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

A central tenant of Rastafarianism is eating "ital" foods - foods that are organic, locally grown and plant-based.

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2020

It wasn’t that we weren’t interested in seeing the island, birthplace of Rastafarianism, home of reggae and land of rum cake and jerk chicken.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2017

No sooner was Reincarnated in the can than word came from Jamaica that his commitment to Rastafarianism was being questioned.

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2013

He loved telling me the history of Rastafarianism.

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