Definition

1. Noun:

   • A follower of Rastafarianism: A person who adheres to the Rastafarian religious movement, which venerates the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I (born Ras Tafari Makonnen) as a divine figure and promotes beliefs centered on African liberation, repatriation to Africa, and the spiritual use of cannabis.
   • (In plural: Rastafarians) The collective body of adherents: Refers to the group or community of people who follow Rastafarianism.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to Rastafarianism or its followers: Describing anything characteristic of, associated with, or pertaining to the Rastafarian religion, culture, or its adherents.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The Rastafarian spoke about the importance of Ital food.
  • Many Rastafarians wear their hair in dreadlocks as a symbol of their faith.

• Adjective:

  • The concert had a strong Rastafarian influence in its music and message.
  • She studies Rastafarian philosophy and its impact on Caribbean culture.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural identifier: The term can extend beyond strict religious adherence to describe associated cultural elements, such as music (reggae), symbols (the Lion of Judah), and lifestyle.
  • The artwork incorporated Rastafarian colors: red, gold, green, and black.

Variants and Related Words

• Rastafarianism (n): The religion itself, its doctrines, and practices.
  • Rastafarianism emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s.
• Rasta (n, adj): An informal, shorter term for a Rastafarian or something related to Rastafarianism.
  • He is a Rasta. / The Rasta community gathered for the celebration.
• Rastafari (n): Another name for the religion or movement; often used interchangeably with Rastafarianism.
  • He found spiritual peace through Rastafari.

Synonyms

• Rasta (informal noun)
• Follower of Rastafari

Notes on Meaning

• The term is inherently connected to the specific religious movement. It is not a generic term for someone from Jamaica or someone with dreadlocks, though these are common associations.
• The capitalized form Rastafarian is standard, reflecting its origin from the title "Ras Tafari."

Adjective

1. of or pertaining to or characteristic of Rastafarianism or Rastafarians

Noun

1. (Ethiopia) adherents of an African religion that regards Ras Tafari as divine
2. follower of Rastafarianism