Rastafari Heritage

One of ORU’s core aims is to educate ourselves and the wider society about African and Rastafari history and culture. This page is part of that work — a faithful introduction to the roots, the symbols and the way of life that define the Rastafari Nation.

Where Rastafari comes from

The Rastafari movement arose in Jamaica in the early 1930s, among African people who had endured slavery, colonialism and the constant teaching that they were less than others. Into that struggle came the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, whose Pan-African message — pride in African identity, self-reliance, and a call to look to Africa for redemption — lit a fire across the Caribbean and the diaspora.

When Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia in 1930, taking the titles King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, many received it as the fulfilment of prophecy. From this, Rastafari took its name and its faith. Ethiopia — never fully colonised, ancient and proud — became a powerful symbol of African sovereignty and the spiritual home of the movement.

The colours and the symbols

The red, gold and green carried by Rastafari come from the Ethiopian tradition and the Pan-African banner. They are commonly understood as red for the blood of the martyrs who fought for African freedom, gold for the wealth and the sun of Africa, and green for the land and its living abundance. Black is often added for the African people themselves. The Lion of Judah stands for strength, royalty and the dignity of African people.

Livity: the way of life

Rastafari is lived, not merely believed. Livity is the term for this whole way of life — natural, righteous and rooted in respect for creation (which Rastafari call Iration). Central to it is Ital living: a clean, natural diet and lifestyle, often free of processed food, that keeps the body in harmony with the earth.

Rastafari speak of I and I (InI) rather than “you and me,” because InI recognise the divine presence shared among all people and the unity of the individual with Jah and with one another. Wisdom is sought through reasoning — gathering to discuss, debate and arrive at truth together. Many Rastafari grow dreadlocks, understood in light of the Nazarite vow of the scriptures and as a natural expression of identity and faith.

Houses, gatherings and music

Across the movement there are different houses or “mansions” of Rastafari — among the best known are the Nyabinghi order, the Bobo Ashanti and the Twelve Tribes of Israel — each with its own emphasis, while sharing the common roots of the faith. Nyabinghi gatherings, with their drumming and chanting, are among the deepest expressions of Rastafari worship and community, and the rhythms of Rastafari have shaped reggae and the music of the whole Caribbean and the world.

Babylon and Zion

Rastafari speaks of Babylon — the oppressive systems of greed, injustice and mental enslavement that have weighed on African people — and of Zion, the promised state of freedom, righteousness and return to the African homeland. To resist Babylon and to journey toward Zion is, in many ways, the spiritual story of the movement.

Rastafari in St. Kitts and Nevis

This heritage lives in our own Federation. St. Kitts and Nevis carries the deep history of African enslavement on the sugar estates, and the equally deep history of African survival, resistance and culture. The Rastafari Community here is part of that story and part of the worldwide movement — and through ORU, it is organising to teach this heritage, defend its people and build its future.