▶ Destinations ▶ Ethiopia
Rastafarianism is a religion that originated in Jamaica and originated in Africa. It is the fruit of the descendants of African slaves following a prophecy: that of the coronation of Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia who became a living god for them.
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How was Rastafarianism born?
For a variety of reasons, the eyes of descendants of Jamaican slaves have turned to Ethiopia at a certain period. A movement back to African roots was in turmoil in the 1920s.
A Jamaican nationalist leader, Marcus Garvey had announced in this period that a black king would be crowned in Africa. This prophecy came true 10 years later in Ethiopia and the movement gained momentum (He was not the only one, Garvey spoke).
The Ethiopian emperor of the time Haile Selassie, whose real name was Ras (social distinction similar to “chief”) Tafari Makonnen was then unwittingly assigned the designation of Messiah (or incarnation of God) by the Jamaicans, which led people of African origin to their “promised land”.
And paf, it’s Rastafarianism. Well, in broad strokes that’s it but if you deepen the research you will understand that it is more complex and even more advanced in fact. It is also worth noting that Rastafarianism descends from Judeo-Christianity.
The promised land is often referred to as Zion, a word that refers to a healthy spiritual sphere of peace. Its opposite is Babylon, the oppression of the Western world.
Where is the promised land of the Rastas?
It is located in Shashamene, Ethiopia, 260 km south of the capital Addis Ababa. in Selassie offered 500 hectares of land to Jamaican (and African-American) expatriates. The land is still inhabited and the cult continues.
Although the statements denounce a decrease in this religious craze of the Rastafarians themselves, I noticed that many Ethiopians “pure stock” have adopted the religion, especially on the side of the Omo Valley where it is common to meet Rastafarians.
Visit Shashamane in Ethiopia
Rastas can be met easily in Shashamene. I have met some of different nationalities. I mention Jamaica in this article because the movement was born there but the entire West Indies were obviously concerned, although the heart of the movement is Jamaican. Dominican Republic, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago… I saw Rastas from these countries in Shashamene.
I also met a North American, an English, a Malagasy … I know there are even French people! Today, Rastafarianism is also embraced by all people who believe in Haile Selassie as God, so in itself, all countries can find themselves here!
