Rastafari Culture, Explained: Origins, Beliefs and Way of Life

The Rastafari movement is a monotheistic religion, a culture and a way of life born in Jamaica in the 1930s, built around one God — Jah — harmony with nature and resistance to oppression. It has shaped music, fashion and spirituality across the globe. In this deep dive into Rastafari culture we'll explore its origins and beliefs, the meaning of the Rastafari colors, its bond with music, and how it approaches questions of gender, including the role of Rastafari women.

Origins and Beliefs of Rastafari

Rastafari is a monotheistic religion that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its roots lie in the Abrahamic faiths, but with interpretations all its own. Rastafarians believe in one God called Jah, creator of the universe. Valuing harmony with nature, they reject materialism and greed.

The Meaning of the Rastafari Colors

The Rastafari flag is iconic, made up of three colors loaded with meaning:

• Red: Stands for the blood shed in the struggle for liberation and the life force of the Rastafari people.
• Gold: Symbolizes Africa's abundance and the warm sun shining over the continent.
• Green: Represents fertility, growth, agriculture and nature itself.

These colors appear in clothing and decoration as an expression of Rastafari identity.

The Bond Between Music and Rastafari

Music is a cornerstone of Rastafari culture. Reggae, with icons like Bob Marley, has carried the Rastafari message around the world. Song lyrics often speak of resistance, peace and love.

The Role of Women in Rastafari Culture

Rastafari women play an important role in the faith and the community. While the movement has traditionally centered male figures, Rastafari women have gained visibility and leadership. Gender equality is encouraged, and building happy, well-cared-for families is held in high regard.

Core Tenets of the Rastafari Faith

• One True God: Rastafarians believe in Jah, the God who created the universe.
• Living Righteously: They value love and respect, rejecting greed and materialism.
• Creation: Nature is sacred and the work of Jah.
• The Afterlife: They believe in the eternal life of the soul.
• Marriage: They uphold the importance of family.

Rastafari Around the World

The Rastafari movement has spread far beyond Jamaica and is estimated to have around one million followers worldwide, including in Argentina.

In the end, Rastafari culture is a rich blend of religion, music and life philosophy. Its significance lies in its message of love, equality and respect for nature and humanity — and in its lasting mark on global culture.

What customs do Rastafarians follow?

Rastafarians keep a number of customs and practices that are woven into their culture and faith. These customs reflect their spiritual beliefs and their way of living in harmony with nature. Some of the most distinctive include:

1. Wearing the Rastafari colors: Red, gold and green matter deeply in Rastafari culture. They appear in clothing and decoration — often as flags or bracelets — to express Rastafari identity and values. Each color carries a specific meaning: red stands for the blood shed in the struggle for liberation, gold symbolizes Africa's abundance, and green represents nature and the land.
2. Sacramental use of cannabis: Cannabis, known as "ganja" in Rastafari culture, is used as a sacrament in religious ceremonies. Rastafarians believe smoking it helps them connect with Jah (God) and open their minds. It's worth stressing that for Rastafarians this practice is strictly religious and spiritual, and shouldn't be confused with recreational cannabis use.
3. Dreadlocks: Dreadlocks are one of the most recognizable symbols of Rastafari culture. Rastafarians let their hair grow naturally, neither combing nor cutting it. They see their locks as a tie to nature and an outward sign of their spiritual connection with Jah.
4. The Ital diet: Ital eating is a central part of Rastafari life. It's a vegetarian — often vegan — diet built on natural, unprocessed foods. Rastafarians believe a clean, healthy diet keeps body and mind in balance and fosters harmony with nature.
5. Chants and music: Music plays a central role in Rastafari life. Reggae in particular has been a powerful vehicle for spreading the Rastafari message worldwide. Rastafarians often gather to sing spiritual hymns and reggae songs about resistance, love and liberation.
6. Community gatherings: Rastafarians meet regularly in community sessions known as "reasoning" or "groundation". These gatherings are a space to discuss spiritual, social and political matters and to reflect together on life and Rastafari philosophy.
7. Resistance and activism: The fight against oppression and social injustice is a key part of Rastafari culture. Many Rastafarians have taken part in resistance and activism, standing up for equality, human rights and social justice.

What is the Rastafari ideology?

Rastafari ideology is complex, spanning a set of core beliefs and principles that shape a unique worldview. While it can vary between groups and followers, these are some of the main beliefs and ideas:

1. Belief in Jah (God): Rastafarians believe in a single God they call "Jah." Jah is held to be the Creator of the universe and the supreme force in every human life — a loving, just God who guides and protects his people.
2. Nature and connection to the land: Rastafarians feel a deep bond with nature and hold the Earth to be a divine creation. They treasure the land as a source of life and sustenance and strive to live in harmony with it.
3. Resistance to oppression: The struggle against oppression, injustice and racial discrimination sits at the heart of Rastafari ideology. Many Rastafarians identify as descendants of Africans who were enslaved and displaced, and see their faith as resistance against both historical and present-day oppression.
4. Unity and brotherhood: Rastafarians promote unity and fellowship among all people, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or religion. In their view, all human beings are equal in the eyes of Jah, and divisions and racism are to be overcome.
5. Cannabis as a sacrament: Cannabis, known as "ganja," is used as a sacrament in Rastafari religious ceremonies. Rastafarians believe smoking it helps them connect with Jah, meditate and open their minds. This spiritual practice is central to the Rastafari faith.
6. Dreadlocks and simple living: Dreadlocks are a Rastafari symbol and a rejection of Western beauty standards. Rastafarians choose a simple life and steer clear of materialism.
7. Reggae music: Reggae, especially through figures like Bob Marley, has been a key vehicle for spreading the Rastafari message worldwide. Reggae speaks of love, resistance and liberation.
8. Rejection of Babylon: In Rastafari thought, "Babylon" names the oppressive, corrupt system that holds people down. Rastafarians seek to live outside Babylon's reach and build communities rooted in Rastafari values.
9. Hope and redemption: Rastafarians believe redemption is possible through faith and righteous living. They hold hope for a better future and see their faith as a path to spiritual liberation and justice.