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Rastafarian Way of Life

Language
As a result of slavery and colonial efforts to reject everything related to Africa, African languages were stripped from all captive slaves. In the 1930's Jamaicans continued to struggle with post slavery discrimination. At the time of the Rastafari Movement, Jamaicans began to create their own dialect in attempts to protest the imposed English language. Many of these Jamaicans were Rastas who took the dialect further by rearranging English words that have a negative tone, e.g. everliving rather than everlasting or livication rather than dedication.

 

 

 

 

I-tal Diet

Most Rastas have an I-tal diet. I-tal is basically natural food. It is prepared without the use of chemicals and is served in the purest form. Thus, the food contains no preservatives or salt. Many Rastas do not eat meat, especially pork. I-tal eating includes natural drinking, e.g. water and tea. Alcohol, coffee, and soda are not natural and unhealthy. These beverages are not part of an I-tal diet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Terms

Jah: The Rastafarian name for God. Jah directly refers to Emperor Haile Selassie I. Rastas know him as their God and part of the Holy Trinity.
H.I.M. [pronounced him]:
His Imperial Majesty (Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia).
IandI [pronounced and often spelled InI]: This term is used to communicate the oneness Rastas feel between themselves and Jah. Jah lives within every person, thus humans are united through H.I.M. IandI replaces the word we and the phrase you and I.
Babylon: This is an important concept that encompasses everything Rastafari is against. It defines the oppressive, imperialistic, capitalistic, and materialistic supremacy of our government and ruling class. Babylon is a term used when one is discussing the corruption of human kind. In the earlier years of the movement, it directly meant the white political structure that repressed blacks physically during times of slavery. Some Rastas feel that blacks continue to be held down today through inequality and a system that sets them up for failure. Babylon is usually connected with the notion of the Western world.
Zion: Is a word used for Ethiopia or Africa as a whole. Zion is the Rastafarian heaven and afterlife, where it is peaceful and harmonious.
Irie: Is the word used to describe goodness and peace. It also refers to positive feelings/emotions and vibrations.

Common language

Irator: Creator
Bredren/Sistren: Rastafarians refer to their peers using bredren for males and sistren for females. Using these terms re-emphasizes the oneness of all Rastas.
Ovastand: Replaces the word understand. To be enlightened raises one's consciousness, thus over (reduced to ova) replaces under.
Polytricks: Replaces the word Politics. Rastas use this term in response to the trickery of many politicians.
Marijuana Usage

It is a common perception that Rastafarians spend most of their time smoking marijuana. This perception is empty and uninformed. Not all Rastas use the herb, but for those who do, it is for religious purposes. This act usually accompanies bible studies, meditation, reasoning with fellow Rastas, or ceremonies/ holidays. Smoking, what is sometimes referred to as wisdomweed, opens your mind to a broader level of thinking, which is the reason for its usage. With the ability to bring minds to a freer state, this act brings Rastas closer to Jah. It is also believed to guide one's thoughts to see the truth and negativity of Babylon. Many Rastas believe that its powerful affect and ability to change one's perception of the world is the cause of its illegality.

Although the cannabis is generally viewed as a plant that is smoked, it is very useful for other purposes. For reasoning and religious acts alone, it can be cooked into food or used through other methods. Because it is an herb it is also beneficial for medicinal purposes. It can be put through an extensive drying process and turned into rope, made into lip balm and hand salve, etc.

 

Music

Nyabinghi is the earliest form of Rastafarian music. Nyabinghi, the word, originates from an East African movement that was formed in opposition of European imperialism. The British in Africa affiliated this music with a negative tone and considered it to be witchcraft. However, Africans and Jamaicans embraced this music in rebellion to their oppressors. Nyabinghi music is played during ceremonies and grounations. The drumming captures the spirit of the Rastafari movement.

In the1970's Rastafarians received a more positive perception within Jamaica for their contributions in music and art. Reggae was introduced through musicians who incorporated Rastafarian doctrine, ideology, and beliefs. More popularized Reggae artists (e.g. Peter Tosh and Bob Marley) helped spread Rastafari worldwide. This music, created by poor Jamaican blacks in the mid nineties, was a form of liberation for Jamaicans and Rastafarians alike. Reggae itself is a fusion of various music styles. It continues to be recreated today.

Although Nyabinghi and earlier forms of Reggae are the more prominent of music in Rastafari, other Caribbean styles are welcomed because of Rastafari's origin in Jamaica.