The spelling of the word "rastafari movement" is based on the pronunciation of its corresponding phonemes. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ræstəˈfaɪr.i m'uːvmənt/. The "r" in "rastafari" is pronounced as a retroflex approximant, while the "a" is pronounced as a short vowel sound. The stress falls on the third syllable, marked by the apostrophe. The "i" in "movement" is pronounced as a long vowel sound, and the stress falls on the second syllable. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its pronunciation.
The Rastafari movement is a religious and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica during the 1930s. It is centered around the belief in the divinity and messiahship of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Followers of the movement, known as Rastafarians or Rastas, believe that Selassie is the embodiment of God on Earth and worship him as the rightful ruler of the world. The movement also emphasizes the return of African diasporic people to their ancestral homeland in Africa, particularly Ethiopia.
The Rastafari movement is characterized by its distinctive religious, cultural, and social expressions. It places a strong emphasis on the spiritual use of marijuana, which is believed to aid in meditation and connection with Jah (God). The movement also advocates for the rejection of Western materialism and consumerism, instead promoting a simpler and more natural way of life. Rastafarians often wear dreadlocks as a symbol of their faith and maintain a strong connection to African heritage through music, particularly reggae, which has become the movement's soundtrack.
The Rastafari movement has gained global recognition and has attracted followers and sympathizers from various cultural backgrounds. It has had a significant influence on Jamaican and global popular culture, particularly through its association with reggae music and iconic figures like Bob Marley. Beyond its religious aspects, the movement has also played a role in socio-political activism and the fight against oppression and inequality, promoting messages of peace, love, and unity among all peoples.
The word "Rastafari" is derived from the name "Ras Tafari Makonnen", which was the birth name of Haile Selassie I, the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974.
The Rastafari movement emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s and is deeply rooted in the socio-political and cultural context of the time. Many Jamaicans, particularly those from marginalized communities, were embracing a sense of African pride, seeking spiritual and cultural liberation from the legacy of slavery and colonialism. Haile Selassie I, considered by Rastafarians to be the messiah and the embodiment of the living God (Jah), embodied their ideals of black pride, African heritage, and resistance against oppression.