As Jake has already mentioned, we were invited over by Debra and Rootsman to have a Rastafarian dinner on the island of Caye Caulker. Rastafarians (also known as Rastas) believe in a spirit/god who they call Jah. It was really interesting talking to Rootsman and Debra and learning all about what a Rastas lifestyle is like.
The Rasta religion is actually quite a new one. It first began in 1930 in Jamaica 🇯🇲 among working class black people. It began when the black Jamaicans thought they were being treated unfairly by the white people. The Rastafarians believed that by being taken to the Caribbean by slave traders/white people, they had been robbed of their African history and culture, which they strived for to recapture and celebrate. That is why Debra and Rootsman have a life dream of going back to Africa.
Rastas do not believe in smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol or coffee. Interestingly enough, however, they do believe in smoking marijuana or cannabis, since this is to them a natural and beneficial herb. They smoke it as part of their worship. Also, as part of their pledge to their god, they promised to not cut, comb or clean their hair and that is why the true Rastas have dreadlocks. Also, to stay healthy and spiritually connected to the earth, Rastas eat a natural diet free from chemicals and most meat and salt.
The difference in cooking between a Rasta and an ordinary person like mum, is noticeable. The items and resources that Debra used were limited. One example could be the difference between Debras oven/stovetop and Mum’s. Debra had a little table with a plank of wood on top. On top of the plank of wood there were three bricks evenly spaced out. One in the middle and one on each end. On top of them, she placed wiring. That was it. When she needed something cooked she would ask Rootman to come over and light a fire underneath the wiring.
(the picture above is one of the crazy Rastas singing into his beer bottle. The Rastas always just crack themselves up and it’s funny watching them!!)
By Mia