<h1>Jah! Rastafari</h1>

If you live in Jamaica, chances are you have encountered an individual probably attired in some form of red, green, gold and black, having dreadlocks and chanting "Jah!... Rastafari", if you haven't well... you will. The Rastafari Movement has been associated with Jamaica for over seven decades, setting many worldwide trends and associations such as dreadlocks, ganja smoking, color scheme, language and reggae music. There have been many imitations of "Rasta" by individuals using any one of these symbols. To be a Rastafarian one must accept Haile Selassie I as God incarnate and live one's life to specific "rasta" doctrines and beliefs, not only have locks and smoke weed.
The Rastafarian movement has amassed a huge following. Some of these individuals may not even truly believe in the teachings of Rastafarinism. Many of these "rastas' have joined the movement mainly because of persons such as Bob Marley, the the first globally recognized Rasta. Indeed many people have claimed to be rasta but are in no way a Rastafarian and as a result many 'sects' have emerged each following their own path.

Many Rastafarians, apart from Bob Marley have gained worldwide fame mainly in the music industry,of note are Peter Tosh, Sizzla, Damian Marley and more recently Munga Honorable. Because of these 'Rastas' and others, Rasta symbols have indeed become trends and fashion statements. for example, many people are now wearing dreadlocks but it is more for the look than religious purposes and also the meanings of words such as Irie, overstand and Ital are now almost universally accepted and said by everyone having some form of Rasta influence.

Indeed Rastafarians have made significant strides as a part of the Jamaican experience and, their way of life that have achieved worldwide acclaim in its own right. What would Jamaica be without the Rasta? better yet ask the question, what would Jamaica be without Reggae, Bob, Sizzla, Ganja and the Red, Black, Green and Gold.