Rastafarianism Flashcards
who did it begin with
Marcus Garvey
what did Marcus Garvey do
He belonged to the civil rights
movement and thought that Africa would “come of age” once Blacks started to govern the continent.
Hence, he made the prediction “look to Africa when a Black King shall be crowned, for the day of
deliverance is near”. His movement brought him into contact with many Blacks in various countries and
garnered him some influence and popularity.
when did Garvey’s prophecy come to pass ?
when Ras Tafari (aka Haile Selassie I) became emperor of Ethiopia
How did many blacks regard Haile Selassie I?
thought he was the deliver/anointed one/messiah promised by Marcus Garvey
Did Haile Selassie share their view?
No, he did not believe it. When he died he hadn’t fulfilled any of the
prophecies, but some believe he will return and fulfill them.
For instance, how did Rastafarians interpret the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible?
It is their sacred scripture, and they read it through the lens of race (the “chosen people” refer to blacks instead of jews). but know they believe god is with everyone
Rasta beliefs about women have also changed over time. How so?
Previously women needed their
husbands to achieve enlightenment, and their place was in the kitchen/home with the children. That
view has since changed.
what are other beliefs within Rastafarianism?
Reincarnation, one supreme god/deity
some practices of Rastas?
many smoke ganja (marijuana, weed, a way to get closer to god
Why is ganja sacred within Rastafarianism?
In the Hebrew bible god says they can eat any herb of the
land, so they interpret it as god wants them to smoke ganja. They also interpret the tree of life as a
marijuana plant
Generally, when is ganja smoked?
at group gatherings and rituals
singing, feasting and praying also happen at gatherings
dress laws?
dread locks bring them closer to nature
Describe the Rastafarian flag.
Green represents Jamaica (origin of Rastafarianism), yellow represents
Ethiopia, red represents the blood of the slaves, and the lion represents their messiah/savior Ras Tafari / Haile Selassie
Today, Rastafarianism has become a global religion. How so?
With 1 million worldwide followers, Bob
Marley made the religion popular and well known.
