Rastafarianism etymology

Etymology

The term "Rastafari" is believed to have originated from two sources:

  • Ras Tafari: The pre-coronation name of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who Rastafarians revere as God incarnate.
  • Tafari: A title meaning "provider" or "one who provides" in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia.

Meaning

Rastafari is a monotheistic religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It emphasizes spirituality, social justice, and a connection to Africa. Rastafarians believe that:

  • Haile Selassie I is God incarnate (Jah) and the Emperor of Ethiopia.
  • Africa is the "Promised Land" and the true home of Rastafarians.
  • The Rastafarian faith is a way of liberation and redemption from the oppression and injustices faced by people of African descent.

Origin

Rastafari emerged in the working-class communities of Jamaica amidst the social and economic struggles of the 1930s. Key figures in the development of Rastafari include:

  • Marcus Garvey: A Jamaican-born activist who promoted Pan-Africanism and the idea of a "back to Africa" movement.
  • Leonard Howell: A Jamaican preacher who founded the Pinnacle community in 1932, which became one of the earliest Rastafarian settlements.
  • Joseph Hibbert: A Jamaican healer and spiritual leader who preached about the divinity of Haile Selassie I.

Rastafari spread rapidly throughout Jamaica and beyond, becoming a popular movement among people of African descent who sought spiritual and social empowerment.

Rastafarianism relate terms

  • Rastafarian

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

  • cult

    Etymology The word cult comes from the Latin word cultus which means worship re

  • crusade

    Etymology Medieval Latin cruciata marked with a cross Late Latin crux cross

  • just

    Etymology Origin Old French conscience from Latin conscientia from com with sci

  • taboo

    Etymology The word taboo originates from the Tongan language where it is spelled tap

  • pariah

    Etymology Latin paria equal match Old French parage lineage rank Middle Engl

  • Albuquerque

    Etymology Albuquerque is derived from the Spanish name Alburquerque which is probably

  • restaurant

    Etymology The word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer which means to

  • lead

    Etymology The word lead comes from the Old English word lēad which is ultimately d

  • protagonist

    Etymology The word protagonist is derived from the Greek words protos meaning fir

  • experience

    Etymology The word experience comes from the Old French word esprover which in turn