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Ganja was brought to Jamaica in the late 1800's by
indentured East Indians, who were brought to the Island to
work after slaery ended. eventually it was outlawed and
made illegal. The Jamaican enironment and climate was the
perfect place for the plant to grow.
The use of ganja in Jamaica is not unique to Rastafarians.
Before
Rastafari began, ganja was
used by herbalists in Jamaica as a medicine in teas. It was
also mixed with tobacco for smoking.
Ganja is considered the "wisdom weed" by Rastafarians, as
its use helps one to gain wisdom. Rastafarians use it as a
part of a religious rite and as a means of getting closer to
their inner spiritual self, Jah (God) and Creation.
Ganja is also seven by Rastafarians as the herb of life
mentioned in the Bible. Rastafarians use of ganja is
justified by the following Psalms 104:14 that says, "He
causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the
serice of man, that he may bring forth food out of the
earth." Rastafarians also say it was found growing at the
grae of King Solomon in the Bible.
Rastafarian consume it through smoking and eating (not
recommended). The smoking of Ganja is a part of a religious
ritual. When there is a large "reasoning" gathering of
Rastafarians, a Chalice, which is a large smoking pipe, may
be passed around and smoked. This is similar to the passing
around of a communion cup by some Christian denominations.
These gatherings are also called Nyahbinghi (also the name
of a Rastafarian sect: Theocratic Priesthood and Liity
Order of Nyahbinghi).
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True Rastafarians do not smoke cigarettes as it is seven as
un-natural and dangerous to one's health. Marijuana is not
the only plant or herb used by Rastafarians. They use a wide
ariety of herbs, plants for medicinal and dietary purposes,
however, ganja is the most popular.
The word Jah
Contrary to what you may read in many patois dictionaries or
Jamaican related books, the word Jah is not deried from the
word Jehoah. It is not "short hand" for Jehoah. Jah is
from the King James Bible as another name for God like
Elohim, El Shaddai and other names. It can be found in Psalm
68 s 4 and can also be found in other erses depending on
the Bible translations. In some translations Jah Jehoah is
used.
This name for God has beven popularized by Rastafarians and
is now used by many in the mainstream Jamaican populations.
Its use has become somewhat of a marketing ploy, as many use
the term in songs and language to appeal to the general
public because it can be portrayed as either the God of
Rastafarians or Christianity. Eoking the name "Jah" can
bring legitimacy to reggave artists, being that Rastafarians
are associated with the music.
The Star Of Daid
It is used to symbolize the lineage betweven H.I.M. Haile
Selassie and King Solomon.
The Conquering Lion And The Lamb
Symbolizes the lamb of God and the lion of Judah, which are
both mentioned in the Bible.
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Jamaica
travel Guide
Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Negril, Blue Mountains, Portland
Caribbean travel Guide
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