Rastas often greet each other with a gesture called “livity” which consists of a shoulder bump, an embrace, and a simultaneous utterance of “Jah Rastafari” (a phrase which speaks to the divinity and spiritual power of one’s Rastafari identity).
This gesture is used to express positive energy and act as recognition of their shared Rastafari identity. Beyond this traditional greeting, Rastas also greet one another with a variety of positive words and phrases, such as “peace and love,” “one love,” “bless up,” and more.
The common goal in all these greetings is to affirm and uplift one’s Rastafari identity and to demonstrate gratitude for one another’s presence in their lives.
Why do Rastas say I instead of me?
The use of the pronoun ‘I’ is a very important aspect of the Rastafari Movement. In their teachings, the Rastafari use the pronoun ‘I’ to signify a connection to Jah (God), or the divine spark that exists in every individual.
This is why they often refer to themselves in the third person to separate the material being from the spiritual. They believe that this connection to Jah is reciprocal and that using the pronoun ‘I’ emphasizes their shared connection to Jah.
Additionally, the use of ‘I’ reflects their use of cooperative language, rather than using the pronoun ‘me’, which they feel promotes autonomy and individualism. The use of the pronoun ‘I’ is also a way of giving respect to Jah.
By calling themselves ‘I’ instead of ‘me’, they are showing their appreciation and reverence for the power of Jah. Finally, by referring to themselves as ‘I’ instead of ‘me’, Rastas communicate their hopes and dreams for a better society.
By recognizing the presence of Jah in every individual, the use of the pronoun ‘I’ is a powerful symbol of respect, appreciation, and hope for a better future.
What do Rastafarians call themselves?
Rastafarians refer to themselves as Rastafari or Rasta. This is an identity or lifestyle that is based on the teachings of Haile Selassie, the former Ethiopian emperor who the Rastafari believe to be a divine messiah.
Rastafarians believe in social justice, an emphasis on racial pride, a vegetarian diet, and the spiritual and medicinal use of marijuana. They are spiritual followers of both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and generally celebrate Biblical holidays, such as Passover, Zion Day and the Feast of Tabernacles.
They practice a natural form of living, often referred to as ‘Ital’, that incorporates principles of living in harmony with the environment, such as eating a vegetarian diet and natural healing remedies.
Rastafari is a multi-cultural movement, and members of the Rastafari community come from many countries and religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Indigenous practices.
What is a rude boy in Jamaican?
A “rude boy” or “rudeboy” is a popular term developed in Jamaica in the 1960s, and usually refers to a tough youth from the urban areas of Jamaica who displays rebellious behavior. In the Jamaican Patois, ‘Rude’ means rough, tough or bad man.
The term gradually improved in the Jamaican slang, coming to describe a particular type of streetwise and rebellious young man who maintained a sharp dress style and attitude. Although seen as delinquent by the police and older generations, the rude boy was often admired and envied by his peers.
The term “rude boy” can also be seen as an expression of pride and self-reliance among the youths of a society that often struggles to gain acceptance and respect. Unemployed or underemployed rude boys have been associated with criminal activities, including fraud, armed robbery, and murder as they try to escape from poverty.
However, middle-class youths may also adopt the style of the rude boys in Jamaica, with their focus on clothing and music, and although there exists a negative connotation to the term, some police officers and members of the older generation see the younger generations as respectful and disciplined.
Overall, the term “rude boy” has become an important part of the culture and identity of Jamaican males, and is still seen to this day as a form of rebellion and as an expression of self-assertion and resourcefulness.
What is the Rasta word for God?
The Rastafari movement reveres the Bible, but many of its members refer to God using different terms, such as Jah or Jah Rastafari. Jah is used in reference to God in both the Old and New Testaments, and it is a transliteration of the Hebrew name for God, YHWH or Yahweh.
Jah is also associated with affirmations of faith like “Hallelujah” or “Praise Jah. ” In the Rastafari movement, Jah is often used to mean both God and Jesus, and it is used almost interchangeably with the word “Rastafari.
” The term Jah Rastafari is often used when referring to the power and majesty of God and their connection to Ethiopia’s Rastafari movement.
What is Babylon called now?
Today, the area where Babylon is located is known as Hillah and Babylon is referred to as ancient Babylon. Located in modern-day Iraq, the ruins of Babylon are located around 55 miles (89 km) south of Baghdad and span an area of 2,300 acres (930 ha).
Although most of the city has been destroyed and redeveloped, some of the remnants of the iconic Hanging Gardens which were constructed by King Nebuchadnezzar are still visible. In April of 2019, Iraqi officials opened the ancient site to a small group of foreign journalists, in order to improve its reputation as a cultural heritage site.
Where did the term Babylon come from?
The term ‘Babylon’ is an ancient Mesopotamian city that dates back to at least 1894 BC and is one of the most famous cities in history. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world and is mentioned numerous times in the Book of Genesis.
The term ‘Babylon’ is believed to come from the Babylonian language, in which the original term is ‘ba-ba-lu’, or ‘gate of God’. This phrase was used to represent a city that was the seat of power and was considered a sacred place of worship.
Many believe that the term ‘Babylon’ became popular during the time of the Babylonian Empire, who were the ruling power in Mesopotamia from roughly 605 – 539 BC. It is believed that the city was sacked by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, and the term ‘Babylon’ continues to be used to refer to cities, empires, and civilizations that are seen as decadent and corrupt.
Even today, the term is used to refer to a place or situation that is seen as chaotic and disorderly.
What do they call police in Jamaica?
In Jamaica, police officers are generally referred to as “Police Constables” or “The Constabulary. ” Law enforcement in Jamaica is primarily handled by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which was established in 1867 and is the oldest law enforcement agency in Jamaica.
The police force is responsible for protecting the lives, liberties and property of citizens, and is organized into specialized units such as crime prevention, anti-vice and public safety, traffic and highways safety, coast guard, and the Jamaica Firearm and Licensing Authority.
The motto of the Jamaica Constabulary is “Duc Rerum” which means “Guardian of Things”.
What were slaves called in Babylon?
Slaves in Babylon were traditionally referred to as ‘Ametu’, which is also sometimes translated to mean ‘servant’. This term was used to refer to all types of slaves, regardless of their origins or race.
Slaves were an important part of daily life in Babylon, used mainly for domestic purposes such as manual labor and household cleaning. They were treated as property, with no obvious legal protections from their owners, although there is evidence that some slaves did receive some kind of rights or treatments.
It is believed that in some cases, slaves were treated relatively well, being provided with food and clothing, and allowed to keep what they earned from any work outside of their duties. In others, slaves may have been subject to cruel punishments.
Slaves were most often acquired through conquest by the Assyrian empires, or by being born into a slave family.
What are the three types of Rastafarians?
There are three main branches of Rastafarianism:
1. The Bobo Ashanti – This group is the most traditional or orthodox of the three branches, emphasizing a lifestyle based on traditional African values and practices. This group adheres to strict rules regarding behaviour, diet, and attire.
Followers of the Bobo Ashanti philosophy wear their hair in dreadlocks, dress in brightly colored clothing, and adhere to a vegetarian diet.
2. The Twelve Tribes of Israel – This group is known for its emphasis on social activism and as such is active in promoting and tackling social injustice. The movement was started in the early 1970’s and takes some of its religious and philosophical concepts from Judaism.
3. The Nyahbinghi Order – This order is more of a spiritual order and is averse to any kind of organised religion because of its dislike of strict rules, regulations and doctrines. This order is primarily focused on the promotion of practices such as meditation, communal living, and the promotion of peace and love.
The Nyahbinghi Order is also known to promote vegetarianism and avoid the use of any kind of mind-altering drugs or substances.
What is the difference between Bobo Shanti and Nyabinghi?
Bobo Shanti and Nyabinghi are both branches of Rastafarianism, an Afro-Caribbean religious and cultural movement which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Despite their shared origins, there are some important differences between Bobo Shanti and Nyabinghi.
Bobo Shanti practice a monastic lifestyle which is based on strict dietary codes, prayer, chanting, and meditation. Their dress is characterized by the wearing of long dreadlocks and a cloistered lifestyle that is kept away from the distractions of the outside world.
They adhere to a very literal interpretation of the Bible and reject the use of material possessions, such as cars and modern technology. The main focus of Bobo Shanti is on their personal journey towards spiritual perfection.
On the other hand, Nyabinghi followers tend to live more in accordance with the outside world, and do not practice the same level of monasticism that Bobo Shanti followers do. They emphasize social justice, peace, and upliftment of the downtrodden.
At the same time, they believe that the destiny of the black man and woman lies in the return to their African homeland. Nyabinghi also practice chanting and drumming ceremonies as a means of communication with their customs and traditions.
In summary, Bobo Shanti and Nyabinghi have different practices and beliefs despite being branches of Rastafarianism. Bobo Shantis follow a stricter monastic lifestyle and focus on spirituality and purification, while Nyabinghis are more in tune with the outside world and focus on social justice and the return to the African homeland.
What are female Rastas called?
Female followers of the Rastafarian movement are known as Rastafari Sisters or Rasta Sistas. They are an integral part of the movement, which quickly realized its need for female participation shortly after its founding.
Rastafari Sisters adhere to the spiritual, political and social ideals of the Rasta movement, believing that the ancient Ethiopian monarchy was a sign of divine rule. They believe that the exaltation of Emperor Haile Selassie as the divine King of Ethiopia is directly linked to the return of the Twelve Tribes of Israel to their homeland.
The Rastafari Sisters are dedicated to living their lives in a way that honors their culture and beliefs. Specifically, they choose to refrain from the use of drugs and alcohol, embrace purity and modesty, maintain a strong sense of unity with their community, and embrace natural treatments and healing.
Rastafari Sistas often dress modestly, forgoing makeup, jewelry, and immodest clothing. They also often wear their natural hair in dreadlocks, an iconic symbol of the movement.
Rastafari Sisters also have an important role in providing education and support within the movement. They can serve as counselors and mentors, helping their fellow Rasta Sisters with support and advice.
They can also provide training and workshops to help their Sisters with different aspects of life, such as healthy eating, financial literacy, mental health and spiritual guidance.
Rastafari Sisters are the cornerstone of this movement, playing a vital role in both its spiritual and creative aspects. They are active in providing education and support in the community, while preserving the culture and identity of the Rasta people.