The term "Rastafarian" is derived from the following sources:
Ras: A title of respect used in Ethiopia for princes and tribal chiefs. It is derived from the Amharic word "Ras," meaning "head."
Tafari Makonnen: The birth name of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whom Rastafarians consider to be the embodiment of God, Jah.
Therefore, "Rastafarian" literally means "follower of Ras Tafari Makonnen."
Meaning
Rastafarianism is a religious and social movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its central beliefs revolve around the following:
Jah as God: Haile Selassie I is considered the living incarnation of God, known as Jah.
Zion: Ethiopia is seen as the Promised Land, the birthplace of humanity.
Marcus Garvey: The Jamaican activist and Pan-Africanist is revered as a prophet who predicted the rise of Jah.
Return to Africa: Rastafarians believe that all people of African descent should return to Africa to reclaim their heritage.
Dreadlocks: Worn as a symbol of rebellion against societal norms and as a representation of the lion's mane, a symbol of Rastafarian strength.
Vegetarianism (Ital): Adhering to a strict plant-based diet that excludes meat, processed foods, and alcohol.
Origin
Rastafarianism emerged in the 1930s within the impoverished and marginalized Afro-Jamaican community. It was influenced by various factors, including:
Marcus Garvey's teachings: Garvey's Pan-Africanist movement promoted the idea of black liberation and the return to Africa.
Ethiopianism: A religious movement that celebrated the history and culture of Ethiopia as the birthplace of civilization.
Social and economic conditions: The harsh living conditions in Jamaica during this period led to a sense of frustration and a search for alternative visions of hope.
The coronation of Haile Selassie I: The coronation of Ras Tafari Makonnen as Emperor Haile Selassie I in 1930 was seen by many as a fulfillment of biblical prophecies.
