Rastafarianism: Origins and beliefs

By Tim Hall

Last Updated: 2:15am BST 13/04/2007

Rastafarianism developed in Jamaica in the 1930s among working-class black people. Bob Marley helped spread the Rastafarian message It began in part as a social stand against whites and the middle-classes, whom the Rastafarians saw as oppressors. Among their grievances, the Rastafarians believed that by being taken to the Caribbean by slave traders they had been robbed of their African heritage, which they sought to recapture and celebrate. The Rastafari movement, or Rasta, takes the Bible as its sacred text, but interprets it in an Afro-centric way in order to reverse what Rastas see as changes made to the text by white powers. The movement took as its spiritual head Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia, who was lauded for being a black leader in the heart of Africa. To the Rastas, Haile Selassie became Jah, or God incarnate, who would one day lead the people of African origin to a promised land. Although Haile Salassie died in 1975, his death is not accepted by Rastafarians, who believe he will one day return. Rastafarians also looked up to Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican socialist, whose philosophies they believed could help open the way to a new world order. From the beginning, Rastafarianism was associated with communal living. Leonard Howell, often called the “first Rasta,” set up the first Rastafarian commune of 5,000 people at Pinnacle, St Catherine, Jamaica. His subsequent persecution by Jamaican authorities encapsulated for many people the decades of oppression suffered by black Africans. From Jamaica, the Rastafari movement spread around the globe, thanks in part to the huge popularity of its most famous member, Bob Marley. The reggae star’s lyrics were full of Rasta doctrine and encapsulated the spirit of the movement. In addition to Marley, other Rasta symbols include dreadlocks and cannabis. Although not worn by all Rastafarians, the movement believes the hairstyle is supported in the bible. The smoking of cannabis - commonly known as Ganja among followers - is regarded as a spiritual act, often accompanied by Bible reading. Rastafarians believe smoking cannabis is sanctioned by the Bible, cleans the body and mind and brings the soul closer to God. Today there are thought to be more than one million Rastafarians around the world. Some live in communes, which double as temples, where the Bible is studied and prayers are offered. However, Rastafarianism has never been a highly organised religion, and many Rastas see it more as a culture or way of life.