...

Who is Rastaman – Subculture Description

Rastaman is a stereotype that was birthed by the subculture of Rastafari, which is an African religion and social movement that emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is often associated with a communal, spiritual, and disciplined lifestyle that uses dreadlocks, marijuana, music, and dancing as part of a spiritual connection with one’s God. Rastaman is a positive representation of Rastafari culture, whose distinct features include a dress code, language, musical style, hairstyle, and smoke. The lifestyle of following this subculture brings immense benefits to its followers such as peace of mind, the satisfaction of being a part of a greater purpose, and self-discovery.

The content of the article



The Rastafari subculture originated in the 20th century, and is associated with reggae music, dreadlocks, marijuana and rejection of the modern materialistic world, or “Babylon”. But her ideas and meaning lie much deeper – this is a special style, lifestyle, belief system.

What is Rastafarianism

God jah

Western exploitation, colonization, and the slave trade led to the emergence of a protest movement in Ramaafarianism in Jamaica in the 1930s. The term is derived from the title of “races” (prince, duke) and the name Tefari Maconnen. So before the coronation, the name of the revered Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I, who offered the descendants of former slaves from Jamaica land in Ethiopia for resettlement.

Rastamans believe that the late king is the promised messiah, the embodiment of God Jah, who can bring home members of the black diaspora who live in exile.

Vera Rastafari was born from the ideas of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political activist who wanted to improve the situation of oppressed blacks.

Rastamans and culture

Rastafarianism Ideas

Principles of Learning:

  1. Native interpretation of the Bible.
  2. Vegetarianism.
  3. Special dialect.
  4. Dreadlocks (hairstyle).
  5. Clothing of certain shades.
  6. Drum music.
  7. Unique calendar.

Followers of the Rastafari movement advocate a return to the old pre-colonial African culture. Then peace reigned on Earth, and a free man lived in harmony with nature and himself..

Clothing and lifestyle

Rastamans

Rastamans’ desire for freedom, their emancipation are reflected in everything. Spacious shirts, linen pants do not constrain movement, but are ideal for hot climates. Sandals on bare feet do not interfere with the absorption of earthly energy. Volumetric beret completes the image, containing rasta colors: red, yellow, green. Comfortable simple clothes are complemented by accessories: talismans, bracelets.

The colors of the Rastafarians and their meaning

Rastafari flag

  1. Red symbolizes the blood of fallen fighters who fought for the cause of the black community.
  2. Green represents the vegetation of Jamaica, hope for deliverance of the oppressed.
  3. Golden shows Ethiopia’s wealth.
  4. Black is the color of the Africans themselves.

Facts about the Rastamans subculture

Rastaman's life

Lifestyle, belief system and behavior make followers of the doctrine a separate social group. Rastamans keep a few biblical commandments, lead the right way of life.

Dreadlocks are not just a style

Rastaman lion

The Old Testament says that hair stores the strength of a person, so it is forbidden for rastamans to cut their hair. Twisted locks form dreadlocks, which are accepted by the community in the first days of the emergence of movement in Jamaica. The hairstyle of the rastamans resembles a mane, therefore the emperor Haile Selassie I is sometimes called the “Leo of Judea”.

Rastamans smoke marijuana to enhance spiritual status

Subculture followers use cannabis for ritual inhalation during meditation. This is a religious ritual with the aim of opening the mind, increasing spiritual awareness. Representatives of the subculture do not consider marijuana a drug, but call it a plant of wisdom. Cannabis has traditionally been used by Africans to treat humans or animals..

Bob Marley is not the founder of the subculture

The popularity of Bob Marley

The popularity of King Reggae’s work in the 1970s helped spread the Rastafarian lifestyle around the world. The music style of the Rastamans has become a nationalist loud call for freedom. Hence the misconception that the famous artist was the founder of the subculture.

The roots of the movement in the philosophy of Marcus Garvey

Marcus Mosiah Garvey

A political activist who advocated the release of African Americans was born in Jamaica in 1887. The island was once a transit point for the slave trade. Marcus Garvey has observed racism since childhood. Subsequently, a public figure called on the descendants of black slaves to return to Africa. Rastamans consider him a prophet, because the activist predicted the coronation of the last emperor of Ethiopia.

The enslaved dark-skinned Marcus Garvey was promised a quick deliverance. In his philosophy are the roots of the religious, social and political movements of Rastafari.

Subculture followers live not only in Jamaica

Rastafari in Europe

At first, Rastafarianism was a local island movement, but later its supporters appeared in the United States and the Caribbean. Now in the world there are about a million people for whom the Rastaman culture is an integral part of life. Thanks to music and the Internet, the call of the Rastas affected people in the most remote corners of the planet.

They have a healthy diet.

Rastaman Village

Rastafarians care about health, considering the body a temple that is easy to desecrate. Subculture followers do not drink alcohol, refrain from eating meat (especially pork). Rastamans eat fruits and vegetables, often follow a strict dietary law, according to which any food should be natural and raw.

Rate the article
( No ratings yet )
Recommender Great
Tips on any topic from experts
Comments: 2
  1. Hadley

    Who is Rastaman? I am curious to know more about this subculture. Can someone provide a concise description of what being a Rastaman entails? I would love to learn about their beliefs, practices, and any significant characteristics that define this unique subculture. Any information or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  2. Logan Simmons

    Who is Rastaman? I’m curious to learn more about this subculture. Can someone please provide a description or overview? What are their beliefs, values, and practices? How do they express themselves through their unique style, music, and language? Any information or personal insights would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
Add comments