Dreads

Why did Bob Marley’s dreads look so wild? Many people think that Bob Marley’s choice of hair style is just simply dreads, but actually underneath the untamed and wild hairstyle lays a culture in which there is reasoning for his dreads. Bob is of the religion called Rastafarian, created in Jamaica by Marcus Garvey in 1930. While it is most often associated with dreadlocks, smoking of marijuana and reggae music, the Rastafarian religion is much more than simply a religion of Jamaica. With its beginnings in the Jamaican slums, Rastafarianism has spread throughout the world and currently has a membership of over 700,000. Another leader of the Rastafarians was Leonard Howell who helped shaped the theology of the Rastafarian movement and his arrest in 1933 helped shape the movement’s organizational structure. During the Rastafari Movement, rastas grew and wore their hair in dreadlocks to draw a distinction from the straight, thin hair of their oppressors. Dreads were also a way for them to accept personal beauty and the differences between Jamaicans and the white people. In addition, dreads symbolize the mane of the Lion of Judah and the Rasta rebellion against Babylon (the capitalistic, materialistic, and oppressive world). For Rastas, the growing of dreadlocks is also a spiritual and mental journey that teaches patience. It is believed that it is patience that allows for the hair to grow naturally without the use of cutting, combing, or washing with anything religion, nor is it limited to Rastafari. They are worn by people in a number of different cultures and religions, so dreads alone do not make one a Rasta. For the Rastas who do wear dreadlocks, it is a symbol of loyalty to the religion. Rastas also had many other symbols that are associated with their beliefs such as “rasta colors (red, gold and green)” which are on the Rastafarian flag, Zion representing Africa, the Lion of Judah representing the reincarnation of Christ, the Star of David in Rasta colors, reggae music and ganja otherwise known as marijuana that is believed to be the herb of life and brings peace.

 

 

Early Rastafarian Beliefs:

1. Hatreds of Whites
2. Superiority of Blacks
3. Revenge on Whites for their Wickedness
4. The negation, persecution and humiliation of the government and legal bodies of Jamaica
5. Repatration: Haile Selassie will lead Blacks back to Africa
6. Acknowledging Emperor Haile Selassie as God, and the ruler of Black people

Modern Rastafarian Beliefs:

1. The humanity of God and the divinity of man
2. God is found in every man
3. God is history
4. Salvation on earth
5. The supremacy of life
6. Respect for nature
7. The power of speech
8. Evil is corporate
9. Judgement is near
10. The priesthood of Rastafarians

Haile Selassie I, Ethiopian emperor in the Rastafarian religion is asserted to as the returned messiah of Bible and is worshipped as the God incarnate and considered at the next coming of the Lord. In the 1930s during the Rastafarian movement Haile Selassie was seen as the figure who will lead a future of eternal peace, righteousness and prosperity and will the peoples of Africa to freedom. He is referred to by Rastafarians as HIM, Jah, and Jah Rastafari. Rastafarian faith in the divinity of Haile Selassie began after the news report of his coronation of Jamaica. The name Rastafari came from Ras Tafari, which was the title of Haile Selassie, who composed the Amharic Ras or the Ethiopian title equal to that of a Duke, and was Haile Selassie’s given pre regal name, Tafari. Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy - "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer" - was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie I is regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race. This is supported by the Rastafarian idea that God himself is black. Rastafarians use Biblical names such as Lord of Lords, King of Kings and Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah for Haile Selassie. These terms had been used throughout history to describe Ethiopian Emperors, but with the crowning of Haile Selassie I they were seen as evidence that supported his divine status. Many Rastafarians trace Haile Selassie's lineage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. They believe that the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon found in the Book of Kings (1 Kings 10:1-13) provides further proof of the divinity of Haile Selassie I. When Haile Selassie I was crowned Emperor, the King of England, who at that time was regarded by many as the most powerful man in the world because of the size of the British Empire, was unable to attend. However, he sent the Duke of Gloucester to represent him. The Duke of Gloucester bowed to Haile Selassie on meeting him. Many Rastafarians believe that this revealed that the new Ethiopian Emperor was more important than the most important man in the world. Rastafarians regard 'Ethiopia' as their homeland and believe they will eventually return. During periods of colonisation Africans were divided up and sent to destinations throughout the world, in most cases as slaves to whites. This is why many Africans found themselves in Jamaica and why it is regarded by many Rastafarians as hell. 'Ethiopia', the homeland, was seen as a place of fond memories of freedom and life prior to oppression. This meant it eventually became regarded as heaven.

Ganja is one the many symbols of importance that represents the Rastafarian way of life. Ganja is term used in reference to marijuana. It was brought to Jamaica in the 1800’s by East Indians who were brought to work on the island. Before Rastafarianism ganja was used in Jamaica as medicine in teas. In 1960 ganja was considered a controlled drug or substance by the government and became illegal to use and sell. The stereotype associated with Rastas are that they all smoke marijuana which in fact is not the case. Ganja is not seen as a drug or as a method of getting high. It is used for spiritual purposes that are believed to give insight and help meditation. Ganja is also believed to help gain wisdom. Once smoked it is believed that “it is a sacrament that cleans the body and mind, exalts the consciousness, facilitates peacefulness, and brings them closer to Jah. The burning of the herb is often said to be essential for it will sting in the hearts of those that promote and perform evil and wrongs. It is commonly referred to as the “Holy Herb”.   When there is a reason behind a large gathering of Rastafarians a chalice, a large smoking pipe, may be passed around and smoked. It is similar to the passing of the communion cup in Christianity. Rastas are often targeted by the police and other law enforcement officers as potential users, and it is even reported that police use dreadlocks as probable cause to search someone. Rastas are often the victims of Babylon’s attempt to keep them from the “Healing of the nation.” Marijuana is viewed as a plant capable of uniting a whole country. Rastas believe that it gets rid of the useless garbage that Babylon tries to teach them and allows them to focus on Jah. It is felt that Babylon is denying rights proclaimed to them in the Bible. Babylon is the name given that incorporates the government, the police, and the church in Jamaica.