What is Rastafari?
(From Behold Rastafari by RasPadaItion)
Rastafari is Jamaica’s first indigenous religion. A lot of Rastafari will tell you that Rastafari is not a religion (an established belief system that is reinforced by rituals) but instead is a righteous levity that encompasses all areas of life. Some of its basic tenets are:
1. Haile Sellassie I is the Head Creator in flesh, the living Jah.
2. Africa is the birthplace of mankind, (Eden), and is destined to be the start of modern paradise restored, (Zion).
3. Africans, the first people are a holy people.
4. Africans where ever they are, should all work towards the development of Africa.
5. Man and woman are in the image and likeness of Jah. i.e. look like Jah and act like Jah.
6. Black supremacy is a wholistic and just system that should replace the discriminating inhumane system of white supremacy.
7. Africans should return to Africa and help in its renaissance and rebirth
8. Death is not a must and one should not talk of dying, live to die, nor bury the dead.
9. A wholistic, vegetarian lifestyle combined with positive thinking and creative speaking, will help in the ultimate victory over illnesses and death. (pork, shell fish and the forbidden foods of Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 are strictly tabooed)
10. The Children of the Slave Masters should facilitate repatriation to Africa and Reparations for Africans.
11. On the seventh day many Rastafari observe the Sabbath.
12. The African hair is sacred and beautiful and should be allowed to grow into locks.
To be a Rastafari one must accept number 1 above, along with varying combinations of the others. It must be noted however, that the Rastafari value autonomy, and no two Rastafari man or woman have the same religious practices. Rastafari trust in his or her own personal connection with the creator, because he or she view him or herself as a manifestation of the creator.
