Natty dreadlocks is a term used to refer to both the hairstyle and those who adhere to the Rastafarian religion. It represents the link between spirituality and dreadlocks in the Rastafarian community. Dreadlocks are seen as a part of the Rastafarian lifestyle and represent the movement’s deep roots and pride in African culture. Many followers of the Rasta religion consider growing dreadlocks to be a spiritual process. Although people of African descent have hair that naturally forms dreadlocks, the hairstyle is popular among other ethnicities as well.
Natty dreadlocks – referring to the natural dreadlocks of many members of the Rastafarian religion – is a term used to refer to both someone who adheres to this religious faith and the hairstyle itself. Made known through popular reggae music, the Rastafarian movement and dreadlocked hair is familiar to people all over the world. The term natty dreadlocks or natty dread is heard in Reggae music lyrics. It refers to the link between spirituality and dreadlocks in the Rastafarian community. As dreadlocks have become increasingly popular around the world, this term distinguishes between those who wear them only as a hairstyle and those who grow their locks out for religious reasons.
The Rasta religion developed in Jamaica in the early 1900s. It emphasizes a deep spirituality reflected through the lifestyle. Members of the Rastafarian movement shun much of Western culture, viewing it as a culture of oppression. They wear their hair in elegant dreadlocks because it is natural and to them it represents the independence and strength of their religion and culture. Biblical passages are cited to support the use of unkempt and uncut hair.
Dreadlocks, while worn by many Rastafarians, are not worn by all. They are seen more as a part of the whole Rastafarian lifestyle rather than a hairstyle and represent the movement’s deep roots and pride in African culture. Rasta dreadlocks are thought to be inspired by the Masai and other tribes of Africa. They also symbolize the mane of the Lion of Judah, as seen in the Ethiopian flag. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia is believed to be a direct descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, and the lion is seen by Rastafarians as symbolic of him.
Many followers of the Rasta religion consider growing dreadlocks to be a spiritual process. It takes years to grow long dreadlocks and the process requires patience. This is seen as a virtue by religion. Sleek dreadlocks, the ones who wear the long, tangled locks, believe the razor and comb are tools of oppression. By wearing their hair in its natural form, members of the Rastafarian community show their commitment to their beliefs.
Not everyone who wears dreadlocks is a Rastafarian; in fact, very few are. Dreadlocks have become a popular hairstyle and can be found all over the world. Although people of African descent have hair that naturally forms dreadlocks, the hairstyle is popular among other ethnicities as well. Special products and hairdressers are often used to create and maintain dreadlocks.
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