Rastafarianism - An Introduction
page 3
 In
Rastafarianism,
it is generally believed that Jamaica is Babylon, or Hell, and that Africa,
and Ethiopia in particular, is the promised Land. Moreover, it is also
believed in Rastafarianism that Haile Selassie is the Messiah, who will
deliver the black race from the oppression of the white race in Jamaica
to live in Ethiopia (or Africa). The Ethiopians, or black race, are the
Israelites, who will one day rule over the world as Jah's chosen people.
Jah, or Jehovah, is the one supreme God, who is considered black according
to several biblical translations, namely, Jeremiah 8:21, "For the
hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment
hath taken hold of me"; and Daniel 7:9, describing God with "Hair
of his head like pure wool; his throne was like the fiery flame, and his
wheels as burning fire" (fire being associated with the black race).
Rastafarians generally consider the Bible holy, but believe other faiths
have interpreted the Scriptures incorrectly. The vision of the Rastafarians
is to create a universal brotherhood and world peace.
Most Rastafarians are vegetarians, and don't believe in killing for any
reason. They are identified by wearing the colors red, black, and green,
and often wear their hair in natural curls called dreadlocks. The symbol
of the Rastas is the lion.
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