Rastafari is a religion, or ideology for some that holds Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia as a very important figure, usually in a religious way. They have gained fame through their spiritual act of using Ganja, which is quite unfortunate, for their is much more to the religion. It is also unfortunate that many non-Rastafarians believe only blacks can be Rastafarian, which is untrue, it is open to people of all races.

Some Rastafarians hold Haile Selassie I as Jah (God) himself.

Some Rastafarians believe Haile Selassie I is the son of Jah, the Messiah. People who follow this path sometimes believe that Haile Selassie I is the 'the Son' part of the Holy Trinity.

Many, if not most Rastafarians are technically some kind of Christian, but have a place for Selassie I in their faith. Some see him as the reincarnation of Jesus. Others see him as a God incarnate, but don't say very much about him having anything to do with Jesus. Some believe he was sent by Jah and hold the belief that the Father, Jesus, the Holy Ghost, and Selassie I are different people, but are all Jah. Some believe he is just an extremely important figure, not Jah himself. One of the reasons many people choose one of these opinions or another similar to them is that Haile Selassie I himself was an Ehtiopian Orthodox, meaning he believed in Jesus.

Opinions of who Selassie I is vary tremendously. Most Rastafarians believe one should find out for themselves who they believe he is, possibly with the help of Jah.

A large portion of Rastafarians are either vegetarian or only eat limited types of meat, living by the dietary Laws of Leviticus and Deuteronomy in the Old Testament.

Dreadlocks are often worn by Rastafarians because of what was said in Leviticus 21:5 . Others wear them simply because it has been a hairstyle for a very long time in Africa.

Reggae is extremely popular amongst Rastamen and women. One of the the most popular Rastafarian reggae composers is Bob Marley.

One should not call this religion "Rastafarianism". Most Rastafarians find it disrespectful, for they often reject many "schisms and isms".

There is more to learn about this faith, which can be read about in online encyclopedias, other websites, and various other places.
Rastafari is fairly popular worldwide, though Jamaica seems to be a hotspot.
by 1nit April 27, 2006
6 more definitions
Top Definition
The Rastafari movement is a monotheistic, Abrahamic, new religious movement, that accepts Haile Selassie I, the former, and final, Emperor of Ethiopia, as the incarnation of Jesus Christ, called Jah or Jah Rastafari. Within the Rastafarai movement Haile Selassie was considered the physical body through which the Power of the Trinity exhibits its power here on earth. Rastas assert that Zion (i.e., Africa, especially Ethiopia) is a land that Jah promised to them. To achieve this, they reject modern western society, calling it "Babylon", which they see as entirely corrupt. "Babylon" is considered to have been in rebellion against "Earth's Rightful Ruler" (Jah) ever since the days of the Biblical King Nimrod. The lion is a symbol of Haile Selassie. Jesus Christ is described as "the lion of Judah" in the Bible, and for this reason, Haile Selassie is seen as the reincarnation of Jesus.
The wearing of Locks is very closely associated with the movement, though not universal among, or exclusive to, its adherents. Rastas maintain that Locks are supported by Leviticus 21:5 ("They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh.") and the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6:5 ("All the days of the vow of his separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow."). Followers of the Rastafari movement see Marcus Garvey as a prophet, with his philosophy fundamentally shaping the movement, and with many of the early Rastas having started out as Garveyites. He is often seen as a second John the Baptist. For Rastas, smoking cannabis, usually known as "healing of the nation", "ganja", or "herb" (from the Sanskrit word, "Ganjika", created by the Hindus of India), is a spiritual act, often accompanied by Bible study; they consider it a sacrament that cleans the body and mind, heals the soul, exalts the consciousness, facilitates peacefulness, brings pleasure, and brings them closer to Jah.
by ♫ Highway to Hell ♫ October 05, 2009
Rastafari is a "messianic religio-political movement" that began in the Jamaican slums in the 1920s and 30s. The most famous Rastafari is Bob Marley, whose reggae music gained the Jamaican movement international recognition.
There is significant variation within the Rastafari movement and no formal organization. Some Rastafarians see Rasta more as a way of life than a religion. But uniting the diverse movement is belief in the divinity and/or messiahship of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, the influence of Jamaican culture, resistance of oppression, and pride in African heritage. The Rastafarian lifestyle usually includes ritual use of marijuana, avoidance of alcohol, the wearing of one's hair in dreadlocks, and vegetarianism. Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), is usually credited as the founder of Rastafari and is seen as a 2nd John the Baptist.
by ♫ Highway to Hell ♫ July 18, 2010
The late Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia; held in mystical regard by rastafarians.
Ras Tafari fled, but acted with great dignity when the Italians invaded.
by Cornholio October 30, 2003
A cheap, black supremist knock-off of Christianity. Every Rastari believer says that everyone should be nice and get along (ANTI-VIOLENCE), but if you say something bad to a Rastafari believer, they will immediately become violent and want to harm you. Also, smoking "ganja,' more commonly known as WEED, is a major part of the religion (which, by the way, weed supposedly makes you "anti-violent". Apparently not). Also, if you do not post this definition, I will keep trying to post it, because I have seen a lot more offensive and crazy things on Urban Dictionary than my definition. And I hope you understand that I'm right.
Rastafari is just another reason made-up by people to make other serious religions look bad. Also, if you're a Rastafarian and thinking about hurting me because of my definition, you're only proving me right.
by The Foamy Chewbacca's Legacy December 25, 2010
In Jamaica, it is a religion about tolerance and loving everyone. In America though, it is celebrated by college pot smoking middle to upper-class white people. They are just finding more excuses to get high. They could care less what the actual belief is, in fact ask any of these "Rastafarian" college students about their faith. They either don't know anything about it, or are too up on drugs (not just pot) to make out an intelligable sentence.
"rastafarian" college student: "DUDE, I just got back from like... spring break, and I learned about this religion and stuff.. anyway.. there is pot in it. I converted that night"

regular college student: "you're an idiot"

by Wateriestfire November 29, 2006
somone whos religian is to praise salasi i and smokes weed and chills all day.
rastafari all day thats how i live, gettin money all day and runnin from the pigs, i got mad money i got mad skills smokin and tokin, get high and chill.
by jd_platinum March 11, 2009

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