Important Symbols

THE FLAG

The flag with the red, gold and green is the state banner erected by Marcus Garvey and are often seen in clothes, design graphics and other decorations.

Red represents the blood of the martyrs.

Yellow wealth and prosperity Africa has to offer. The green land and vegetation of Zion.

Red always goes up, because it represents blood. When blood is below the ground (green) means "death."

THE LION

The Conquering Lion is also important Rastafarian symbol, symbolizing both Africa and the Emperor Haile Selassie, Jah or himself. 

It also represents strength and struggle against oppression and injustice applied to the African people.

DREADLOCKS

The braids, dreadlocks are supported by Rastafarianism from the following verse from the Book of Leviticus: "Do not show on their heads bald, or shaved the ends of their beards, nor make any cuttings in your flesh" 21:5

The dreadlocks have come to symbolize the mane of the Lion of Judah and rebellion against Babylon.

                                                          

                                                 

                                          

 

Language

Rastafarians use words in their language features for example:


*Zion  refers both Ethiopia and the African continent.


*Alpha and Omega: ALPHA: Emperor Haile Selassie, OMEGA: Empress Menem, as the perfect union between man and woman, the beginning and end.


*Jah Love : refers to the great love that Jah is for their children.

*I and I: It is a complex term, referring to the unity of Jah (God) with each of the humans but also underlining the paramount importance of human beings in the order of things.


*Babylon is a concept critical of the capitalist system, the consumer society and alienating forms of life in modern.


*Bless: means blessing and is used as a farewell among Rastafarians.

*Karamawi is the highest praise to God who refers a rasta.

Rastafari Legacy

The Rastafari Movement is a movement socio-cultural and religious believes Ethiopia's emperor Haile Selassie I, formerly known as Prince Ras Tafari, as the reincarnation of Christ. 

Another pillar is the reading of holy book of Ethiopian tradition, entitled Kebra Nagast.

Emerged in the early 1930s in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica.