Way of Life
We all at least
one time in life have heard a name of a worldwide icon of reggae music, Bob Marley.
He was the pioneer for introducing and bringing Jamaican music to worldwide
acclaim. He had given a major contribution to bring reggae to be the center of
interest of all people in the world. Songs such as “One Love” or “No
Woman No Cry” are well known. Bob Marley’s flamboyant style was also
another aspect that attracted the attention of many people and fans around the
world, but most people do not know the meaning of the Rastafarian hair’s
style. The Rastafarian’s movement is a “Way of Life” which is based in African
spiritual ideology. The name Rastafarian means head of hero in Amharic (an
Ethiopian dialect). They adore at Jah (Jehovah), but they see Haile Selassie,
Emperor of Ethiopia, (1930-1974) as their God. They believe in unity and love.
They oppose violence, and love their freedom. They profess a wild way of
life. Most of them are vegetarians. One of the six holy truths is:” The White
person is inferior to the Black person.” When non-Rastafarian people analyzed
all others five truths, they will notice a high level of racism in their
ideologies.
Symbolisms
When humanity
thinks in Rastafarian, the first thoughts that come to mind are dreadlocks.
"…not all Rastas have locks, and not all locksmen are Rastas. It is just a
common characteristic among Rastas, symbolizing deep devotion to their Holy
God.” For Rastafarian dreadlocks is a symbol of insubordination, and freedom.
Another aspect
concerning to Rastafarians is their connection with God (Jah). They believe
that the best way to know ourselves is through their connection with Jah, the
only way to get that connection is smoking Ganja, and the bible said so.
"He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of
Man..." (Psalm 104:14). The Lion is the most important symbol in the
Rastafarian culture.
In brief, The
Rastafarian’s movement is a way of black Caribbean people found to express
their opposition an eras of abuse, slavery, segregation,
apartheid, and isolation. It is a constant protest against the white man
for having uprooted them from their freedom, and brought to a New
World where they lost or their power and hope to live wild and
free. Reggae music is a perfect way of expression of all their feelings.
Word cited
·
"Rastafari
Movement." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Sept. 2013. Web. 23
Sept. 2013.
·
Katz,
Michael. "THE DREAD LIBRARY." FUNDAMENTALS: THE RASTAFARIAN
LIFESTYLE. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2013.
