In 1916 he
became Prince Ras Tafari Makonnen and heir to the throne after leading a
revolution against the ruler Lij Eysu.
In 1928 he
was crowned King and in 1930 Emperor. His constitution limited the power of
parliament. However, the constitution failed and Haile Selassie fled to
Britain.
From 1935
till 1941 were the Abyssinian War and the occupation by the Italian troops.
In 1941
Haile Selassie regained power with the support of Britain.
In 1974 he
was deposed by a committee of left-wing army officers because of social
problems in the country which Haile Selassie lost control over.
The
Rastafarian religion's belief is that Haile Selassie was the Messiah.
Rastafarians are found in Black Africa, Jamaica, USA, Canada and Britain.
Rasta
means pride and 'Lion of Judah' was one of Haile Selassie's titles. The lion is
part of the emblem for Rastafarians and is symbolic for pride and courage.
The thick dreadlocks represent the lion's mane therefore the lion is mentioned
many times in songs and poems.
The
Rastafarian came from Jamaica from illiterate, dispossessed lower classes in
1930. These people were very poor and had no hope to improve their living
standard for themselves and their children. Marcus Garvey started preaching
that black people should return to their native Africa. He is regarded as
the founder of the Rastafarian's movement.
A major
reason for the acceptance of the teaching, amongst other stricken groups, is
the concentration on spiritual contentment, hope and deliverance from
oppression. However, their belief has no set congregation, no paid clergy and
no single clear doctrine of all their beliefs. Therefore, there are variations
in beliefs and practice.
Nevertheless,
there are six fundamental beliefs:
1) Haile
Selassie is the returning Messiah and the living god. -- He was adopted by
the Rastafarians as a god and they called him Jah. It is Selassie's name Ras
(Prince) and Tafari where Selassie came from, the house of Tafari which gave
the religion the name.
2) They
also believe that black people are the reincarnation of the ancient Israelites
who were exiled to Jamaica. -- To them the word 'Israelite' means the same an
Ethiopian. They follow the ways of the Israelites. No cutting, or shaving and
have mainly a vegetarian diet. They believe that they were punished by God for
their sins into slavery and exiled to Jamaica. Now they believe that God has
forgiven them and they should return to Ethiopia but are held back by
treachery.
3) White
people are inferior to black people. -- The is a teaching from Garvey and
refers to his work 'African Fundamentalism'. The idea originated from the days
of slaves and slaves trade. However, it meant that not all white people are
evil and have to be judge individual.
4)
Ethiopia is the land of their destiny, while Jamaica is an inferno of
exploitation and repression. -- They believe that they belong to Ethiopia.
Since the vast majority come from the deprived areas, they feel that Jamaica
has nothing for them. Therefore, they don't want anything to do with
Jamaica and only waiting for repatriation to their promised land.
5) The
divine Emperor is making arrangements for all Rastafarians to return to
Ethiopia. -- They spent their life waiting and hoping for the call to return.
In 1966 when Selassi came to Jamaica it was believed that he came to finalize
the repatriation. After nothing happened the younger Rastafarians realizing
that it will not be and the new independent Jamaica is developing as the land
of the Rastafarians.
6) Blacks
shall one day rule the world. -- This idea comes from Daniel 2:31-42. They look
back to ancient history to support their faith. They also looking back to the
time before the European arrive in Africa, as a golden age. Rastafarians
believe that whites destroy themselves through war.
Music was
always part of the African culture and the Rastafarian movement. They could
express their feelings and the dream of returning to Africa. A very famous
singer Robert Nesta Marley born in 6 February 1945 brought to the world reggae
music. He sang for about 10 years before he became world famous with his album
'Natty Dream' in 1975. His songs were about social injustice but also sang
songs about the Rasta god Jah Rastafari. Unfortunately, he was only 36 years
old when he died of cancer in 1981. Nowadays, he is regarded as a prophet by
his followers.
BOB MARLEY
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