Rastafari at a glance

Rastafari is a young, Africa-centred religion which developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, following the coronation of Haile Selassie I as King of Ethiopia in 1930.

Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie is God and that he will return to Africa members of the black community who are living in exile as the result of colonisation and the slave trade.

Rastafari theology developed from the ideas of Marcus Garvey, a political activist who wanted to improve the status of fellow blacks.

There are approximately one million world wide adherents of Rastafari as a faith. The 2001 census found 5,000 Rastafarians living in England and Wales.

Followers of Rastafari are known by a variety of names: Rastafarians, Rastas, Sufferers, Locksmen, Dreads or Dreadlocks.

It spread globally following the success of Bob Marley and his music in the 1970s

Rastafarians believe that blacks are the chosen people of God, but that through colonisation and the slave trade their role has been suppressed

The movement's greatest concerns are the repatriation of blacks to their homeland, Africa, and the reinstatement of blacks' position in society

It is an exocentric religion - as Haile Selassie, whom adherents consider as God, is outside the religion

Rastafari religious ceremonies consist of chanting, drumming and meditating in order to reach a state of heightened spirituality

Rastafarian religious practice includes the ritual inhalation of marijuana, to increase their spiritual awareness

Rastafarians follow strict dietary laws and abstain from alcohol.

Rastafarians follow a number of Old Testament Laws

There is a separate code of religious practice for women in Rastafari

Rastafarians believe reincarnation follows death and that life is eternal

Rastafarians are forbidden to cut their hair; instead, they grow it and twist it into dreadlocks

Rastafarians eat clean and natural produce, such as fruit and vegetables

Rastafarians try to refrain from the consumption of meat, especially pork

Rastafarians are opposed to abortion and contraception

Rastafarian colours

The Rastafarian colours are red, green and gold. Sometimes black is added. These colours are chosen because:

Red signifies the blood of those killed for the cause of the black community, throughout Jamaican history

signifies the blood of those killed for the cause of the black community, throughout Jamaican history Green represents Jamaica's vegetation and hope for the eradication of suppression

represents Jamaica's vegetation and hope for the eradication of suppression Gold symbolises the wealth of Ethiopia

symbolises the wealth of Ethiopia Black signifies the colour of the Africans who initiated Rastafari

The Rastafarian symbol

The lion is the symbol of Rastafari.

This lion represents Haile Selassie I, who is referred to as the 'Conquering Lion of Judah'. Rastafarians' dreadlocks represent the lion's mane.