1. Rastafarian Movement Tiffany Butler Julia Eichhorn Pete Gebert Mike Walko

2. History Early 1930sEarly 1930s JamaicaJamaica Ras Tafari crowned Haile Selassie IRas Tafari crowned Haile Selassie I Awed the black community at a time of social and economic instabilityAwed the black community at a time of social and economic instability

3. Activists advocated the message of Ras TafariActivists advocated the message of Ras Tafari Haile Selassie was theHaile Selassie was the messiah and represented messiah and represented the hope of freedom for all black the hope of freedom for all black people. people. First community was in Kingston, JamaicaFirst community was in Kingston, Jamaica

4. Isolation between the Rasta community and the general populationIsolation between the Rasta community and the general population Scholars began visiting and reporting positive viewsScholars began visiting and reporting positive views Jamaica’s political independence in 1962 and a visit from Haile SelassieJamaica’s political independence in 1962 and a visit from Haile Selassie Rasta culture made its way into some organizationsRasta culture made its way into some organizations

5. Electoral campaigns of the 1970sElectoral campaigns of the 1970s People’s National Party candidate, Michael Manley, used symbolism and interest for the poor during his campaign.People’s National Party candidate, Michael Manley, used symbolism and interest for the poor during his campaign. Symbols and ideas of Rastafarianism remained in politics.Symbols and ideas of Rastafarianism remained in politics.

6. Beliefs No definite system of beliefsNo definite system of beliefs Truth is something they are searching for and must test themselvesTruth is something they are searching for and must test themselves Salvation is certain and will be obtained by returning to homelandSalvation is certain and will be obtained by returning to homeland

7. 6 Basic Beliefs 1.Haile Selassie is the living God. 2.The black person is the reincarnation of the ancient Israel. 3.The white race is inferior to the black race. 4.Jamaica is Hell and Ethiopia is Heaven. 5.Haile Selassie was arranging the return of Africans to Ethiopia. 6.One day, the black race will rule the world.

8. Death Only to those who show unrighteousnessOnly to those who show unrighteousness Seen as a punishmentSeen as a punishment UnnaturalUnnatural ReincarnationReincarnation =

9. Rituals Livity: Key social ethicLivity: Key social ethic Defines distinctive lifestyleDefines distinctive lifestyle Reflected in a Rasta’s:Reflected in a Rasta’s: AppearanceAppearance DietDiet Use of HerbsUse of Herbs Process of ReflectionProcess of Reflection Everyday ActivitiesEveryday Activities

10. Rituals cont. DreadlocksDreadlocks “They shall not make baldness on their heads” (Leviticus 21:5)“They shall not make baldness on their heads” (Leviticus 21:5) Symbolizes a lion’s maneSymbolizes a lion’s mane Strength of their African heritageStrength of their African heritage Dietary RestrictionsDietary Restrictions Stem from Deuteromonic and Letivical lawStem from Deuteromonic and Letivical law Prohibited from eating any types of pork or shellfishProhibited from eating any types of pork or shellfish Many are fully vegetartianMany are fully vegetartian Cannot drink alcohol or smoke tobaccoCannot drink alcohol or smoke tobacco

11. Rituals cont. Partake in the smoking of marijuana, or “ganja” as a religious ritePartake in the smoking of marijuana, or “ganja” as a religious rite Viewed as a sacramental herbViewed as a sacramental herb Important for “facilitating the gaining of insight through a process known as ‘reasoning’” (Johnson-Hill 26)Important for “facilitating the gaining of insight through a process known as ‘reasoning’” (Johnson-Hill 26) Used to get in touch with Jah, one’s inner-self, and all of creationUsed to get in touch with Jah, one’s inner-self, and all of creation

12. Evolution of the Religion Marcus GarveyMarcus Garvey The United Negro Improvement AssociationThe United Negro Improvement Association Immigration in the 60s & 70sImmigration in the 60s & 70s No Zion no ProblemNo Zion no Problem Rastafari CommunitiesRastafari Communities Building ProcessBuilding Process

13. Evolution Of the Religion Cont. ReggaeReggae Bob MarleyBob Marley Lee “Scratch” Perry Lee “Scratch” Perry Toots & the Maytals Toots & the Maytals

14. References Barrett, L. E. (1997). The Rastafarians. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.Barrett, L. E. (1997). The Rastafarians. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. Chevannes, B. (1994). Rastafari roots and ideology. Syracuse, NY: SyracuseChevannes, B. (1994). Rastafari roots and ideology. Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press. Clarke, P.B. (1994). Black paradise: The Rastafarian movement. SanClarke, P.B. (1994). Black paradise: The Rastafarian movement. San Bernardino, CA: The Borgo Press. Johnson-Hill, J. A. (1995). I-Sight the world of Rastafari: An interpretiveJohnson-Hill, J. A. (1995). I-Sight the world of Rastafari: An interpretive sociological account of Rastafarian ethics. Metuchen, NJ: The American Theological Library Association and The Scarecrow Press, Inc. Lewis, W. F. (1993). Soul rebels: The Rastafari. Prospect Heights, IL: WavelandLewis, W. F. (1993). Soul rebels: The Rastafari. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, Inc.