Rasta etymology

Etymology

The word "Rasta" is believed to originate from two sources:

• Ras Tafari Makonnen: The birth name of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who was revered as the Messiah by Rastafarians. "Ras" is an Amharic title meaning "head" or "prince."
• "Rastaman Vibration": A reggae song by Bob Marley and the Wailers, which became synonymous with the Rastafarian movement.

Meaning and Origin

Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is based on the belief that:

• Emperor Haile Selassie I is the living God (Jah) and the King of Kings.
• Africa is the true homeland of black people.
• Babylon is a symbol of oppression and injustice.
• Dreads (matted hair) are a sign of rebellion against Babylon and a symbol of unity with Africa.
• Cannabis (ganja) is a holy herb that promotes spirituality and healing.

The movement was heavily influenced by:

• Pan-Africanism: A movement that promoted the unity and self-determination of African people.
• Marcus Garvey: A Jamaican-born activist who advocated for black empowerment and repatriation to Africa.
• Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity: Which provided some of the religious beliefs and practices of Rastafarianism.

Today, Rastafarianism is a global movement with followers in Jamaica, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. It has had a significant impact on reggae music, art, and culture.

Rasta relate terms

• Rastafarian

  Etymology The term Rastafarian is derived from the following sources Ras A title of

• rest

  Etymology The word rest originates from the Old English word restan which means to

• rastaquouere

  Etymology The term rastaquouere is derived from two French words rasta short for

• rest

  Etymology The word rest originates from the Old English word restan which means to

• mile

  Etymology Old English mil Proto Germanic mēlijōn PIE root meh₁l meaning measu

• right

  Etymology The word right comes from the Old English word riht which is derived fro

• disciple

  Etymology The word disciple comes from the Latin discipulus which means pupil or

• sister

  Etymology Old English sweostor Proto Germanic swestr Proto Indo European swesor Mea

• compensate

  Etymology Middle English compensaten from Latin compensare to weigh out together bal

• hangover

  Etymology Hangover First recorded in 1809 Derived from the Middle English hangove m

• vessel

  Etymology Middle English vessel from Anglo French vaissel vessel from Latin vas ge