Story: Rasta Man……No Worries Bredrin

Bob Marley, ganja, dreadlocks, cliff jumping and Montego Bay are all synonymous with Jamaica. You will be alright, no worries – you’re in Jamaica man. Most people don’t have the courage or motivation to experience the true culture and traditions of Jamaica and prefer to stay confined within the comfort and simplicity of their resort and air-conditioned hotel room. Me on the other hand, I like to roam freely throughout and take with me a greater understanding of different cultural backgrounds and distinct, first-hand knowledge of the places I visit and people I encounter.

Jamaica is loaded with history, cultural diversity, struggles and strengths, battles and freedoms, but the most intriguing to me was the Rastafarians mysterious lifestyle and viewpoints. Rasta or the Rastafari movement is the belief in Haile Selassie I, who was the former Emperor of Ethiopia, also referred to as Jah Rastafari. The name Rastafari is derived from Ras meaning head which is an Ethiopian word for Duke, Earl or King. Jah also comes from a strong biblical reference and derivative of the word Jehovah, yet another word for god, king or almighty being. I was not aware that so much history between Jamaica and Ethiopia existed. As is also their belief smoking ganja, weed or gank is known as the proper way for the Rastafarians to converse with their god – much like prayer or a peace pipe of sorts. Bob Marley’s influence on the Rasfari movement was colossal especially during which time British sovereignty was the central figure of authority. He spread the sounds of his religious viewpoint through his reggae music and became one of the most influential and popular artists of his time. He ultimately had massive amounts of people joining the movement, living the simple truths of the Rastafarian lifestyle and gathering together in large groups to organize celebrations for Jah, also called niahbingi.

The Rastafari movement is more complex than reggae lyrics and the occasional smoke would have you believe. The movement preserves the pride and humility of the African, Ethiopian and Jamaican people. They have a profound respect for the teachings of the bible and strongly oppose any type of chauvinism, oppression, prejudice and ethnic discrimination. Many of the practices of elder Rastafarians are traits of older generations of Jamaican farmers who were lacking money and material possessions. Although the Rastafari movement is a religious one, the movement is not considered a religion in itself only a way of living one’s life or a different way of interpreting or perceiving the bible’s message. As well as their religious teachings, they also pride themselves on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Rastas are commonly strict vegetarians, only eating what “nature” provides for them. They eat rice, aikee, vegetables, callalou, roots, soy, gizzada and beans. Aikee is a fruit that peels apart and opens up when ripe. You pluck out the giant, black seeds and cook the yellow meaty parts. It can be eaten raw but seems somewhat flavorless that way. Gizzada is a mixture of peanuts, carrots, coconut and spices all mashed together to form delicious patties. Seafood and fish, or anything caught in the turquoise sea, are also eaten regularly to provide protein and maintain their healthy way of life. Much to the dismay of the older, more experienced Rasta, the younger generation is getting use to the fast food takeover, the lazy, frivolous, simple way of life.

Dreadlocks are another sacred religious practice among the Rasta’s. They are a distinct expression of their complete disdain for egotism and the significance of superficial good looks. The word “dread” refers to trepidation of their supernatural being. They also have quite a political impact and can signify racial or ethnic pride such as black unity and the denunciation of prejudice, imperialism and tyranny. Dreadlocks are ordinary tresses twisted into lengthy ropelike, knotted locks or stiff braids.

Rasta’s have many simple but fulfilling vocations and talents. Many of them are artists, wood workers, painters, street vendors and sculptures and others are musically inclined having a passion for jazz, reggae, rumba and/or vocals. The wood workers were amusing to talk with. Watching them widdle away under the swaying palm trees on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Negril was mesmerizing. They made tortoise shell combs, necklaces, small trinkets, wall hangings, rings and many other special items.

Another type of artistic expression that speaks volumes is locally known as “yard art”. Yard art is frequently spray painted on billboards, fences and large signs to advertise the opening of a new club, political viewpoints, rally’s or to share opinions on different cultural matters and concerns. These forms of art are large, bold and bright and certainly make a poignant statement – regardless of what that public statement may be, it is powerful and thought provoking.

Being among of one of the most controversial and misunderstood cultures in the world, I came away with some sense of realization that what I had suspected Rastafarians were, was very far from the truth. Rastafarians are at present an integral part of Jamaican culture rather than just being a senseless ideal. The inhabitants of the island are now synonymous with Jamaica. The Rastafari movement is built by the nation, for the nation and in Jah we trust.