July 23rd - The Emperors Birthday

[Packrat]

This is the thing that I've never been able to grasp about Rastafarianism. I know the story about Haile Selassie, but I've never understood why they revere him. I've never felt comfortable enough to actually ask a Rasta about it, as it's something they take very seriously. I just don't understand why.

Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy - "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer" - was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia, he was then regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race.

Haile Selassie is viewed as the King of Kings from the believed lineage that he is a descendant of King Solomon and Makeda (Queen of Sheba). Many Rastafarians believe, that from this lineage, he is the returning Messiah from the Book of Revelation. It can get very complicated. It is said Emperor Selassie himself did not believe he was the Messiah, but when asked if he would tell the Rasta Elders he was not the savior while in Jamaica, he stated "who am I to disturb their belief?"

I have found Catch a Fire by Timothy White (RIP) to be an outstanding read to help understand Jamaican History, Rastafari and the life of The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley. It is a tough read and I have read it more than 5 times but well worth the time and effort, Amazon has it. Hope this helps without offending anyone.