Rastafarianism
Concepts/Symbols
There are many concepts or Symbols that relate to the Rastafari Movement:
Babylon/Zion: Babylon is the world (the white man's world) that has corrupted all human beings.
Zion is the Promised Land: Ethiopia, land of repatriation.
I and I: it means myself in presence of the Holy Spirit of Haile Selassie.
Jah is short for Jehovah: God.
Ganja (marijuana) is the herb you smoke to be in communion, in connection with Jah. It is a ritual to smoke to become in osmose with nature, and the divine.
Lion of Judah is Haile Selassie, the Messiah.
Ital Food is what Rastas eat; it is a mixture of vegetables and fruit. Rastas should not eat meat, they may eat fish. They cannot drink alcohol, but they may smoke marijuana.
Dreadlocks is a sign of Rastafari culture. There are quotes in the Bible that say that man should not cut off his hair or his beard. Dreadlocks are also sign of the Lion of Judah and his strength.
