Rastafarian & Jamaican Culture

A Legacy of Resistance and Spirituality Mi tell yuh, di Maroons of Accompong are not just a piece of Jamaican history – dem a living testament to di power of freedom, resilience, and di rich African heritage that still thrives today! This community is one of di island's most fascinating, with roots so deep in struggle and spirit, you can't help but feel di fire when you learn about them. Let’s take a deeper look into how di Maroons fought for …

Wah gwaan mi fren! If yuh ever looked at a Rastafarian flag or saw some dreadlocked brethren walking ‘round with a lion on dem t-shirt, yuh mighta asked yuhself: “What’s di deal with all dem symbols?” Well, mi a tell yuh today—di Lion of Judah, red, green, and gold, all have deep meanings in Rastafarian culture. It’s more than just fashion, mi fren. Each one of these symbols carry a story, a history, and a message about resistance, strength, and …

A Witty Look at Fear and Bravery Wah gwaan, fam! Welcome back to di vibrant world of Jamaican proverbs, where every piece of wisdom comes with a side of laughter. Today, we dive into the saying, “Duppy know who fi frighten.” If yuh a wonder what a duppy is, no problem; mi deh yah fi explain. this saying nah just wise, it’s also plenty funny! What’s a Duppy, Anyway? First ting’s first: a duppy is a ghost or spirit in Jamaican folklore. Picture …

Reggae didn’t just drop from the skies; it came out of the heart of Jamaica’s struggles, dreams, and resilience. The roots of reggae go deep, reaching back to di 1950s ska scene when Kingston was bubbling with new sounds. Ska, with its lively beats and brass-heavy riffs, was a soundtrack of Jamaican independence and celebration. But as time went by, di fast-paced ska slowed down, combining with soul, R&B, and di African-inspired Nyabinghi drumming of Rastafari gatherings. This evolution gave …

Ahhh, “No wait till drum beat before you grine you axe” — the Jamaican proverb telling you: stop procrastinating, mi fren! It’s a humorous yet real reminder that waiting till the last minute is a recipe for stress. In other words, don’t be the one sharpening their axe when the battle already starts! Let’s break down this nugget of wisdom and see why you should always have your axe ready — especially if you’re here in Negril, soaking up the vibes …

Jamaican rum, dem a go together like Red Stripe and beach vibes, or like Jah Livity and ganja! Jamaica’s story with rum runs centuries deep, full of sweetness, spice, and a little rebellion. So if yuh down in Negril and feeling curious, come along fi a quick, fun journey through the island’s rich rum history. A Little History: Rum, Slavery, and Resilience Rum isn’t just a drink in Jamaica—it’s part of the culture. First made by enslaved Africans working on sugar plantations, …

Visitors to Jamaica come fi di stunning beaches, di warm people, an' sometimes, di sacred herb. But there’s another part of Jamaica dat has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon—Rastafari. It's one of di world’s youngest religions, but don’t let dat fool you! In just a few decades, Rasta culture has made its mark as a spiritual, cultural, and political force. Beyond di dreadlocks, reggae beats, an' ganja, there’s a rich history that tells di story of a people seeking liberation, …

When you think of Rastafarian culture, one of the first things that probably pops into your mind is the iconic dreadlocks. These aren’t just a cool hairstyle for the beach—they hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning for Rastafarians. So, why do Rastas grow dreads? What’s the symbolism behind the locks? And how did a hairstyle end up symbolizing rebellion, spirituality, and African pride? Grab a cup of ital tea, kick back, and let’s dive into the sacred and symbolic world …

Chapter 1: Introduction to Rastafari Origins and History: The Rastafari movement emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, blending influences from Ethiopianism and Pan-Africanism. This was a time of great social and political change in Jamaica, as the nation grappled with the impact of colonialism and the quest for independence. Rastafari takes its name from Ras Tafari Makonnen, who later became Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. The movement is deeply inspired by Marcus Garvey's teachings of black pride and the call for …