiopia, contrasting with Babylon, which symbolizes oppression and colonialism.