Rasta is a philosophy and religion that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, centered around Haile Selassie I as Jah, or God. Rastafarianism has gained popularity through key Jamaican individuals, including Marcus Garvey and Bob Marley. The lifestyle includes a natural diet and the use of cannabis for religious or medicinal purposes.
The term “Rasta” refers to the Rastafarian movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s and originally began among black members of the poor and peasant classes. It is both a philosophy of life and a religion. Central to the religion is Haile Selassie I, who was the last emperor of Ethiopia. In Rasta, Selassie is accepted as Jah, which is the name of God. The term Jah is a shortened version of the name Jehovah used in Psalm 68:4 of the King James Version of the Bible:
“Sing to God, sing praises to his name: exalt him who rides in the heavens with his name JAH, and rejoice before him.”
In Rasta, Jah is accepted as part of the Holy Trinity and, as the messiah, is expected to return.
The term “Rastafari” comes from the combination of a term of honor and a name. Ras means “chief” and Tafari was the first name of Haile Selassie I before his coronation. Some individuals view Rastafarianism as a political movement, a sentiment offensive to many members of the religion.
The Rastafarian movement, however, has gained power and popularity through many social and political aspirations of key Jamaican individuals. Publicist and organizer Marcus Garvey, considered a prophet by many members of the Rastafaith, used his cultural and political insight to inspire a new worldview within the group.
Jamaican reggae musician Bob Marley, along with other musicians of his genre, also helped spread this religion around the world. Much of Marley’s music was about Rasta life and practices. In the year 2000, there were more than one million members of the Rastafarian religion worldwide. Furthermore, more than 10% of the Jamaican population identifies with it.
The Rastafarian lifestyle may include maintaining a vegan or vegetarian diet. More precisely, the dietary guidelines focus on natural and non-chemically treated foods. The dietary laws are taken from the Old Testament books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It should be noted that there are many individuals of different religions and belief systems who use the diet suggestions from the Bible in different ways. The Rasta lifestyle can also include the use of cannabis, but not for recreational purposes, rather for religious or medicinal purposes.
In the eight decades since its inception, Rasta has gained a great deal of notoriety and a healthy following. He is still supported within the reggae community. Soldiers of Jah Army (also known as SOJA) are a modern day reggae band that advocates lifestyle and belief system.
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