Religions followed by Northwards people

Rastafari

picture of Emperor Haile Selassie
Emperor Haile Selassie

Rasta, or the Rastafari movement, is a religion and philosophy that accepts Haile Selassie l, the former (and last) emperor of Ethiopia, as 'Jah' - the Rasta name for God in human form.

The name Rastafari comes from Ras (Duke or Chief) Tafari Makonnen, the pre-coronation name of Haile Selassie I. The movement emerged in Jamaica among working-class and poor black people in the early 1930s. It arose from an interpretation of Biblical prophecy, partly based on Selassie's status as the only African monarch of a fully independent state, and his titles of King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of Judah.

The Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world, helped by an interest generated by reggae music - most notably, that of Jamaican-born singer/songwriter Bob Marley. By 2000, there were more than one million Rastafari faithful worldwide. About five to ten percent of Jamaicans identify themselves as Rastafari.

Festivals
  • Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie
  • Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie
  • Birthday of Marcus Garvey

Find out more about different religions celebrated by Northwards people.

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