Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism a religious-cultural movement that began (1930s) in Jamaica. Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie , also named Ras Tafari, the last emperor of Ethiopia (d. 1975), is the Messiah. They tend to reject European culture and ideas and are particularly noted for their use of marijuana. Reggae music is heavily influenced by Rastafarianism. There are some 180,000 Rastafarians worldwide.

Rastafarianism A cult which spread from the West Indies to both the USA and the UK among young Blacks during the 1980s. It sees the (deposed) Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (born Ras Tafari Mekonnen), as symbolically the rightful protector of African civilization and the representative of the true message of the Gospels. It was a Black interpretation of Christianity, whereby Blacks were God's chosen people. Rastafarianism helped to give Black minority groups a degree of self-respect in an often hostile and essentially White culture.

Rastafarianism West Indian religion focusing on veneration of Ras Tafari (Haile Selassie I). The movement was started in Jamaica in the 1920s by Marcus Garvey. He advocated a return to Africa in order to overcome black oppression. Followers of Rastafarianism follow a strict diet, and are forbidden various foods including pork, milk and coffee.