From 20th century
Jamaica and Ethiopia
Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that began in Jamaica in 1930 after the crowning of Haile Selassie I. Its religious dimension identifies Ras Tafari as the Messiah, while its social and cultural outlook rejects aspects of European culture. The movement spread internationally through Jamaican reggae music and inspired migration and settlement in Ethiopia, especially at Shashemmene.
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The Story
Rastafarianism began in Jamaica in 1930 in response to the crowning of Ras Tafari as Haile Selassie I. Many Black leaders in the United States and Caribbean interpreted his accession through biblical expectations of African kingship. Some believers regarded him as more than a political ruler and identified him with God’s return to Earth.
The movement combines religious conviction with cultural and social practice. Its religious aspect presents Ras Tafari as the Messiah or savior, while believers tend to reject European culture and its associated values. The extract also associates Rastafarian practice with the use of ganja and emphasizes the central role of reggae music in circulating Rasta themes.
Rastafarian connections with Ethiopia became tangible through migration. Haile Selassie encouraged a back-to-Africa movement and in 1955 offered 500 acres of his own land for settlement by Black people from the West. Several thousand Jamaicans moved to Shashemmene, where the settlement reached a peak of about 2,500 residents before declining to approximately 1,000.
From 20th century
Jamaica and Ethiopia
Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that began in Jamaica in 1930 after the crowning of Haile Selassie I. Its religious dimension identifies Ras Tafari as the Messiah, while its social and cultural outlook rejects aspects of European culture. The movement spread internationally through Jamaican reggae music and inspired migration and settlement in Ethiopia, especially at Shashemmene.
Continue exploring
The Story
Rastafarianism began in Jamaica in 1930 in response to the crowning of Ras Tafari as Haile Selassie I. Many Black leaders in the United States and Caribbean interpreted his accession through biblical expectations of African kingship. Some believers regarded him as more than a political ruler and identified him with God’s return to Earth.
The movement combines religious conviction with cultural and social practice. Its religious aspect presents Ras Tafari as the Messiah or savior, while believers tend to reject European culture and its associated values. The extract also associates Rastafarian practice with the use of ganja and emphasizes the central role of reggae music in circulating Rasta themes.
Rastafarian connections with Ethiopia became tangible through migration. Haile Selassie encouraged a back-to-Africa movement and in 1955 offered 500 acres of his own land for settlement by Black people from the West. Several thousand Jamaicans moved to Shashemmene, where the settlement reached a peak of about 2,500 residents before declining to approximately 1,000.