Rastafarianism

American  

[rahs-tuh-fahr-ee-uh-niz-uhm, -fahr-, rah-stuh-] / ˌrɑs təˈfɑr i əˌnɪz əm, -ˈfɛər-, ˌræ stə- /

noun

1. a religion, originating in Jamaica, whose followers regard the late Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I as the messiah and themselves as exiles awaiting return to Africa, the Promised Land.

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Etymology

Origin of Rastafarianism

Rastafarian + -ism

Example Sentences

Starting from Kingston, the photographer Naila Ruechel charted a course through the rich mix of Christian and Afro-centric traditions, from Obeah to the Revival church to Rastafarianism.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2023

Its teachings are largely Christian but borrow from a grab bag of religious traditions as varied as Rastafarianism, Buddhism and Judaism.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2019

McLeod has met only one Ethiopian, Naod Seifu, who has converted to Rastafarianism.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2014

He talks about the other ways Rastafarianism has changed him.

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2013

He loved telling me the history of Rastafarianism.

From "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah