Rastafarian beliefs have never been strictly defined, yet the faith continues to exist all over the world, mainly in Jamaica.

Followers believe that Haile Selassie’s coronation in 1930 was the fulfilment of a prophecy made by the faith’s founder Marcus Garvey. In 1920, he declared that a black messiah would be crowned in Ethiopia.

To Rastafarians, Selassie was much more than just a political leader. Their theology focused on the divinity of Selassie as a living manifestation of Jah, the all-knowing and all-loving God.

The faithful believe that the Bible sanctions the use of ganja (marijuana). They revere it as a sacrament that helps them discover the true will of Jah.

They also believe that one day there will be an exodus of black people to Ethiopia, the Promised Land. Their outlook is shaped by their belief in the Ten Commandments.

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There are three principal sects within Rastafarianism:

• Bobo Shanti A separatist order that follows Old Testament law
• Nyahbinghi Order The oldest sect, named after Queen Nyahbinghi of Uganda
• Twelve Tribes of Israel Followers believe they are descended from the twelve
• tribes of David

Other sects include the Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church and the Ethiopian World Federation.

Not all Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie as Jah. Some believe he was a devout man, a living icon of Christ.

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Marcus Garvey is regarded as the founder of Rastafarianism. Next to Halie Sealssie, he is the faith’s most important figure. He was an influential preacher whose black empowerment message and back to Africa teachings attracted a significant following in his native Jamaica.

“Look to Africa,” Garvey said in 1920, “when a black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand.” Many thought the prophecy was fulfilled in 1930, when Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and proclaimed King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the conquering lion of the Tribe of Judah.

After Haile Selassie, Garvey – who became a member of the Orthodox Church – remains Rastafarianism’s most important figure. He devoted most of his life to helping others, and died in London in 1940.

In 1960, it seemed possible that Rastafarians might achieve a return to Ethiopia – one of their core principles. With the help of the Jamaican government, a delegation of Rastafarian leaders set out on a mission to Africa. The visit did not result in large-scale immigration from Jamaica. However, sending leaders to Africa gave the faith a better understanding of the continent’s realities, and may have diffused the movement’s enthusiasm for an immediate return there.

In 1966, Selassie paid a visit to Jamaica, where he advised believers not to return to Africa until Jamaica had been fully developed. Fourteen years later, Selassie died a normal human death, leading to widespread introspection among the faithful. Some believe that Selassie never died; or that he ascended alive into heaven, and that reports of his death were spread to confuse believers.

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Rastafarians live a peaceful life with few material possessions. They devote much time to contemplating the scriptures and avoid the materialistic world, which they call Babylon.

Rastafarians have adopted a form of Hindu avatars, believing that Haile Selassie was the last of four incarnations of God that include Moses, the Hebrew Prophet Elija, and Jesus.

Diet
Rastafarians generally eat an I-tal diet comprising foods that are as pure as possible; often – but not always – raw; and free of chemical additives and preservatives.

They avoid meat (especially pork), coffee, salt, tobacco, alcohol, and seafood (although small fish are allowed).

Hair
Rastafarians are prohibited from cutting their hair, interfering with its natural growth, or using hair products and stylists. Dreadlocks are a natural result of this practice, rather than a cultivated hairstyle.

Dress
Many Rastafarians wear a tam, a woolly hat often coloured red, green and gold.

Women keep their heads covered when receiving visitors or worshipping, while men uncover their heads during worship.

Women conceal their bodies and wear colourful dresses.

Symbols
Rastafarianism’s most important symbols are the Lion of Judah, Haile Selassie’s personal emblem; and the red, black, green and gold flag, adopted from Garvey’s back to Africa movement.

Red represents the blood of African martyrs; black represents the colour of the ancient African people; green represents the fertility of the Promised Land, Ethiopia; gold represents Africa’s wealth.

The Christian cross is another important symbol.