Rast

Rast, or “Rastafarianism,” is a cultural and spiritual movement that emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s. It is centered on the veneration of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whom followers consider an incarnation of God. Rastafarian beliefs often reflect a unique interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing themes of repatriation to Africa, social justice, and resistance to oppression. The movement promotes a way of life that includes natural living, a distinct style of music known as reggae, and practices such as the prohibition of certain foods and substances. Rastafarians typically reject Western materialism and seek to live in harmony with their spiritual beliefs, often expressing their ideology through music, art, and communal gatherings.