...Introduction “Up, you mighty race, accomplish what you will.” Marcus Garvey Rastafarianism is a religious movement born out of black slums of Jamaica which harnessed the teachings of the Jamaican born black nationalists, Marcus Garvey and conditionally uses selective Old Testament Christian writings to support its teachings and practices. Among Jamaican society, members of the Rastafarian movement were commonly perceived as social outcasts because of their anti-establishment way of life and their pride in identifying themselves as people of African ancestry. The inspiration which led to its genesis in the 1930’s was Messianic or millenarian in nature has been sustained and pervaded by a sense of African triumphalism. Although physical repatriation to Africa has not been fulfilled as Garvey or the founding Rastafarianism originally hoped, followers learned the “idea of Africa as home” can be a psychologically, culturally and spiritually empowering experience- all of which are important ingredients for creating positive ethno-racial self- conceptions of self and community. (Singh 2001) To participate in a form of active engagement towards liberation, Rastafarianism practice “reasonings”. The purpose is to heighten awareness by discussing local and worldly issues in an open communal environment and also emulating what theologian and educator Paulo Freire called conscientization. Conscientization arouse people’s consciousness and sense of self-redemption from the bottom up...
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...Rastafarianism The Rastafari movement grew out of the darkest depression that the descendants of African slaves in Jamaica have ever lived in. Out of this filth and slime arose a sentiment so pure, so without anger, so full of love, the philosophy of the Rastafari faith. Freedom of spirit, freedom from slavery, and freedom of Africa, was its cry. I believe that Rastafarianism, or Rasta, is a true religion because it comes with a historic background, it sets standards for it’s believers, and a simple philosophy. Rastafarianism is a religious movement native to the island of Jamaica. There are different groups of Rastafarians, each with its own ideas. But basically they all agree on one thing, that the late emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Rastafarians can associate themselves in groups one being Creation Heights. They viewed themselves as part of creation, just as the animals and plants are. Lightning, thunder, and other natural phenomena are viewed by them with awe, as though God were speaking. Rastafarianism, like any religion, comes with set standards that their believers should follow. They refuse to eat meat, fish, or anything of that sort, the idea being that these things die and rot, and so would those who eat them. On the other hand, vegetables, such as spinach, keep growing after their stalks are cut. So those who feed on such things have the potential for everlasting life, they think. They did not use plates or cups, cleaned-out...
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...According to Max Weber, religion emerges to satisfy a social need. “In treating suffering as a symptom of odiousness in the eyes of gods and as a sign of secret guilt, religion has psychologically met a very general need (Weber 271). Rastafarianism emerges in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica in the 1930’s to meet the needs of the poor, unskilled black Jamaicans who needed a hope. The social situation which was emerging in the 1930’s which called for this need was as follows. Jamaica was a commonwealth of the British Empire. It had recently, around 1884, received a write in clause to their constitution which stipulated if the new government did not succeed and the economic life of Jamaica were to suffer because of it, the political constitution would be amended or abolished to meet new conditions. Black Jamaicans had a taste for power in their mouths and in 1938, this erupted in labor riots and violence. This act did nothing for their cause. It would still be 30 years until Jamaica received its independence. Blacks in Jamaica were the victims of social stratification which left them at the bottom rung of the ladder. They had menial jobs such as field worker or an attendant at the sugar plant, if they had jobs at all. The blacks were suffering as a people and as an organized group. Ethopianism had been introduced to Jamaica in 1784 by George Liele, by adding it to the name of his Baptist church, hoping to graft itself onto the African religion of Jamaican slaves. But the movement...
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...Introduction There are many misconceptions people have (myself included) when the topic of Rastafarianism enters into the conversation. Most non-Rastafarians do not hold the religion in high regard, and consider it just an excuse to get high and listen to reggae music all day. Surprisingly, while growing up I witnessed more white suburban teens embracing Rastafarianism than I ever saw blacks of any age embracing it; even more confusing is the fact that Rastafarians are rumored to be anti-white. Talk about conflicting information. When you witness one thing but hear another, how do you determine the truth? Being guilty of said misconceptions myself, I set out on my quest to get to the truth. I felt that the best way to uncover the truth would be to speak to a real Rastafarian. I caught up with a gentleman by the name of Ras Kamau who agreed to answer a few questions on Rastafarian beliefs, history, as well as shed some light on a few of the myths and misconceptions that other people including myself have regarding his religion. Haile Selassie I The Rastafarian religion plants its roots in Africa, and is frequently associated with the underprivileged black population of Jamaica. The followers of Rastafari consider it to be more of a way of life, and not just a religion. Rastafarians consider themselves to be advocates of global issues and often speak out against social injustices such as inequality, oppression and poverty. The foundation of the Rastafarian religion is...
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...First hand information with Hindu person Reporter: Mrs Singh thank you, for agreeing to speak with me about your religion. Please tell me what is Hinduism? Mrs. Singh: Hinduism is a western term used to describe the assorted religions and cultural traditions stemming from the Vedas, the ancient Sanskrit writing of India. Reporter: Is this a new religion? Mrs. Singh: No. It may have started about five thousand years ago. It has no single founder. In fact it may have started with the arrival of the Aryans who invaded Northern India in the second millennium and introduced the Sanskrit language and the Vedas. Before you ask you next question, I would like to make an important point: Hinduism has no common set of beliefs and practices. But there are a number of philosophical concepts which are widely accepted and are usually passed down by spiritual teachers called Gurus. Reporter: I read somewhere that your religion and Sikhism were once the same. Is this true? Mrs. Singh: Sikhism was formed out of Hinduism. Some people did not like the way they were treated. You see the society was divided into many social classes with many poors. It was felt that Sikhism would take them out of suffering and bring them closer to God. The Sikhs also wanted to separate from the Hindus. They did not accept the Vedas as authority on religion. Reporter: My family is Christian. We use the Bible as our guide book and we believe in God the Father and Jesus the Son. What is your guide...
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...Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks are formed because of the overburden pressure as particles of sediment are deposited out of air, ice, wind, or water flows carrying the particles in suspension. As sediment deposition builds up, the overburden (or 'litho static') pressure squeezes the sediment into layered solids in a process known as nitrification ('rock formation') and the original connate fluids are expelled. The term digenesis is used to describe all the chemical, physical, and biological changes, including cementation, undergone by sediment after its initial deposition and during and after its nitrification, exclusive of surface weathering. Sedimentary rocks are laid down in layers called beds or strata. Each new layer is laid down horizontally over older ones in a process called superposition. There are usually some gaps in the sequence called unconformities. These represent periods in which no new sediments were being laid down, or when earlier sedimentary layers were raised above sea level and eroded away. Sedimentary rocks contain important information about the history of Earth. They contain fossils, the preserved remains of ancient plants and animals. The composition of sediments provides us with clues as to the original rock. Differences between successive layers indicate changes to the environment which have occurred over time. Sedimentary rocks can contain fossils because, unlike most igneous and metamorphic rocks, they form at temperatures and pressures...
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...A brief introduction on Rastafarianism The Rastafarian religion was originated in Africa it is not just a religion, but away of life. Rastafarians speak out against poverty, oppression and inequality, not just religion ideas but global problems. For many years Rastafarian continues to grow against the tide of official and social approbation. The early elders were charged with sedition and locked up, while others were declared insane placed in the Jamaican equivalent of Bedlam. Even though Rasta was the poorest and the lowest of all they were secure with great knowledge. This religion is more than a religious gathering, however, since Rasta does not compartmentalize life into spiritual and non-spiritual periods it is an integrated way of living and of thinking of what goes beyond most definitions of religion. In 1933-1934 there was a Rastafarian movement. This movement was led by Haile Selassie I whose previous name was Rastafari Makonnen before he was crowned Emperor under the name of Haile Selassie I in October 1930. During this movement the Rastafarian take the bible as its sacred text, but interprets it in an Afro-centric because they want to reverse the changes that the “White” that made. The Rastafarian movement was closely linked to the ancient history of the Ethiopian civilization and largely based on the identification which Blacks have made with Ethiopia by virtue of biblical symbolism. In Ethiopia...
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...Rastafarians believe that God – or Jah – revealed himself through a succession of saviours or avatars, beginning with Moses. He was followed by Elijah, Jesus Christ and finally Haile Selassie. Origins Rastafarianism was officially established in 1930 when Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and proclaimed Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Elect of God, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah. I and I The concept of I and I expresses the belief that all people are one and that God exists in all of us. Statistics There are up to a million Rastafarians worldwide. It is estimated that 60% of people living in Jamaica are Rastafarian or support the faith. Just over 5,000 Rastafarians live in the UK, with around NUMBER in Tower Hamlets. Structure * No official church buildings or leaders * Each individual group and person is autonomous 7 Christmas Day Rastafarianism Rastafarians worldwide celebrate Christmas on this day to coincide with Christmas celebrations in Ethiopia. July 23 Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie I Rastafarianism A holy day of commemoration for Rastafarians. September 11 Ethiopian New Year’s Day Rastafarianism Rastafarians celebrate the New Year. November 2 Anniversary Haile Selassie’s coronation Rastafarianism On this day, Rastafarians celebrate the crowning...
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... 8 Bibliography 9 Acknowledgement I would like to take this opportunity to thank the almighty God, who through Him all things are possible. I would also like to express my gratitude towards all the persons who have assisted me throughout the completion of my research. To my teacher Mrs.B.Wheatle for her guidance, patience and motivation. My classmates for their undying competition. My mother, Camille Lewis for allowing me the time to explore and investigate data. And at last but not least my aunt Venessa Ferguson for her insights. Introduction Rastafarianism is an afro-centric religious and social movement based in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The Rastafarian symbols are important tools to the Rasta’s and...
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...(October 16, 2016; 7:51 pm) http://digjamaica.com/rastafarianism Rastafarianism began in Jamaica during the 1930s after the crowing of Ras Tafari as Negus of Ethiopia, “King of Kings”. After the coronation his title was changed to Emperor Haile Selassie I. Selassie also took the titles, "Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God and King of the Kings of Ethiopia." This coronation was regarded as the fulfillment of a prophecy by black political leader, Marcus Garvey, that “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God”, which is based on verse 31 of Psalm 68 of the Bible. This prophecy became the foundation of the Rastafari movement. The religion takes its name from Haile Selassie's original name, Ras Tafari Makonnen. Selassie is regarded by Rastafarians as the Black Messiah or Jah Rastafari. He is the central figure of salvation who will save blacks from white suppressors and reunite them with their homeland, Africa. LEADERS OF RASTA Leonard P. Howell is said to have had the greatest impact on the development of Rastafarian ideology in Jamaica in the 1930s. Howell, who had served in the third Ashanti War between England and Ghana in the Gold Coast in 1901, preached the divinity of Haile Selassie and said that blacks would gain the superiority over their oppressors, who are referred to as ‘Babylon’. THE ROYAL VISIT In 1966, after persons who had heard of Haile Selassie’s visit to Trinidad requested that he make a stopover...
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...The novel “Catch a Fire” is a complete biography portraying the time, the life, and many events which happened in the life of Bob Marley. The novel depicts major incidents that influenced the thoughts and behavior of Bob Marley. The starting of the novel summarizes the past of Ethiopian tribe, especially with Haile Selassie, who afterwards, becomes the king of the Ethiopian region. The novel mainly states the reasons of starting of the Rastafarianism (Farley, 2006, pg. 216). It is known that Rastafarianism played a very huge role in the life of Bob Marley. Knowing and understanding the religion is important because it became the centerpiece for much of his life, including his music. The focus is to analyze the life of Bob Marley and what he went through so that he could touch the people the way he did with through his life and probably most importantly, his music. From that very point the child hood and youth of Bob Marley is investigated. Bob Marley is child of Cedella Malcom typically known as Ciddy and a white captain who was European. Bob Marley’s father married Ciddy when he came to known that she was pregnant only to give his name to his child. After the birth of Bob Marley, his father left his wife and disappeared. Ciddy with the help of her father raised Marley. Bob than flew away to Jamaica and started to record music. He also established a group with the name of BOB MARLEY and the WAILERS. Making his alignment with Coxsone Dodd and some of the other producers, Bob became...
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...dramatically influenced popular culture, Reggae, Rastafarianism, and social awareness. His life is a cultural blend of integration through musical expression and involvement within the human rights movement striving for peace and equality. Robert Nesta Marley, known to the world as “Bob Marley” was born in Jamaica on February 6th, 1945. At the time of his birth he resembled his fifty year old father Captain Norval Sinclair Marley. “Nesta” as his mother liked to call him, was born into an inter-racial family; his mother was African American and his father was Caucasian. His mother, Cedella Booker, also known as “Ciddy”, was an eighteen year old young woman at the time and came from moderate means that was a sharp contrast to her husband, a colonial functionary. His father was mostly absent during Bob’s upbringing as a result of his family’s disapproval of the interracial marriage. Captain Norval family ensured that he was demoted to the lowest possible ranking in the British navy, barely earning enough money to feed himself let alone a young wife and child. Ciddy sent many letters to Captain Norval but received no reply. She raised Bob in the countryside of Jamaica on her own by opening a produce shop selling the food grown on her father’s farm. Ciddy was the predominant figure during Bob Marley’s childhood. This inter-racial structure as well as the un-involvement by his father, many would say, contributed to Marley’s active roles in Rastafarianism and the human rights movements later in...
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...Throughout its existence, Jamaica has experienced numerous revolutions, riots, and various forms of social unrest. From early resistance by escaped slaves to all-out fighting to end slavery altogether, Jamaica has been in a constant state of resistance. All these efforts to make a change have created a Jamaican religion called Rastafarianism, and become a very powerful means of transporting its message: reggae music around 1930. Rastafarianism is a religion based on social change, and reggae is the means of spreading these beliefs. These two forms of expression formed in the context of oppression and in doing so they have contributed greatly to the ideologies, attitudes, beliefs, and actions of the people on the island. Bob Marley was one of famous artists who could introduced both reggae music and Rastafarian religious beliefs to an international audience, combines a “feel good,” slow-paced rhythm with a militant call for justice and freedom from oppression. Finally, the message of Rastafarianism has been spread worldwide through his songs so that people from other areas were able to support the necessary...
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...Topic: The Rastafarian main symbols and their importance It is the intention of the researcher to: 1. Find out the origin of Rastafarianism 2. To identify the main symbols of Rastafarians 3. To investigate the importance of the symbols Methodology The information for this research was gathered mainly through the review of literature and from the internet. I started my research on October 20, 2011 and was finished within a two week period. Information was gathered from different sources found on different websites and from literature as seen in the bibliography. Introduction In the following project you will learn of the origin of the Rasta way of life, which arose as a result of a period of severe depression, racism and class discrimination, during the 1930. This was the perfect chance for poor people to embrace their religion, so they did. You will also learn of the different important symbols of the Rasta’s, namely, ganja, the Star of David, the word Jah, the conquering lion and the lamb, dreadlocks and the Rasta flag. These are of grave importance, being a part of their day to day activities and living. In this project the importances are highlighted also. I hope that whosoever will read this information will obtain great knowledge and understanding of the topic. Please READ, ENJOY AND BE EDUCATED! The Origin of Rastafarianism The name Rastafari, which is derived from Ras, is the title given to Amharic Royalty in Ethiopia and Tafari, which is the pre-coronation...
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...Topic: The Rastafarian main symbols and their importance It is the intention of the researcher to: 1. Find out the origin of Rastafarianism 2. To identify the main symbols of Rastafarians 3. To investigate the importance of the symbols Methodology The information for this research was gathered mainly through the review of literature and from the internet. I started my research on October 20, 2011 and was finished within a two week period. Information was gathered from different sources found on different websites and from literature as seen in the bibliography. Introduction In the following project you will learn of the origin of the Rasta way of life, which arose as a result of a period of severe depression, racism and class discrimination, during the 1930. This was the perfect chance for poor people to embrace their religion, so they did. You will also learn of the different important symbols of the Rasta’s, namely, ganja, the Star of David, the word Jah, the conquering lion and the lamb, dreadlocks and the Rasta flag. These are of grave importance, being a part of their day to day activities and living. In this project the importances are highlighted also. I hope that whosoever will read this information will obtain great knowledge and understanding of the topic. Please READ, ENJOY AND BE EDUCATED! The Origin of Rastafarianism The name Rastafari, which is derived from Ras, is the title given to Amharic Royalty in Ethiopia and Tafari, which is the pre-coronation...
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