AS RASTAFARIANISM has no official dogma and no formal church, there is no conversion process. The nearest thing to a church that Rastas have is the Twelve Tribes of Israel Church, which is multi-racial and will accept anyone, without a ceremony, who recognises Haile Selassie I to be one of a long line of prophets.
What makes a rasta a Rasta?
Rastas emphasise what they regard as living naturally, adhering to ital dietary requirements, wearing their hair in dreadlocks, and following patriarchal gender roles. Rastafari originated among impoverished and socially disenfranchised Afro-Jamaican communities in 1930s Jamaica.
How do rasta live?
Rastafari “livity,” or the principle of balanced lifestyle, includes the wearing of long hair locked in its natural, uncombed state, dressing in the colours of red, green, gold, and black (which symbolize the life force of blood, herbs, royalty, and Africanness), and eating an “I-tal” (natural, vegetarian) diet.
Can Rasta eat chicken?
Rasta do not eat any meat, or Chicken – Rasta love to eat fish, vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Some Rasta consume Alcohol. Rasta do not eat Shell fish – We believe shell fish are dirty because they clean the bottom of the Sea.
Are all Rastas vegan?
Some adherents to Ital diets are strict vegans, as they do not consider dairy to be natural for human consumption either. Despite most adherents being vegetarian, some consider fish to be acceptable.
What do Rastafarians smoke?
Rastas smoke marijuana to increase spiritual awareness. Instead, it is a medium that is used to open their mind and increase their spiritual awareness. Smoking marijuana is considered a religious ritual.
Do Rasta eat meat?
To stay healthy and spiritually connected to the earth, Rastas eat a natural diet free from additives, chemicals, and most meat. The style of primarily vegan eating is known as ital cooking. Rastas are commonly called Locksmen and Dreadlocks, as they believe God (Jah) instructed them to to never cut their hair.
Do all Rastafarians smoke?
True Rastafarians do not smoke cigarettes as it is seen as un-natural and dangerous to ones health. Marijuana is not the only plant or herb used by Rastafarians. They use a wide variety of herbs, plants for medicinal and dietary purposes, however, ganja is the most popular.
Why do Rasta not eat meat?
The aim of healthy eating, using the freshest and most natural food possible, is to increase livity, or life energy, in Rasta terminology. Meat is considered to be dead food so it does not fulfil these criteria and, according to Rastafarian belief, consuming it turns the body into a cemetery.
Why do Rasta dont eat meat?
Vegetarianism. Most expressions of the Ital diet include adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. This is based in part on the belief that since meat is dead, eating it would therefore work against Livity elevation. Few adherents of ital follow the strictest interpretation; some Rastafarians do not adhere to them at all.
Do Rasta eat pork?
Most Rastas know the bible better than some practicing Christians and you will begin to understand why as you read up on them. Most are vegetarians and dont eat pork, but not all smoke weed as many believe. Rastas do wash their hair and are very specific about cleansiness.