Rastafarianism

Background
Rastafarianism dates back to the early 1930s when the Prince Regent, Ras ('Prince') Tafari, was crowned as Emperor Haile Selassie 1 of Ethiopia (1930-74). Indeed, it is from Ras Tafari that this Revivalist Movement gained its name. Rastafarians believe in one God (Jah) and that they and all Africans who have migrated are but exiles in 'Babylon'. They are destined to be delivered out of captivity by a return to Zion or Africa - the land of their ancestors. There are believed to be about 250,000 adherents to this religion world-wide, of whom approximately 5,000 live in the United Kingdom.

Fundamental beliefs
The modern characteristics of the Rastafarian movement include a loosely defined belief system, due to its lack of a single authoritative voice. Some consider the Rastafarian movement to be influenced by Marcus Garvey's own set of beliefs. He established the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 in both the United States and Jamaica. This organisation was the vehicle for Garvey's aim to return Black to Africa. His teaching remains the key influence upon this Black religion. Garvey was thought to have predicted the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie with his alleged phrase "Look to Africa when a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is near."

Tenets of faith
Despite the lack of a central authority, Rastafarianism is guided by key tenets of faith. The Bible is the main religious text of Rastafarianism. The African race is one of God's chosen races, one of the twelve Tribes of Israel. Jamaica is the biblical 'Babylon', although all the places to which Africans have been exiled are also included. 'Babylon' is the place which will never see spiritual reform and liberation. 'Jah' is believed to reside in each person and there is 'Oneness' between the individual and God. Revivalism, the belief that they are destined to be delivered out of captivity by a return to Zion or Africa, is the key tenet of faith held by the adherents to Rastafarianism.

Rites and observances
Worship takes place at various times depending upon each Rastafarian commune. Nevertheless, a service is conducted at least once a week. Central to the service is music and, sometimes I-TAL (vegetarian, organic and natural food prepared in the colours red, green and gold). Fasting is observed, sometimes as often as twice each week or simply on the first Saturday of every month. On these days, nothing whatever is consumed from noon until evening. Adherents to Rastafarianism consider Saturday to be the Sabbath day. Cutting of hair is prohibited. Dreadlocks symbolise the 'mane of the Lion of Judah' (reference to the divine title of Emperor Haile Selassie).

Main religious festivals
Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie- 23rd July.
Ethiopian Christmas-7th January.

Social life and the role of women
Within Rastafarian communities, men and women play distinct roles and have different status. Traditional Rastafarianism, in its attitude and expectations of women, is very similar to traditional Judaism and Islam. Just as women's equality has become a serious issue in other faiths, Rastafarianism is adopting more open-minded and progressive ideas about women. Abortion or birth control are opposed. Women undergo certain restrictions during menstruation, a time perceived as being 'impure'.

Language, culture and diet
Since the Second World War, the influence of Rastafarianism on Jamaican society has been very significant. Music, language and cultural styles of dress have become symbolic of both Jamaica and Rastafarianism. As a consequence, it is difficult to ascertain where Rastafarianism ends and Jamaican culture begins. It would be a mistake to assume that everybody wearing their hair in dreadlocks or even the 'Tam' (a woollen hat used by 'Dreads' to cover their locks) is an adherent of Rastafarianism. Nevertheless, some adherents choose to express themselves in music rather than religious observance. Furthermore, the vocabulary of Rastafarianism is largely that of Jamaican Patois. Rastafarianism has, in the past, played a significant role in the politics of Jamaica. Indeed, Rastafarians remain very critical of many aspects of Jamaican. politics and way of life.

Most adherents of Rastafarianism are vegetarian and avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tea and coffee. However, marijuana (ganja) is consumed and plays a significant role within Rastafarianism.