Rastafarianism is a very new religion. It began in 1930 in Jamaica. Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican, predicted there would be a black messiah in Africa.
As it turned out Ras Tafari, a prince, became Emperor of Ethiopia in 1930. As emperor he was called Haile Selassie but the name Rastafarianism comes
from his name, Ras Tafari. People believed he was the black messiah Marcus Garvey was talking about.
Rastafarians believe in some of the Bible mixed with some African beliefs and traditions. Rastas believe that they are one of the twelve tribes of ancient
Israel. They believe that Ethiopia is their promised land. hey hope one day to return there just as the Israelites returned to the promised land after being
slaves in Egypt and Babylon. Rastas believe that God took human form first as Christ the messiah then as Ras Tafari, the black messiah.
Rastas believe in living close to nature. They are vegetarians and ideally, they grow their own food. They do not believe in smoking cigarettes or drinking
alcohol or coffee. Interestingly enough, however, they do believe in smoking marijuana or cannabis, since this is to them a natural and beneficial herb.
They smoke it as part of their worship.
