Hudson Honeybone, 26
Rastafarianism was propelled into the mainstream by the anthems of Bob Marley, one of the most prolific artists of the late 20th century. A 15x platinum artist, Bob Marley and the Wailers produced renowned hits like Three Little Birds and Could You Be Loved, both of which have over 1 billion plays on Spotify. Marley also introduced the world to the Rastaman and provided a glimpse into the Jamaican lifestyle. Officially known as Rastafarianism, this grassroots faith that is featured in Marley’s music celebrates an alternative lifestyle that fascinated his listeners who were drowned in an overly commercialized, corporate world. His music has left me and many others wondering, what exactly does it mean to be a rastaman?
Origins:
Originating in Jamaica in the 1930s, Rastafarianism combines elements of Protestantism, Christianity, and African mysticism. The English traces exist because Rastafarianism first sprouted when English missionaries converted Jamaicans to Christianity using the King James Bible. Interestingly, Rastafariansim was founded by a prominent figure of the US civil rights movement, Marcus Garvey, who was responsible for the Back to Africa movement. He contested that black-and-white harmony was impossible; the only solution was to return to their place of origin to create a solely African community. It was Garvey's prophecy that birthed the religion insisting, “Look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King.” This prophecy was fulfilled in 1930 when Haile Selassie I ascended to the Ethiopian throne. In fulfilling Garvey’s prophecy, Haile Selassie ascended into Godhood, becoming the deity of the Rastafarian religion. However, just as Christianity is divided on the divine status of Jesus, some Rastas dispute the divinity of Selassie. Some, instead, worship him as a glorified prophet who fully realized the spirit of Jah within him.
Doctrine:
Rastas believe fragments of Jah’s spirit live within each person, and each person is responsible for cultivating that spirit. In Rasta teaching, this spiritual connection between Jah and his followers is called “I-and-I”, suggesting that humans and Jah are simply one entity. Rastafarian doctrine is heavily inspired by the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, which recounts the story of the Israelites, God’s chosen people. In the Old Testament, the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Judah, the home of the Israelites. Accordingly, the Israelites were exiled to Babylon for almost 75 years. In a similar but more figurative way, Rastafarian teaching claims that people of African descent are “exiles in Babylon” and are currently being tried and tested by institutions like slavery and systemic racial injustice. Rastas who overcome these trials while staying loyal to Jah will be delivered to the promised land of Zion. The etymological origin of this word also hails from the Old Testament: in scripture, “Zion” is the informal name of Ethiopia. Because Rastafarianism emphasizes shared ethnic identity among Africans, many Rastafarian sects maintain that white Europeans can never become legitimate rastas and fully realize the immanence of Jah within them. Conversely, more progressive sects have indoctrinated these citizens as full members.
As society trends in a more progressive direction, certain Rasta practices have been condemned by mainstream culture and society. Since Rastafarianism is deeply intertwined with the Old Testament, many Rastas still cling to antiquated Biblical ideas like the patriarchy. These archaic practices are falling under fire by the press and as well as other religions. Whether the Rastas will defend their more divisive traditions or concede to a liberalizing world remains unclear.
Lifestyle:
Rastas have a very unique dialect called “Iyaric”, which often substitutes the phonetic sound of I for other syllables. You can find an example of Rasta speech here: Rasta Speech. If you’ve ever tried to emulate a Jamaican accent, your impression most likely contains elements of Iyaric speech. Rastas wear their natural hair in an unruly, uncombed style, as they feel this is the most authentic version of themselves, unfettered by the evolving beauty standards of society. Rastas will also adhere to a strictly vegetarian diet. Perhaps the most well-known mainstream Rasta practice is rolling up marijuana. In Rasta tradition, smoking marijuana allows one to become more cognizant of Jah’s presence in oneself and in the surrounding natural world. Perhaps the greatest tribute to the Rastafarian lifestyle is reggae music, popularized by Rastaman Bob Marley. Interestingly, much Reggae music has revolutionary undertones and was considered a major driver of Jamaican independence from the British. You’ll often see Bob Marley and fellow rastas sporting red, green, and yellow clothing; this is an homage to the land of Ethiopia, whose flag is of the very same color combination.
Final Thought
Rastafarianism is an infantile religion cloaked in mystique, in part because of its detached lifestyle, yet often highlighted in its more illicit traditions. Rastafarians will tell you it's more than a religion– it's an altruistic way of life. They live in delicate balance with the natural world. They recognize their place in the universe as insignificant, yet intentional. The faith was born into an age of stout racism, and it's the sworn duty of Rastas to endure and resist the institutions which seek to confine them. It's a faith forged in adversity and defined by perseverance.