Rastafari — Way of Life

Cafe Lous' says.... Lets Understand Each Other... or Try To...

Language As the movement of Rastafarians became more distinct, Rastas
inherited and formed their own language. While the widely known fluid
dialect of Patois is known–African in rhythm and English in
interpretation, Rastas took the diction of Patois and English and formed their own
translations, meanings and words. It was necessary for Rastas to use a
language that was inclusive, positive and uplifting to the mind.
English words connoted backward, negative and often evil thoughts and ideas.
Words are living entities and have power by effecting the way one
thinks, sees, hears and receives enlightenment. Instead of saying we, our,
mine, you and I, Rasta affirms I’n’I, leaving no separation in the
identity of things. Instead of saying "understand," Rastas say "overstand,"
as to not be under anyone’s definitions. Instead of saying "dedicated,"
Rastas say "livicated," (using the prefix live instead of die). Instead
of saying "manifested," Rastas say "I-nifested," to incarnate the I is
in
everything. Foods are also given new meaning, as "ital," for "vital,"
means a strictly vegetarian diet, "Inana," is banana, "I-go" is a
mango. The I is the spirit of Jah and the spirit of man, and the unification
of that divinity. Many Rasta words begin with I and many words also
project a positive twist to a word to give it a higher meaning than its
regular English comparison instead of "hello," Rastas either say
"greetings," or "irie." This language would be called the Kings Iyriac, to
distinguish from the British English, which is seen in the culture as
Babylonian, and causing all the negative problems in the world.



Women

The role of women in Rastafari has been a complex, yet orderly system
of knowing one’s place. Though man is seen as the head of the home, and
of his community, women in Rastafari are greatly respected as queens,
and their duty is to raise their children and provide a stable community
for the men. By teaching health, nutrition, and various elements of
life, women contribute greatly to Rasta culture. Though the rules for
women seem strict, a Rasta woman has to be able to tell herself apart from
the larger society of women in Babylon whose ways, style of dress, and
approach to life is all together different. Rasta women realize their
potential as queens and honor that title with respect: no short dresses,
no pants, no adding chemicals to the hair, and definitely no make up or
artificial cosmetic use. Rasta women maintain a sense of identity with
nature, their community and their children. The faith requires women to
know their place when they are amongst men, while being as wise as any
man. In Rasta culture women are not geared into vanity, and are
frowned upon when it comes to exploiting their bodies. This exploitation
destroys the great potential that women have to become leaders, and
becoming closer to God. You can’t travel two roads and expect to get to Jah.
You have to travel the narrow road, and for women in Rastafari, this is
often not easy. For the temptations of western society that says a
woman can dress any way, show her flesh, she can talk any kind of way, and
use obscene words to express herself, or she can denounce her community
and her children for vanity are misleading concepts that tear the
nation apart. The Rasta woman is the holder of the nation, and her awareness
of this allows her to live a simple lifestyle while upholding her
duties as a woman; she is always revered for that.

It is safe to say that women who recognize Rastafari as their faith do
not have to be told what to do, but have learned what works for them.
It’s unimaginable that every woman will adhere to every single law of
the culture but it is imaginable that Rastafarian women have found a
faith that brings them closer to Jah, and binds them to uplifting
themselves toward positive I-spirations.

Diet

The mainstay of Rastafarian diet has a lot to do with laws that are
innately divine to man’s nature. The prohibition of many foods and the
strict dietary laws that Rastas are known to have keep in tune with many
biblical references to stay clean, healthy and unpolluted. Rastas often
use herbs for medicinal purposes, to strengthen, heal and cleanse the
body. They refrain from eating red meat, pork, chicken, fish (for some),
eggs, cheese, white flour products and processed foods. The purpose is
to keep a dietary law that is more in harmony with the Earth. It also
is to keep them from digesting any part of blood of animals or their
flesh, allowing a more human quality to always be present in man instead
of the animal/flesh driven passions that pervade western culture.

Reggae

Since the early sixties, Jamaica has produced some of the most stellar
music and artists in the world. Out of the constant struggle for
independence, survival and truth, reggae music emerged--a music that has its
roots in R&B, Rock Steady and Mento. However, reggae was a force with
which to be reckoned because of its political messages.

Music was seen as a way of staying out of trouble, and not getting
caught up in the "rude boy" lifestyle that led to violence, jail or death.
The Rasta impact on reggae music would cover a book, but it is clear
that the influence of the elders and the teachers of the faith deeply
influenced artists who were seeking to distinguish themselves in a
business that faded artists out as quickly as they made a hit. For many of
these artists, being poor was a daily reality and it became a necessity to
address it instead of creating escapist music to deal with it. Rastas,
in the early years, were forbidden in many studios and were not allowed
to express their creativity. But all that would change as the movement
of Rastafari became more appealing to young aspiring singers and
musicians, and the voice of Rasta began to take over reggae music.

Rastafarian’s native son, Bob Marley would change the direction in
which Reggae was destined to go, and his talent and inspiration created an
overwhelming international market that suddenly became interested in
Rasta culture, ideology and Jamaica. From the time of Marley’s sudden
death in 1981, the world would forever know about Rastafari, and would be
intrigued and inspired by reggae and its powerful artistry. The list of
artists that contributed to this great music of this unprecedented era
include the original Wailers, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Junior
Braithwaite, Ras Michael & the Sons of Negus, Yabby You & the Prophets, Michael
Rose, Junior Byles, Big Youth, The Abyssinians, The Ethiopians, The
Pioneers, Augustus Pablo, The Congos, Lee Scratch Perry, The Mighty
Diamonds, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, Prince Far I, U Roy, I Roy,
David Jahson, Johnny Clarke, and a host of others whose works and names
would fill the books. Reggae music, as a genre, has gone through many
phases and changes as the modern era approached, however, the 70s will
always be remembered as the "golden era" of the music because of its
content, intensely rich and vibrant harmonies, melodies and creative
sound. The reggae music of the 1970s was deeply influenced by Rastafari,
and remains to this day some of the best work to come out of the island.

Future

The future of Rastafari, like any group, rests on its youth and their
distinct relations with their elders. The elders of Rastafari have been
the backbone of the culture since its inception, and have led a strong
force around the globe teaching the works, mysteries and divine
theories of Haile Selassie, Jesus Christ, and most notably, Jah. It’s not
important whether one believes in Haile Selassie, as it is important for
one to know. Salvation rests in one’s own known destiny with Jah. For
Rasta’s sacred forward movement, the elders have always been the most
instrumental influence on the young generation and their inspiration to
spread the message. Since Rastas don’t consider Rastafari to be a
religion, political group, or social campaign, their plight remains illusive,
yet straightforward. It is obvious that Rasta culture is no longer a
Jamaican ideal, but has now gained international intrigue and followers.
Everywhere there are social injustices, there will be a Rastafarian
sense of
purpose to correct those wrongs through a divine force.

It is also important for Rastas to find their rest and dwelling--a
place that they can ultimately raise their youth, protect their elders and
have a communal way of life where dependence, self determination and
unity are identifiable. It is the ultimate goal to see the total
unification of Africa.

To truly identify Rastafari, one should never check the external dress
of an individual but s/he should always check for the heart.