The Rastafari movement aka Rastafarianism is a religious movement that arose from Christian culture in Jamaica in the 1930s. Its adherents, who worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, former Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–1936 and 1941–1974), as God incarnate, the Second Advent, are known as Rastafarians, or Rastas, and although the movement’s early beginnings in Jamaica were marked by controversy, angst and the prejudicial treatment of its faith, Rastafari is undoubtedly now an entrenched and important part of Jamaica’s culture. Below we’ve featured our top 10 Rastafarian expressions.

1. JAH … RASTAFARI – Rastafari’s rallying call
2. Babylon – any individual or institution deemed offensive to the movement, which is usually inclusive of the police, soldiers and Government in general
3. Selassie I – the name of Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, which is commonly used as an initial verbal greeting
4. I and I – ‘me’ or ‘I’, drawn from the Rastafarian belief in each person being at one with Jah
5. Irie – perhaps the most renowned expression that has evolved from the Rastafari movement, and is now one of the words that foreigners most commonly associate with Jamaicans
6. Ital – refers to the strict vegetarian and no-salt diet that’s followed by true Rastafarians
7. Blessed Love – a popular initial verbal greeting that’s used by many Rastafarians
8. Overstanding – there’s no ‘understanding’ in the world of Rasta, only ‘overstanding’, as they believe that if one has grasped a concept, there’s no need to ‘stand under it’.
9. Zion – usually refers to either Ethiopia or the entire content of Africa; Zion is home away from home, the promise land
10. Respeck – a greeting and showing of respect

If you have suggestions, thoughts or feedback regarding our list of the top 10 Rastafarian expressions, please feel free to post them below.