#did-you-know · 1 year ago

Surprising facts about Rastafarian culture in Jamaica

Jamaica is known for many things, including its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. However, one of the most fascinating aspects of Jamaican culture is the Rastafarian movement. In this blog post, we'll explore some surprising facts about Rastafarian culture in Jamaica that you may not have known before. Get ready to be enlightened and educated about this fascinating aspect of Jamaican life.


Rastafarian culture in Jamaica is much more than just dreadlocks and reggae music. Here are some surprising facts that you might not know:

- Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie, the former emperor of Ethiopia, was the messiah. They see him as a direct descendant of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
- The colors of the Rastafarian flag - red, green, and gold - have special meanings. Red represents the blood of martyrs, green represents the land of Ethiopia, and gold represents the wealth of Africa.
- Many Rastafarians follow a strict diet called Ital. This means that they only eat natural foods that are free from additives and preservatives. They also avoid meat, dairy, and processed foods.
- Rastafarians use marijuana as a sacrament. They believe that it helps them to connect with their spiritual side and achieve a higher level of consciousness.
- The Rastafarian language includes many unique words and phrases. For example, "irie" means "good vibes" or "everything is alright", while "Babylon" refers to the corrupt system of government and society that Rastafarians oppose.
- Rastafarians often wear clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and hemp. They also wear hats called crowns, which are often made from knitted wool and decorated with colorful beads and symbols.
- Music is an important part of Rastafarian culture. Many famous Jamaican musicians, like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, were Rastafarians. Reggae music is often associated with Rastafarianism because it promotes messages of peace, love, and unity.
- Rastafarians believe in the concept of "one love". This means that they believe that all people are equal and should be treated with respect and kindness.
- The Rastafari movement began in Jamaica in the 1930s, but it has since spread to many other countries around the world. Today, there are Rastafarian communities in places like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- Rastafarians celebrate many holidays and festivals throughout the year. One of the most important is the coronation of Haile Selassie, which is celebrated on November 2nd. Other holidays include Ethiopian New Year, which is celebrated in September, and Groundation Day, which marks the anniversary of Bob Marley's birth.