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Rastafarianism Facts & Worksheets

Rastafari, also known as Rastafarianism, is a Jamaican religion that emerged in the 1930s. Scholars of religion classify it as a social movement and a new religious movement.

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Rastafari, also known as Rastafarianism, is a Jamaican religion that emerged in the 1930s. Scholars of religion classify it as a social movement and a new religious movement. Practitioners of the campaign are known as Rastafari, Rastafarians, or Rastas, and there is no governing body or uniform ideology within it.

See the fact file below for more information about Rastafarianism, or you can download our 25-page Rastafarianism worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND

  • Rastafari is a relatively recent Abrahamic religious group that views Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian ruler from 1930 to 1974, as the incarnation of God and the Messiah who would lead his followers to the Promised Land, which Rastas consider to be Ethiopia. 
  • It originated in the Black Liberation and Afrocentrism movements. Most Rastafarians live in Jamaica, where the campaign began; however, Rastafarian communities exist in many other nations.
  • Rastafarians share similar beliefs with Jews and Christians. The Rastafarian faith adheres to the triune deity Jah, who has taken many incarnations throughout history, including that of Jesus Christ. 
  • They agree with most of the Bible, but they see the West and white civilization as the source of the Bible’s corruption through the years. In particular, they consider Selassie to be the fulfillment of the Messiah’s second coming, as predicted in the Book of Revelations. The movement’s name comes from the title by which Selassie was known before he was crowned king: Ras Tafari Makonnen.

ORIGIN 

  • Rastafarianism originated in the 18th century when enslaved Africans in the Americas were exposed to Ethiopianism and other ideologies that idolized Africa. Converts to Christianity found encouragement in Psalm 68:31, which predicted that “Princes shall come out of Egypt, and Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”
  • The advent of the contemporary Pan-African movement in the late 19th century, especially the teachings of Jamaican-born Marcus Garvey, who is credited with bolstering this mentality by telling his followers, “Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer.” Proto-Rastafarian classics like “The Holy Piby” and “The Royal Parchment Scroll of Black Supremacy” didn’t arrive in Jamaica until the 1920s.
  • In 1927, Afrocentric Black political activist Marcus Garvey predicted that the liberation of the Black race would follow the coronation of a Black monarch in Africa. Shortly after Selassie’s coronation in 1930, four Jamaican clergymen made separate but similar proclamations about his being their savior.

BELIEFS AND CULTURE

  • Rastafarians adhere to a monotheistic faith in which they pray to one God they name Jah. As “Jehovah” is the name of God in English Old Testament translations, “Jah” is a contraction of that name. 
  • Rastafari places a premium on this concept of the omnipresence of God, or Jah, believing that he dwells not only in the heavens but also in the hearts of all human beings. The proverb “God is man and man is God” is a reflection of this concept, and Rasta talks of “knowing” Jah as opposed to merely “believing” in him. Rastafari emphasizes mysticism to bridge the gap between humankind and the divine.
  • Wearing one’s hair long and uncombed, wearing clothes in the colors red, green, gold, and black (representing the vitality of the blood, herbs, royalty, and Africanness, respectively), and following an “I-tal” (natural, vegetarian) diet are all part of the Rastafari “livity,” or principle of balanced lifestyle. Prayer sessions, ganja smoking as a means of “itation” (meditation) with Jah, and “bingis” (all-night drumming festivities) are also part of the religion. 
  • Bob Marley, a Jamaican singer and composer, took reggae music from its roots in the Rastafari movement and helped it gain international acclaim.

Smoking of Ganja

  • When most people think about Rastafarians, marijuana usage is one of the first things that comes to mind.
  • For a Rastafarian, lighting up some Ganja is a spiritual experience. They smoke Ganja to get insight into the world and make better decisions. 
  • Rastafarians traditionally pray to Jah or Haile Selassie I before lighting up. Rastafarians who use Ganja for Nyabinghi are said to be having reasoning sessions. 
  • It’s important to note that a Nyabinghi session differs significantly from the casual marijuana smoking sessions standard in the West. The Nyabinghi is regarded with great respect. In the eyes of a Rasta, you’re showing no concern if you act like a fool. Rastafarians pray to their god Haile Selassie before partaking in the ritual smoking of cannabis or ganja.

Dreadlocks

  • Deadlocks often recognize Rastafarians. Dreadlocks may be traced back to ancient Africa, namely eastern Africa. Rastafarians also avoid putting any sharp metal items on their heads. 
  • As a result of their beliefs, they refuse to cut or style their hair. Rastafarians also attribute their hairstyle to the concept that they resemble the mane of a lion. The lion must be both the king of the animals and the most humbling. 
  • In the eyes of Rastafarians, both of these characteristics are sacred to the “Black Man.”.

Rasta Diet

  • Rastafarians avoid being near any dead animal. This theory is based on the food they eat. Rastafarians think it’s terrible because it turns your body into a graveyard when you consume dead animals. 
  • This doesn’t imply Rastafarians never eat cheese or ice cream. Because it does not originate from a corpse, most Rastafarians view milk as acceptable for ingestion. Many Rastafarians consume fish despite their strict adherence to a vegan diet. But Rastas abstain from eating shellfish. More time spent in the Bible has led to this conclusion. Some Rastafarians refuse to consume any fruit that has been chemically or otherwise changed from its natural state. 

Dialect

  • The Rastafarian language is a window into Rastafarian thought and practice. “If you want to know how Rasta’s think, listen to them Talk”. The language of Rastafarians is taken extremely seriously. 
  • When speaking, Rastas typically want to appear imposing and appreciative. The Rastafarians’ literal way of thinking is reflected in their language. Like their views, which are based on a literal translation of the Bible, their language employs a literal translation of words. Their words symbolize their rebellion against injustice and those in positions of power. Analyzing Rastafarian discourse reveals the group’s persistent effort to see the bright side of life.

Social Thought

  • The Rastafarians advocate nonviolence and endeavor to dissuade others from using violence. Most Rastas reside in economically depressed areas, making it difficult for them to preach against violence. Many Rastafarians are terrified about the prospect of nuclear war. Reggae music, popular among Rastafarians, typically expresses a desire for global harmony.

FLAG

  • Red, green, and gold are the official colors of Rastafari. The color Black is sometimes mixed in. 
  • Red commemorates the lives lost fighting for black rights in Jamaica,
  • Green symbolizes the country’s lush greenery and the promise of a future free of oppression.
  • Ethiopia’s riches are represented by gold.
  • Rastafarians’ African heritage is represented by black.
  • Rastafarians use the lion as their emblem. The ‘Conquering Lion of Judah,’ as Haile Selassie I is sometimes called, is represented here by this lion. Rastafarian dreadlocks symbolize the mane of a lion.

Rastafarianism Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Rastfarianism across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Rastafarianism. Rastafarianism is a Jamaican religion that emerged in the 1930s. Practitioners of the campaign are known as Rastafari, Rastafarians, or Rastas, and there is no governing body or uniform ideology within it.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Rastafarianism Facts
  2. The Path
  3. Rastafarianism
  4. Tune In
  5. Symbolism
  6. Culture
  7. In Your Own Words
  8. The Great Ones
  9. Facts
  10. Beliefs
  11. Explore Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rastafarianism?

Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica during the 1930s. It emerged as a response to the social and political injustices faced by Afro-Jamaicans and is heavily influenced by African and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Rastafarians worship Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as their divine leader and believe in the divinity of the Ethiopian homeland.

Why is Haile Selassie I important in Rastafarianism?

Haile Selassie I, born Ras Tafari Makonnen, is revered by Rastafarians as the living embodiment of God, often referred to as Jah or Jah Rastafari. They believe that he is the promised Messiah mentioned in the Bible and that his coronation in 1930 fulfilled prophecies, particularly those from the Book of Revelation. His speeches, such as the “War” speech, carry great significance in Rastafarian theology.

What are some key symbols and rituals in Rastafarianism?

  • Dreadlocks: Many Rastafarians wear dreadlocks as a symbol of their connection to the divine and their commitment to a natural, unaltered way of life.
  • Rastafarian colors: The colors red, yellow, and green are often associated with Rastafarianism, representing bloodshed, the wealth of Africa, and the lushness of the homeland, respectively.
  • Nyabinghi Drumming: Rastafarians engage in drumming and chanting sessions called Nyabinghi, which are spiritual gatherings aimed at promoting unity and worship.
  • Ital Diet: Rastafarians follow a strict dietary code called the Ital diet, which emphasizes natural, unprocessed foods and excludes certain items like meat and alcohol.

What is the significance of Africa in Rastafarian beliefs?

Africa holds great importance in Rastafarianism as the spiritual homeland and place of ultimate redemption. Rastafarians believe that they were taken from Africa as part of the African diaspora and that their return to Africa, often symbolized as “Zion,” will bring about a utopian future where they can live in peace and unity.

How has Rastafarianism influenced popular culture?

Rastafarianism has had a significant impact on music, particularly through the reggae genre, which is closely associated with Rastafarian themes and beliefs. Iconic musicians like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh were Rastafarians and used their music to spread messages of love, unity, and social justice. The movement’s cultural elements, such as dreadlocks and Rastafarian colors, have also become widely recognized symbols in global popular culture.

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These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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