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One of the more obvious symbols of the Rastafarians, are colors. These are red, black, green and gold. These (but gold) were taken from the Garvey movement. The color red stands for the Church Triumphant which is the church of the Rastas. It also symbolise he blood that martyrs have shed in the history of Rastafarianism. The black represents the color of Africans, those whom 98% of the Jamaicans descended. Green represents the beauty and vegetation of Ethiopia - the promised land, and also the holy herb. Gold represents the wealth of their homeland. The dreadlocks on a Rastas head also contains symbolism. This symbolize the Rastas' roots, contrsting the straight, blond look of the white man and establishment. It not only show their roots, but it's supported in the Bible, Leviticus 21:5, "They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh." The way the hair grows comesto represent the symbol of the Lion of Judah (explained further down). This has also come to symbolize rebellion of the system and proper way to wear hair. The Lion of Judah represents Haile Selassie, the Conqueror. It represents the King of Kings as a lion is the king of all beasts. Others believe that it represents majority of the movement. Selassie wore a Lion of Judah ring, that was given to Bob Marley at the time of Selassie's death. The where-abouts of this ring is unknown, because it disappeared after Marley's death. The expression "I and I" is frequently heard among Rasta talk. What it means is that no person is more privilidged than another on the basic truth of life. All people are tottally equal. This is why many times Rastas will opt to use "I and I" instead of "You and I", because they believe that all people are bound together by the one God, Jah. |
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Washing in a natural spring.
Rastas believe in the health giving properties
of these springs. pic by Stephen Mendes (C) |
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