Video - Rastafari Roots: Faith, Culture, and Resistance

The Rastafari movement, also known as Rastafarianism, originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It emerged among the Afro-Jamaican community as a response to social and economic injustices and as a means to reclaim African heritage and identity. The movement was inspired by the coronation of Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia, in 1930, who is revered by Rastafarians as the incarnation of God (Jah) and the Messiah who will lead them to redemption. Central to Rastafarian beliefs is the worship of Haile Selassie I and the belief in the eventual repatriation of the African diaspora to Africa, specifically Ethiopia, considered the Promised Land. Rastafarians follow a spiritual way of life that emphasizes living in harmony with nature, rejecting Western materialism (often referred to as "Babylon"), and adhering to principles of peace and love. Rastafarians often adhere to a strict dietary code known as Ital, which promotes natural and clean eating, avoiding processed foods and meat. The movement also promotes the use of cannabis (referred to as "ganja") as a sacrament for spiritual enlightenment, meditation, and connection to the divine. Rastafarianism has had a profound cultural impact, particularly through its association with reggae music, popularized globally by artists like Bob Marley. The movement's message of resistance against oppression, unity, and spiritual growth continues to resonate worldwide.