Things Everyone Should know about Rastafarians
Things Everyone Should know about Rastafarians
Perhaps the only thing you know about Rastas is that they grow dreadlocks and smoke joints. While you are right, these are certainly not the only things about Rastas.
Our article highlights seven facts of Rastas that you already don’t know. We also talked about our cannabis recreational dispensary in San Francisco. Scroll down and keep reading to learn more about this movement that evolved in Jamaica in the 1930s, and has outspread its message globally.
Here are Seven Facts You Should Know about Rastas
1. Rastafari is Rooted in Marcus Garvey
Garvey was born in 1887 in Jamaica, was a supporter of the self-empowerment of the black race. He was a political activist. Until the present day, he is considered a prophet. Garvey’s role is considered to be similar to that of John the Baptist in Christian religion.
In Garvey’s teachings, he encouraged the African diaspora to look to Africa when a black king would wear the crown. And when the last Emperor of Ethiopia was crowned,
Garvey’s prophecy was recognised.
2. Dreadlocks go Beyond Style
To the Rastas, dreadlocks go beyond just-style. They believe that humans ought not to cut their hair because their strengths lie in it. And when hair is left to grow without restriction, locks are formed.
The Rastas take this bearing from the Old Testament book of Leviticus 19:27.
3. Haile Selassie I is a Key Name to Know
In 1930, Marcus Garvey’s followers together, came to form a religion, when Haile Salassie I was made Emperor of Ethiopia. They see him as their messiah. This was why the movement was named after him, Ras Tafari Makonnen.
For the first and only time, Makonnen visited Jamaica on the 21st of April, 1966. And because of this, April 21st is now considered a holy day. It is now considered as Grounation Day.
4. Rastas Live Super Healthy Lives
Rastas are generally health-conscious. One of the reasons for this is that based on the Old Testament’s teachings, they consider their bodies to be temples.
They do not eat food that is not nourishing to their bodies, and this includes meat. They also do not drink alcohol. Many of them follow a strict dietary rule which is called ital. This rule states that all food must be raw and natural.
5. Red, Green, Black, and Gold. Not Red, Green, Yellow, and Gold
The colours of the Rastafari flag is a prevalent misconception. Many people believe that the colours are red, green, yellow, and gold. However, the correct colours of the Rastafari flag are red, green, black, and gold. It is gold and not yellow.
These colours were chosen for a specific reason. Gold represents Ethiopia’s wealth. Red symbolises the blood of people who were killed for the Black movement throughout the history of Jamaica. The green signifies Jamaica’s vegetation. It also represents the aspiration for the eradication of repression. While the black symbolises the colour of Africans, who started Rastafari.
6. Rastas Smoke Cannabis to Improve Spiritual Awareness
The Rastas do not regard cannabis as a drug. Rather, they consider it as a medium used to increase their spirituality and open their minds. They consider the smoking of hemp as a religious ritual. Today, marijuana can be found in many San Francisco dispensaries, as well as other dispensaries.
7. Rastas are not Only in Jamaica
Because Rastafari began in Jamaica, many people believe that Rastas are only in Jamaica. However, it is important to note that, of the approximately one million followers of the movement of Rastafari, many of them are not in Jamaica.
Thanks to the internet, especially music which has touched the lives of many people globally.
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