A common misconception among persons from different parts of the world is that all Jamaicans are Rastafarian. Rastafari, which is also referred to as Rastafarianism, is a religion developed in Jamaica in the 1930s. You will find that Rastafarianism is a minority religion in Jamaica, with less than 1 percent of the 2.7 million persons living in Jamaica are Rastafarians. Allow us to help you clear this up a bit!
Here are the top five reasons why Jamaicans are stereotyped as Rastafarians:
- Bob Marley – One of the world’s most well-known musical icons who introduced reggae to the world was Rastafarian. While some think that Bob Marley started the religion, this is not true. Marley’s music, however, helped in spreading awareness of the faith.
- A vast majority of Jamaica’s Reggae music speaks of or idolizes Rastafari in some way or is sung by a Rastafarian.
- Ganga, a herb highly associated with Jamaican, is used as a part of the Rastafarian services and rituals.
- Dreadlocks are one style of hair worn by Rastafarians. However, not everyone with dreadlocks is Rastafarians; in fact, dreadlocks have become a fashion statement in recent times. Most time, however, a “real rasta” is easily identifiable as their deadlocks in most cases are formed naturally and not fashioned.
The final answer is no. Not all Jamaicans are Rastafarian. Jamaica has a diverse mix of religions and ethnicities. Jamaicans are the major exporter of the culture of Rasta and the ways of the Rastafari to the world.
To learn more about the religion of Rastafarianism it you can learn from a practitioner. Like many other religions, practitioners or believers may have a frank discussion with you about what they believe and their way of like.
Remember that Rastari, though in a minority in the world is still a religion that is respected by tthe followers, so be respectful in turn.
As you might hear too often in Jamaica, ” Jah Bless you”, and “Jah Rastafari!”
