Historical and ethnographical study of rastafari religion

The Rastafari people are a group of (primarily) men that originated in Jamaica, especially in and around Kingston, who believe in being repatriated to a designated homeland in Africa. Through their reinterpretation of the bible, an ascetic-leaning lifestyle, and heavy influence of previous Revivalist religions and African Myal traditions, they have carved a religion that is worldly, conscientious, and , now, world renouned. Icons such as Bob Marley, spliffs, their red, gold, and green flag, and …

…and group perceptions, lovely, flowing language, revolutionary world view, and damn catchy music make for one of the most vibrant and culturally interesting creole religions. They are a noble people and thanks to their increasing internationalization will hopefully influence our cultures for decades to come. Bibliography: Barrett, Leonard. The Rastafarians. Boston: Beacon Press, 1977. Chevannes, Barry. Rastafari: Roots and Ideology. Syracuse: Syracuse University Press, 1994. Lewis, William F.. Soul Rebels: The Rastafari. Prospect Heights: Waveland Press, Inc., 1993.