The Origins Of Rastafari
The name Rastafari, which is derived from Ras, is the title given to Amharic Royalty in Ethiopia and Tafari, which is the pre-coronation name of His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (1898-1975). A severe depression, racism and class discrimination during 1930 was the perfect environment for the rural and poor Jamaicans to […]
The Key Figures
Leonard P. HowellThe first propagator of Rastafari was Leonard P. Howell. He also founded the Pinnacle Encampment in an abandoned estate between Kingston and Spanish Town, where the followers of this new religion found a safe haven. Howell was the Chief of the village and was rumored to have taken thirteen wives for himself. The […]
The Rastafarian Orders & Sects
There are 3 distinct Rastafarian orders & sects, with different beliefs and symbols. These orders & sects, however, agree on two common principles; the exalted status of Haile Selassie I and the rejection of white Eurocentric images of divinity. Here are the 3 distinct Rastafarian orders & sects: Bobo Shanti The word Bobo Shanti is […]
About H.I.M. Haile Selassie
1892: Born near Harar1928: Ascends to throne of Shoa1930: Ascends to Imperial Throne1936: Exiled after Italian invasion1941: Returns to Addis Ababa1966: Visited Jamaica1962: Attempted coup by son1962: Wife, Empress Menen dies1974: Deposed by Mengistu1975: Dies while in custody Haile Selassie was born Tafari Makonnen and is said to be a a descendent of King Solomon […]
Jamaica National Heroes
The Jamaican National Heroes dared to challenge the institution of colonialism and in so doing changed the course of Jamaica’s history giving social and political freedom to its people. Today, the statues of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes stand in proud acknowledgment, in the National Heroes Park in Kingston where they are viewed with inspiring pride, […]
History of The Accompong Maroons
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW: In May of 1655, under a plan aimed against Spain known as the “Western Design”, the English Fleet of 38 ships and about 8,000 men sailed into Kingston Harbor. The “Roundheads” under Oliver Cromwell’s leadership had many motives for attacking the Spanish. Chief among them was to avenge the deportation of English Settlers […]
Introduction
Rastafari is the most famous religious movement of the Caribbean. It has affected the culture and society of the Caribbean. Our goal is to provide information on Rastafari in Jamaica and to assist in understanding Rastafari. After reading these series of articles, one should be able to differentiate between the many individuals who are dreadlocked […]
Rastafari Comparison to Christianity And Judaism
RawHTML: Rastafari Christianity Judaism Key Person (s) His Imperial Majesty(HIM) Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia (1888 – 1975) Jesus God and Abraham of the bible. Founder Founder – Joseph Hibbert, Leonard Percival Howell Jesus Christ Abraham of the bible. Date 1930 A.D. 30-33 2000 B.C. Location Jamaica Middle East Middle East Key Writings Bible […]
I Saw My Land in the Morning
Words by M.G. Smith/ Music by Mappletoft Poulle I saw my land in the morningAnd oh, but she was fair,The hills flamed upwards scorningDeath and failure here. I saw through the mists of morningA wave like a sea set free,Faith to the dawn returning,Dark tide bright unity. I saw my friends in the morning,They called […]
I Pledge My Heart
Words by Victor S. Reid/Music by Gustav Holst I pledge my heart foreverTo serve with humble pride,This shining homeland ever,So long as earth abide. I pledge my heart this islandAs God and faith shall live,My work, my strength, my loveAnd my loyalty to give. O green isle of the Indies,Jamaica strong and free,Our vows and […]
