"What are the characteristics of the Rastafarian culture in Jamaica?"
Rastafarianism is a “movement to Africa” which started with Marcus Garvey in the late 1800s (Minority Rights Group International, 2008). The customs of this culture range from those recognized by most people, such as reggae music, to those that are not so well known from the outside, such as the food restrictions. One example of a custom in this culture is the religion associated with it, and the methods of worship. In Rastafarianism, there is a great deal of emphasis on religion, which explains why the term Rastafarian can be used to express both the culture and the religion of a person who labels themselves as such. Due to the heavy emphasis on this particular aspect, many of the other characteristics stem from the religious views that are shared by the Rastafarian people.
The culture of any people is typically defined by the characteristics that those people possess— from the customs they practice, to the arts that reflect their way of life. The Rastafarian people of Jamaica possess a distinct culture, which distinguishes them from many other cultures around the world. To look into the culture of these people, it is important to examine six major characteristics. These characteristics include customs, music, ideals, language, history, and subdivisions.
What do the colors on the Rastafarian flag represent?
Red- the blood of those killed for the cause of the black community
Green- represents Jamaica's land
Gold- symbolizes the Minerals and Resources
The old Rastafarian Flag Incorporated Black:
Black- signified the colour of the Africans who initiated Rastafari
Black was featured on the old Rastafarian flag, but is no longer present for unknown reasons.
(Jamaican Culture, 2003)