Rasta

Rastafari, often called Rastafari or Rastafarianism, is a religious and social movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. It developed from a blend of Afro-Caribbean religious ideas, Ethiopianism, Pan-Africanism, and the ideas of black liberation associated with Marcus Garvey. The movement is not a single church but a loose network of groups and movements that share key beliefs and symbols.

Central beliefs include the divinity of Jah, understood as God, with Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian emperor, venerated by many adherents as Jah incarnate or the returned messiah and earthly king. Zion is seen as a spiritual homeland in Africa, and many Rastafari emphasize repatriation to Africa as a future goal. The movement critiques aspects of Western society, often labeling it Babylon, while promoting African dignity, cultural pride, and social justice.

Rastafari practice emphasizes lifestyle choices such as an ital diet, which prioritizes natural, pure foods; many adherents avoid alcohol and tobacco. Dreadlocks, worn as a spiritual and cultural symbol, are a common external expression. Ganja (cannabis) is used ritually by some groups as a sacrament to aid meditation and communal worship. Members also use the I and I language to emphasize unity and equality.

Organizationally, Rastafari is decentralized, with several major orders and fellowships, including Nyabinghi, Bobo Ashanti, and the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The movement has influenced music (notably reggae) and culture worldwide, while remaining diverse in beliefs, practices, and degrees of observance.