Diverse branches of the Rastafari movement, each with unique beliefs and practices.
The Mansions of Rastafari represent diverse groups within the larger Rastafari movement, an Afrocentric religion that emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s. Rooted in Abrahamic traditions, Rastafari combines elements of Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and pan-African political consciousness. The movement recognizes no central authority, resulting in significant diversity among its practitioners, known as Rastas.
Origins and Core Beliefs
Central to Rastafari belief is the monotheistic worship of Jah (God), who is seen as residing within each individual. Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia is regarded by many Rastas as the Second Coming of Jesus and the embodiment of Jah. The movement holds a strong Afrocentric focus, advocating for the empowerment of the African diaspora and envisioning Africa, particularly Ethiopia, as Zion, the promised land for Black people.
The term “Mansions of Rastafari” stems from a biblical verse (John 14:2), reflecting the movement’s foundation in scripture. It encompasses various groups, each with distinct practices and interpretations of Rastafari spirituality.
Nyahbinghi Order
The Nyahbinghi Order is the oldest and perhaps most traditional mansion. It focuses on a global theocracy under Haile Selassie and practices Nyahbinghi chants and drumming, which have influenced reggae music. This mansion emphasizes strict adherence to Rastafari principles, including nonviolence and anti-racism.
Nyahbinghi adherents place great emphasis on the divinity of Haile Selassie I, whom they regard as the living God and the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. The Order is known for its drumming ceremonies, called grounations, which involve chanting, prayer, and the use of herbs for spiritual purification.
Bobo Ashanti
Founded by Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards in the 1950s, the Bobo Ashanti mansion advocates for repatriation to Africa and reparations for slavery. They hold strict religious and moral codes, with a significant focus on the Old Testament. Bobo Ashanti members are known for their distinctive dress, which includes turbans and robes, and they live communally, maintaining a degree of separation from wider society.
Members of this mansion typically maintain a vegetarian diet and observe the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. The Bobo Ashanti believe in the trinity of Haile Selassie I, Marcus Garvey, and Prince Emmanuel as manifestations of the Godhead.
Twelve Tribes of Israel
Established in 1968 by Dr. Vernon “Prophet Gad” Carrington, the Twelve Tribes of Israel is considered the most liberal and inclusive of the Rastafari mansions. This mansion is less dogmatic, allowing greater personal interpretation of the Bible. Members are assigned to tribes based on their birth month, each corresponding to one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
The Twelve Tribes of Israel places emphasis on the study of the Bible and encourages its members to pursue education and professional careers. This mansion is known for its inclusive approach, emphasizing individual spiritual paths within the Rastafari framework.
Other Mansions
While the Nyahbinghi Order, Bobo Ashanti, and Twelve Tribes of Israel are the most prominent mansions, there are other smaller Rastafari groups and organizations that can be considered mansions. These include the Ethiopian National Congress, founded by Ras Makonnen, and the Ethiopian World Federation, which was established in 1937 to support Ethiopia during the Italian occupation.
Each of these mansions and groups contributes to the rich tapestry of Rastafarian culture, whether through music, religious practices, or social organization. Despite their differences, all share a common goal of uplifting the African diaspora and resisting the oppression symbolized by “Babylon” — the Western institutions seen as the source of systemic exploitation and cultural degradation.
Lifestyle and Practices
Rastafari is not just a religion but a way of life (“livity”), encompassing specific dietary practices (Ital diet), personal grooming (dreadlocks), and ritual use of cannabis, seen as a sacrament to connect with the divine. The movement promotes living in harmony with nature, embodying a natural and organic lifestyle that rejects the consumerist and materialistic aspects of “Babylon” (Western society).
Despite their differences, all Rastafari mansions share core beliefs and practices. These include the veneration of Haile Selassie I, the use of cannabis as a sacrament, the wearing of dreadlocks, and the adoption of a natural lifestyle. Additionally, all mansions emphasize the importance of repatriation to Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which is seen as the promised land for people of African descent.
Influence and Spread
Although originating in Jamaica, Rastafari has become a global movement, influencing not only religious and spiritual discourse but also music, fashion, and political thought. Reggae music, in particular, has played a crucial role in spreading Rastafari beliefs and values worldwide, with Bob Marley among its most famous ambassadors.
The Mansions of Rastafari continue to evolve, reflecting both their roots in Jamaican society and their adoption by diverse cultures globally. Their emphasis on unity, resistance against oppression, and a return to African heritage resonates with many, making Rastafari a significant cultural and religious movement in the modern world.
As the Rastafari movement has spread globally, it has faced various challenges and undergone adaptations. The mansions have had to navigate issues of cultural appropriation, misunderstanding of their beliefs, and the commercialization of Rastafari symbols and practices.
In response, many mansions have become more open to dialogue with outsiders, seeking to educate people about their beliefs and practices. Some have also adapted their approaches to better address contemporary social and environmental issues, while still maintaining their core principles.
image via face2faceafrica
