Rastafari religion was founded in the 1930s when Emperor Haile Selassie I was crowned the Emperor of Ethiopia, although this event was visioned by Marcus Garvey, a black political activist, way back in 1927.
Rastafari faith is an eclectic mix of principles that have been adopted from Christian and Jewish norms. People following this faith believe that although there is only one God, He has many incarnations. In fact the people consider Emperor Haile Selassie I to be one such messiah of God although the Emperor himself never made any such claims.
The Rastafari religion is believed to have been originated in Jamaica, but today we find people of the faith spread all across the globe in different countries.
Here is a list of the major Rastafari Festvials and Holidays in the year 2015 —
- Wednesday, January 7, 2019, Ethiopian Christmas Day – The Rastafari people has always considered Ethiopia to be their spiritual motherland. This is because they have always been great followers of the principles out forward by Christianity, and this religion has been a part of Ethiopian culture since 330 A.D. This is why Christmas is observed by the Rastafari people in accordance to the Ethiopian calendar. This is a day of meatless fasting apart from prayers.
- Tuesday, April 21, 2019, Grounation Day – This is the day when in the year 1966 Emperor Haile Selassie I visited Jamaica. People mark the occasion by chanting prayers. Music and dancing is also done.
- Thursday, July 16, 2019, Ethiopian Constitution Day – This is the day when the Constitution of the land of Ethiopia was adopted by Emperor Haile Selassie in the year 1931. This is also the day that commemorates the birth of the Ethiopian Parliament where many people were appointed as deputies although the Emperor retained “Supreme Authority and Power”. This is the day on which people discuss about the history and traditions of Ethiopia, and also reflect upon the origin of the Rastafari Faith.
- Thursday, July 23, 2019, Birthday of Emperor Haile Selassie I – On this day in the year 1892 Emperor Haile Selassie I, whom the Rastafari people consider to be the messiah who finds mention in the Bible, was born. Rastafari people believe that he was an incarnation of God himself and celebrate this day with much reverence.
- Monday, August 17, 2019, Marcus Garvey's Birthday – This day when the Rastafari people celebrate the the birth anniversary of Marcus Garvey, the political activist. Marcus Garvey had an important role in establishing Black Rights. It is him who visualized the coronation of a Black King who would work to bring liberation to his fellow beings. People pay homage to this great thinker on his birth anniversary. African dance and general merriment make it a joyous occasion.
- Friday, September 11, 2019, Ethiopian New Year's Day – Rastafari people celebrates the Ethiopian New Year with zest and zeal. This is because Rastafari people consider Ethiopia to be their spiritual Motherland. For this occasion sermons are organized. People read Biblical passages, and also discuss the history of Ethiopia.
- Sunday, November 2, 2019, Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie I – This is to commemorate the day when Emperor Haile Selassie I is believed was coroneted to the throne of Ethiopia in 193. This is what brought liberating the black population in Ehiopia. As such, this day is celebrated by remembering the noble king. It is a common practice to read or sing Biblical teachings on this day.