The term "Mansions of Rastafari" refers to the various distinct religious groups or sects within the larger Rastafari movement. Rastafari is an Afrocentric religious and social movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, following the coronation of Haile Selassie I as Emperor of Ethiopia. The Mansions of Rastafari represent different interpretations and practices within Rastafari ideology and have varied beliefs, rituals, and deities revered.
Each mansion represents a unique perspective on the teachings of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican leader who advocated for the repatriation of black people to Africa and is considered a forerunner to the Rastafari movement. These mansions include the Nyahbinghi Order, Bobo Shanti, Twelve Tribes of Israel, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The Nyahbinghi Order is often associated with traditional Rastafari practices and is known for its elaborate drumming sessions called groundations, which involve singing, chanting, and dancing. The Bobo Shanti mansion focuses on strict adherence to Rastafari principles and Ethiopian customs, including distinctive headwear and strict dietary regulations. The Twelve Tribes of Israel focus on the spiritual aspects of Rastafari and draw inspiration from the biblical twelve tribes.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, while not exclusively a Rastafari movement, holds a prominent place within Rastafari ideology due to its connection to Ethiopian culture and the veneration of Haile Selassie I as the returned Messiah.
Overall, the Mansions of Rastafari represent a diverse range of interpretations and expressions within the Rastafari movement, highlighting the autonomy and diversity of Rastafarian beliefs and practices.
