Rastafarianism

Haile Selassie on the cover of Weekly Illustrated 15 June 1935. As emperor of Ethiopia (former name Abyssinia) 1930–74 his achievements included the suppression of slavery and the establishment of a national assembly in 1955.

Religion originating in the West Indies, based on the ideas of Marcus Garvey, who called on black people to return to Africa and set up a black-governed country there. When Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari, ‘Lion of Judah’) was crowned emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, this was seen as a fulfilment of prophecy and some Rastafarians acknowledged him as an incarnation of God (Jah), others as a prophet. The use of ganja (marijuana) is a sacrament. There are no churches. In 2000 it was estimated that there were 700,000 Rastafarians worldwide.

Rastafarians identify themselves with the Chosen People, the Israelites, of the Bible. Ethiopia is seen as the promised land, while all countries outside Africa are Babylon, the place of exile. Many Rastafarians do not cut their hair, because of biblical injunctions against this, but wear it instead in long dreadlocks, often covered in woollen hats in the Rastafarian colours of red, green, and gold. Food laws are very strict: for example, no pork or shellfish, no salt, milk, or coffee.