As it existed in Jamaica, Rastafari did not promote monogamy. Though it is not especially common, Rasta men are permitted to engage in polygamy, while women are expected to reserve their sexual activity for one male partner. Common-law marriage is the norm, although many Rastas are legally married.
What are the rules for marriage in Rastafarianism?
In Rastafari there is no formal marriage structure. A Rastafari man and woman who live together are regarded as husband and wife (unless, of course, they are related in some other way, such as mother and son). If marriage does take place it is regarded as a social occasion rather than a religious event.
Some sects maintains that white Europeans can never be legitimate Rastas but others believe an "African" identity is not inherently linked to black skin but whether an individual displays an African "attitude" or "spirit".
A tenet of Rastafari that has to do with sex without the use of prophylactics is also strongly articulated in Puerto Viejo, where women continually have to negotiate condom use when in engaging in sexual activity with some of the local men.
Veganism, just like the Rastafarian diet, relies on the consumption of plant-based foods and forgoing meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Instead, vegans are encouraged to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds.
These practices vary among different tribes, but they often share common themes of mourning, respect, and symbolism. One widely observed practice is cutting or shaving the hair as a sign of mourning and respect for the deceased.
At that time ironically, the only one that might have saved or lengthened his life – surgery to remove the cancerous toe – was the one that he refused. His Rastafarian religion considered it a sin to remove any part of the body.
Most of the population is affiliated with Christianity and the Rastafari movement, which have both encouraged negative feelings towards homosexuality. Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ persons are very common and LGBTQ people in Jamaica often remain closeted to avoid discrimination or harassment.
Much as other religions have different sects or denominations of belief. Rastafarians have three main divisions called mansions. The first sect, the Nyabinghi is the oldest, the next is the Bobo Shanti, and the youngest is the Twelve tribes of Israel.
Although it is possible to be a 'cleanface, baldhead' Rasta, most Rastafarians follow the Nazarites in that they do not use combs or razors (hence beard and dreadlocks) and do not practise any sort of body piercing or tattooing.
The exclusion of grapes from the Rastafarian diet can be traced back to the historical experiences and struggles of the African diaspora. Rastafarians perceive grapes as a symbol of European colonialism and the exploitation of African labor.
Marriages that take place according to Jamaican law are recognized in the United States as legal marriages. Persons getting married in Jamaica must be in country for 24 hours before the ceremony can be performed.
There is generally no funeral ceremony for Rastas, who believe in reincarnation and that following Rastafari ways faithfully grants eternal life. Only evil things die. Atoms form new babies and life continues.
Rasta celebrations traditionally include ganja (marijuana) smoking as a spiritual ritual, a some couples will choose culturally symbolic items, like colorful Rasta wedding rings, wraps, or robes (with green, gold, red, and black bands).
Right here in the Caribbean, the chew stick, known as Gouania Lupuloides, is a vine normally found in woodland areas of Jamaica. It is primarily used by Rastafarians as a natural way to clean teeth.
It is also practiced because as adherents to natural living, Rastafarians often believe the human being is a natural vegetarian based on human physiology and anatomy. Some adherents to Ital diets are vegans, as they do not consider dairy to be natural for human consumption either.
They were regarded as a threat by the Jamaican government because they openly defied the social order. In following with Garvey's teachings, the early Rastafarians founded their faith in the reclamation of black culture, which had been devalued in colonialist Jamaica.
Most Rastafarians do not use certain words in the English language as they have devil-like connotations. For example, the word “hello” is not used because it contains the word “hell” and “lo”, referring to “low”. To say “hello”, use: “Wa gwaan” or “Yes I”. To say “goodbye”, use: “Me a go”, or “Lickle bit”.
Many Rastas believe in reincarnation or eternal life. These beliefs are usually informed by the idea of Jah as a divine presence inside every person, and therefore Rastas believe they can realise their own divinity through the practice of livity.
For Rastas, Zion refers to the continent of Africa, and Ethiopia specifically. The term represents both a place and an ideal to strive for, which Rastas equate with preserving and glorifying Black African culture. A number of reggae songs, such as Bob Marley's 1974 hit “Iron Lion Zion,” refer to Zion explicitly.
Rastafari oppose abortion and contraception, which they see as a colonial strategy to suppress the African population. Some Rastafari women do still use contraception, however. Medicines can be a problem, Rastafari do not use patent medicines, instead they use herbal remedies from folk traditions if they can.
Consider the following important beliefs and practices: Rastafarians believe in the principle of livity, which means living a balanced and natural life to maintain vitality. Rastafarians believe in the concept oneness as expressed through the use of 'I and I', versus 'you and I'
