TIEDE Chronicles: Dreadlocks and Christianity Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Dreadlocks and Christianity Christianity! That, maybe, is the problem. The term "Christianity" is so wide in its definition that it has lost its meaning. That is why issues arise that are in direct contrast to the lifestyle of a child of God, a heaven-bound human being, a straight -and-narrow road walker, etc. The very definition of that kind of person, excludes such terms as is common today in the Church. Should we say "evangelical" Christian? Or "Pentecostal" Christian? Or "tongue-speaking, spirit-filled" Christian? "The Lord knows those who are His ..." Dreadlocks and Christianity! Sounds like an oxymoron. Here are the key words associated with DREADLOCKS: Africans The Ashanti, Okomfo Anokye, In modern Ghana, dreadlocks now have a negative connotation and are associated with spiritualism that is contrary to Christianity. The warriors of the Maasai nation of Kenya. Fetish priests, sangomas, or shamans, spiritual men or women who serve and speak to spirits or deities, often wear locks.

In Benin the Yoruba priests of Olokun, the Orisha of the deep ocean, wear locks. Africans brought the hairstyle with them to the Americas during the African diaspora. The Rastafarians wear locks as an expression of inner spirituality and to emphasize their identity. Their religion states that they must remain "whole". Hinduism: Sadhus and Sadhvis, Indian holy men and women, locks are sacred, considered to be a religious practice and an expression of their disregard for profane vanity, as well as a symbol of their spiritual understanding that physical appearances are unimportant. Gangadhara Shiva captures and controls the river Ganges with his locks, Locks in India are reserved nearly exclusively for holy people - long jatas express a spiritual significance which implies the wearer has special relations with spirits, is an immortal traveler between two worlds and the master over fire: Buddhism Practicing Buddhists - dreadlocks are a way to let go of material vanity and excessive attachments. [9] In Western styles - portrayed as part and parcel of gang culture in such movies as Marked for Death.

In the West, dreadlocks have gained particular popularity among counterculture , hippies, crust punks, New Age travellers, Rainbow Family - dreadlocks - symbolizing a rejection of government-controlled, mass-merchandising culture. There are many reasons among various cultures for wearing dreadlocks. Almost all agree that dreads are an expression of deep religious or spiritual convictions, a manifestation of ethnic pride, making a political statement, or simply, a fashion preference. Dreadlocks in most of the Caribbean was associated with Rastafarianism and everything that that philosophy represents: praising Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as the redeemer of mankind and renouncing Jesus Christ – Christianity’s Saviour of Man; a vegetarian diet, and, among other things, in some instances, the smoking of marijuana. Wearing dread was relegated to those who were willing to live on the periphery of society, a target for the police and other social institutions, including the Church. Today, one cannot tell by looking who subscribes to or practices Rastafarianism.

Christians who wear dreadlocks cite Nazarites, Sampson, John the Baptist, even Jesus, as having long hairs and that the only way they could have maintained their long hairs was if they had them in dreadlocks. They quote Numbers 6:5 -“All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long." Sounds blasphemous but these are simply speculations. Those in opposition to Christians, especially men, wearing their hairs in dreadlocks cite Bible verses that indirectly deal with such issues. Examples of such Bible verses are: 1. Ezekiel 44:20 "They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads." 2. Numbers 6 talks about the Nazarite. Having long hair, as stated in verse 5, is just an aspect of the vow of separation to the lord. The focus of the Nazarite vow is maintaining a closer walk with God. To take this vow simply meant that one pledged to live closer to God.

My favorite Bible passages on this topic, also applies to the other topics in the “gray” zone. These include: 1. 1 Corinthians 6:11-12 (King James Version) - 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 2. 1 Corinthians 10:23 (King James Version) - 23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11:14 "Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?" The bottom line: if a Christian is bent on wearing dreadlocks in the face of the origin, history and controversies surrounding dreadlocks, it is a symptom of some deep seated restlessness: that Christian may not have come to terms with the “straight and narrow” way of the Kingdom of God where it is better to pluck out your eye if it causes you to sin. The heaven-bound approach to contemporary issues like this should be: if there is even an iota of the possibility that something in the gray zone could be ungodly, just let it go. Fashion or not, if wearing dreadlocks comes with so much baggage, it is not worth a second thought. Just think: could you be disobeying Biblical injunction by wearing your hair in dreadlocks? Is it just fashion? 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?

Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." The Lord explains that we are not to "yoke" with those who oppose our belief because we are complete opposites in beliefs. Also yoking with the lost will tempt us spiritually and can cause us to turn away from God. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." Think of the majority of men who wear dreadlocks! And you are one of them? Finally, if you are a Spirit-filled, born again child of God, let the Holy Spirit guide you. We shall all appear before the Lord to answer… Your salvation is too precious to bargain it on the table of “fashion.” There is nothing worth missing Heaven for.

Posted by Rastafari and Dreadlocks, The Rasta Movement Rastafari and Dreadlocks MORE BOOKS Rastafari and Dreadlocks The wearing of dreadlocks is very closely associated with the movement, though not universal among (or exclusive to) its adherents. Rastas believe dreadlocks to be supported by Leviticus 21:5 ("They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh.") and the Nazarite vow in Numbers 6.5-6. Part of the reason the hairstyle was adopted was to contrast the kinky long hair of black men with the straighter hair of whites. It is believed that the first Rasta dreadlocks were copied from Kenya in the 1940s, when during the independence struggle the feared maumau freedom fighters grew their "dreaded locks" while hiding in the mountains. However, there are ascetic groups within nearly every major religion that have at times worn their hair in this fashion. In addition to the Nazirites of Judaism and the Sadhus of Hinduism, there are the Dervishes of Islam and the Coptic Monks of Christianity, among others.

The very earliest Christians may also have worn this hairstyle; particularly noteworthy are descriptions of James the Just, "brother of Jesus" and first Bishop of Jerusalem, who wore them to his ankles. Also, according to the Bible, Samson was a Nazarite who had "seven locks". Rastas point out that these "seven locks" could only have been dreadlocks, as it is unlikely that seven strands of hair were meant. Dreadlocks have also come to symbolize the Lion of Judah and rebellion against Babylon. In the United States, several public schools and workplaces have lost lawsuits as the result of banning dreadlocks. Safeway is an early example, and the victory of eight children in a suit against their Lafayette, Louisiana school was a landmark decision in favor of Rastafari rights. Spiritual Journey Rastafari associate dreadlocks with a spiritual journey that one takes in the process of locking their hair (growing dreadlocks). It is taught that patience is the key to growing dreadlocks, a journey of the mind, soul and spirituality. Its spiritual pattern is aligned with the Rastafari religion. People who do not understand the process sometimes mock the dreadlock style and make comments about the cleanliness of the locked hair.

The way to form natural dreadlocks is to allow hair to grow in its natural pattern, without cutting, combing or brushing, but simply to wash it with pure water. Many non-Rastafari of black African descent have also adopted dreads as an expression of pride in their ethnic identity, or simply as a hairstyle, and take a less purist approach to developing and grooming them, adding various substances such as beeswax in an attempt to assist the locking process. The wearing of dreads also has spread among people of other ethnicities whose hair is not naturally suited to the style, and who sometimes go to great lengths to affect the look. The word dread comes from Rasta terminology. For the Rastas the razor, the scissors and the comb are the three Babylonian or Roman inventions. So close is the association between dreadlocks and Rastafari, that the two are sometimes used synonymously. In reggae music, a follower of Rastafari may be referred to simply as a dreadlocks or Natty (natural) Dread, whilst those non-believers who cut their hair are referred to as baldheads.

History and Origin of Dreads | Knotty Boy Go Back The History of Dreads In the many years of Knotty Boy, we have learned that it is nearly impossible to nail down any kind of exact account of the history of dreadlocks. Because of this extreme variance in these different accounts, Knotty Boy has chosen to include documentation written by a variety of authors to give an overview of dreadlock origin and history. The views expressed in the following articles are not necessarily those of Knotty Boy. Please contact the authors directly with your questions or comments about their articles. Thanks! The History of Dreadlocks BY KNOTTY EMX The following blog excerpt contains an overview of the history of dreadlocks by Knotty EmX. Reprinted with permission. The first known examples of the hairstyle date back to ancient Egypt, where dreadlocks appeared on Egyptian artifacts. Mummified remains of ancient Egyptians with dreadlocks have even been recovered from archaeological sites.

The Old Testament also recounts the tale of Samson and Delilah in which a man's potency is directly linked to 'the seven locks on his head' and according to Roman accounts, the Celts were described to have 'hair like snakes' Germanic tribes, Greeks and the Vikings are all said to have worn dreadlocks too. Rastafarianism however is something entirely separate. It was born in the 1930s when Ras Tafari was crowned emperor of Ethiopia. When the emperor was forced into exile during an invasion, guerrilla warriors swore not to cut their hair until the emperor was reinstated. The religion resonated with the ideologies of the day, for example socialism, Marxism, nationalism and black power. It was therefore, seen as a threat to Christianity and came under attack by the authorities that tried to suppress the 'Rasta' movement and imprisoned those who possessed 'ganja'. Rastafarians smoked cannabis because they thought it prompted a clearer state of well - being. Their dreadlocks were thought to be disgusting and frightening, hence the term 'dread' which was later reclaimed by the 'Rasta' community. The hairstyle was later brought into mainstream culture through the worldwide success of reggae artist Bob Marley.

Sporting locks himself, he prompted an international interest in the style, and the anti establishment philosophy of Rastafarian culture. Dreadlocks became increasingly popular and there are many reasons in various cultures for wearing them. They can be an expression of deep religious or spiritual convictions, a manifestation of ethnic pride. They can make a political statement, or simply be a fashion preference. This essay on the history of dreadlocks is written by our own Knotty Vic Dicara, from the hardcore bands Beyond, Inside Out with Zack de la Rocha and 108. Reprinted with permission. The History of Dreadlocks BY VIC D Left to its own devices, hair will naturally knot together and form mats or "dreadlocks". Upon seeing Dreadlocks, most people think of Bob Marley, reggae, and Rastafarianism, unaware that the roots of Dreadlocks go back much further, to at least 2500 BCE with the Dreadlocked Vedic deity Shiva and his followers. Dreadlocks are a universal phenomenon in the East as well as in the West. Spiritualists of all faiths and backgrounds incorporate into their paths a disregard for physical appearances and vanity.

And so, throughout the world, such seekers often cease to comb, cut, or otherwise dress their hair: This is how "dreadlocks" are born. In the West, the Nazarite is most widely known for developing Dreadlocks. In the East, Yogis, Gyanis, and Tapasvis of all sects are the most famous bearers of Dreadlocks. Dreadlocks, then, are universally symbolic of a spiritualist's understanding that vanity and physical appearances are unimportant. The counterpart to Dreadlocks is the shaven head, which has the same aim: disregard for vanity associated with physical appearances. Usually we find that spiritualists whose religious path includes elaborate rituals tend to embrace the shaven head technique as it affords a level of ritual cleanliness, while those mystics who adopt meditative or otherwise non-ritualistic paths prefer to disregard the hair altogether and thus develop Dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are more than just a symbolic statement of disregard for physical appearance. Both Eastern and Western Traditions hold that bodily, mental and spiritual energies mainly exit the body through the top of the head and the hair.

If the hair is knotted, they believe, the energy remains within the hair and the body, keeping a person more strong and healthy. An excellent example from Western tradition is biblical Sampson, whose unsurpassed strength was lost when Delilah cut off his *seven* locks of hair. In classical India, all students on the spiritual path were directly enjoined by their scriptures to develop Dreadlocks as a means to detach them from physical vanity and aid them in the development of bodily strength and supernatural mental and spiritual powers. As the world moved into the Industrial Era, Dreadlocks were rarely seen anywhere outside of India. However, at the turn of the Twentieth Century, a socio-religious movement started in Harlem, NY by Marcus Garvey found an enthusiastic following amongst the Black population of Jamaica. This ecclectic group drew their influences from three primary sources (1) the Old and New Testaments, (2) African tribal culture, and (3) The Hindu culture that had recently become a pervasive cultural force in the West Indies. The followers of this movement called themselves "Dreads," signifying that they had a dread, fear, or respect for God.

Emulating Hindu and Nazarite holymen, these "Dreads" grew matted locks of hair, which would become known to the world as "Dreadlocks" - the hair-style of the Dreads. Soon after, this group would focus their attention on the Ethiopian Emperor Ras Tafari, Haile Selassie, and thus became known as Rastafarians. But the term "Dreadlocks" stuck. Ever since becoming connected with the Rastafarians in the early 1900's, Dreadlocks have taken on, in addition to their original religious and spiritual significance, a potent social symbolism as well. Today, Dreadlocks signify spiritual intent, natural and supernatural powers, and are a statement of non-violent non-conformity, communalism and socialistic values, and solidarity with less fortunate or oppressed minorities. Contact Vic D with any questions pertaining to this article. Because we like to encourage independent thought amongst the Knotty family, here is another view via email of the many-sided dreadlock story for your reading pleasure and education. Dear Staff, First, I would like to thank you for the service you are providing for people who wear locks.

You have put a lot of effort and quality controls in place to assure the caliber of your products. That being said, I would like to make a comment on one thing. You have probably heard this before, and I am not trying to beat a dead horse. I believe that we are all members of the human family, and as such we can choose to adopt for ourselves what we want from other cultures. Dread locks is no longer a "black thing" per se, however in regards to the history of locks it should be made known that the process of cultivating locks in the manner commonly known as dread locks is something that was started and developed in Africa, by black people - period. Was it used later in other cultures? Yes. But as you well know, Africa is the cradle of civilization on this planet, and since as you have said so often that locks have been around since the beginning of human history, since that history started in Africa it stands to reason that the locking of the human hair originated there as well. Add to that the fact that Black hair texture is the most conducive to the locking process, and one can easily deduce it's origin.

The reason why I am doing this is not to say that no one else but Black people should be wearing locks. Rather, I find it troubling that people always try to minimalize the impact that Black culture has had on the world throughout history. The minute that something that was inspired, cultivated, and developed by black people becomes desirable, it is immediately neutralized, in order to make it "OK" for other people to adopt it without having to give thanks and proper credit to the culture that fathered it. If one didn't know any better, one would think that Africa never contributed anything to world civilization except slavery, and that everything good in the world came from the wisdom of the Europeans, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. We, as Black people, are being systematically erased from the history of the world. It is for this reason that many have probably expressed an interest in supporting Black business and in keeping the facts straight regarding what's left of our culture, which has been spread out all over the face of the earth in the wake of slavery. I like your products, but I wish you would truly show the spirit of brotherhood you profess, and give credit where credit is due.

I mean no disrespect, and hope that this has helped you. ZULU KING TONE Universal Zulu Nation Japan Prez. Knotty Boy hopes that by reprinting this email with permission, we are 'giving credit where credit is due' and demonstrating that our intentions are not at all to minimize the impact that Black culture has had on the World throughout history, but with love, to simply provide ethical, quality products for this unique style, whatever an individuals' cultural background or reason for choosing to wear them. » White People Shouldn’t Wear Dreadlocks: Thoughts on Appropriating Culture BraceLand Jump to Comments There was a debate over lunch in the Berkman Center kitchen today over whether white people ( or Asian people, for that matter ) should wear dreadlocks. I’m of the opinion that it’s a terrible idea, though at the time I couldn’t really articulate why without sounding like I was being snotty and judgmental. My gut reaction when I see a white kid with dreadlocks is to roll my eyes–this kid is trying way too hard to be something he’s not. What I think is behind that is something my friend David raised on his blog earlier this week: Western appropriation/importation of cultural memes from other countries.

(Note: I *think* we’re still friends though I have to wonder after his blanket denigration of female/male friendship at the beginning of his post). There’s an interesting discussion in the comments about what counts as Western importation: David thinks the list of Western imports would be short, though I think I’m with Nick. There are TONS of things that we’ve imported from other cultures. The problem is, like with white kids wearing dreadlocks who CLEARLY aren’t rastafarians no matter how much Legend they’ve listened to, we don’t also import the cultural meaning behind them. I’m sure it’s all well-meaning, but it’s also really clumsy. First, it smacks of trying to run away from who you are. As much as we may not like it, where we come from matters. I’m all for cross-cultural appreciation, but there are ways to enjoy and appreciate other cultures without losing your own authenticity. There’s got to be a level of self-awareness and humility involved.

Second, when appropriated the symbols tend to lose any importance or context and just get swallowed up into our own ethno-centric view of what they *should* mean (how many times have you seen someone with a Chinese/Japanese tattoo who clearly doesn’t speak the language?). This sort of appropriation is different from the remixing that Nick talks about in the comments on David’s post because all respect for the original meme is lost. At the end of our lunch discussion, I was convinced that it’s not ALWAYS wrong for white people to wear dreadlocks. Only 90% of the time. And if they do, they better actually be rastafarians or have been adopted by Lenny Kravitz. Otherwise, ride that good hair thing out. The Sunnyside Magazine Online » The History of Dreadlocks The Sunnyside Magazine Online The History of Dreadlocks By Naba Iritah, on December 9th, 2009 Dreadlocks, sometimes simply called dreads, locks or dreadlocks – are entangled hairs that form only if they are left alone to grow naturally without the use of brushes, combs, razors or scissors.

The first known examples of dreadlocks date back to Pharaonic Itoure (Nile Valley), where members of the royal family wore dreadlocked headgear. Today, ignorance is driving most of us to associate the holders of locks to groups of crooks. Several times I have heard friends and brothers say that because of their hair, they were approached in the street by people who wanted to sell them marijuana. The sellers approached these individuals solely because they had dreadlocks. The dreadlocks have been associated so much with Rastafarian culture, which is in turn associated with smoking, that few people know the true roots and history of dreadlocked hair. What are the origins and meanings of traditional or Dreadlock Rasta? The new generation Rastafarians will tell you that the culture of locks originally came from Africa but any other knowledge of locks beyond the continent is unknown.

While the older generations of Rastafarians have great pride for their natural hair and sees it as a symbol of their fight against Babylon supporting non-violence, non-compliance with the system of Babylon, communitarianism and solidarity and as a spiritual fact, many new generation Rastas see their locks as a passport to smoking and listening to reggae music without really understanding the Rastafarian culture and values. While Rastafarianism historically rejected the whole System of Babylon, including soft drinks, alcohol and cigarettes, modern Rastas have often become consumers of tobacco, meat and alcohol. Wearing hair has become a lifestyle more than a spiritual belief, and people wear dreadlocks so that they are seen as conscious or Afrocentric, rather than honest and conscious spiritual people. “Dreadlocks” were originally worn in Kemet. It is not worn as a style but rather has a profound spiritual significance. Illustration by Marrwho Hasati Dreadlocks have been part of the history of every spiritual system. From Christianity to Hinduism, the locks have always been a symbol of a spiritual person in search of enlightenment towards the Divine world.

If one is looking for the meaning and history of locks, we can find reference to them in all cultures and all holy books (the Bible tells us that Samson had hair in dreadlocks, and his unmatched strength was lost after Dalilah cut his hair). The origins of dreadlocks is commonly traced back to Hinduism and the God Shiva, but stops there. Meanwhile, most people recognize that dreadlocks have their origin in Africa, but nobody seems to know where, how or why! As with everything else, the true origins of dreadlocks can be found in Kemet (Africa). “Originally, the dreadlocks were the hallmark of the spiritual state of an individual,” said Dogon Priest and spiritual master NABA Lamoussa Morodenibig, founder of Earth Center, in an interview. He explained that the priests of certain Deities (Gods) were necessarily obligated, at least for a period of time, to wear dreadlocks. For example, priests of the Deities involved in the healing of the body and procreation, as the Gods WSR, Heru, Theouris, and Sekhmet are required to have dreadlocks.

A period of seven to thirteen years is required of the priests of these Deities, during which they must let their hair grow freely and devote themselves entirely to the Godhead. Meanwhile, the priest has a responsibility toward the God and the temple. After that, if they want their hair to be cut, a ceremony is done and they can remove their locks if they wish. In addition, for other Deities such as Aishat, one must shave all the hair on the body to be able to serve this category of Deities. It all depends on the God and the temple that is being served. What about hair is so important for priests and temples? It is the notion of purity. The hairs are huge channel transmitters and receivers of energy. When you are in an area, like a temple, where the flow of energy should be tightly controlled, the hair is very useful or very disturbing according to energy needs, explained NABA. Even when a hair falls from the body, it does not lose its qualities, and it can become a great disturbance in the flow of energy. Even animals that are sacrificed are thoroughly checked for a specific type of fur.

It is not all sheep or cows that can be used in a ceremony – it’s only a priest who has the ability to determine if an animal is good for a sacrifice, and it is a heavy responsibility. The untrained eye will think that an animal can serve for a sacrifice, but if just one part of the coat is the wrong color, the animal will not provide the flow of energy needed for the sacrifice! It is known that many Pharaohs wore their hair in dreadlocks, for example: the mummy of king Tutankhamun was found with locks still intact. How is it that dreadlocks have become a Rastafarian symbol, rather than that of African spirituality? Master Naba offers knowledge: dreadlocks in spirituality have a very high value. During the pre-colonial period in Africa, healers and priests in many parts of the continent had dreadlocks, and every religion that has come has adopted the idea of wearing dreadlocks or shaving the hair on any part of the body. In the Bible it says that those who do not shave the hair, and drink alcohol or eat meat are the closest to God. Jesus himself is portrayed with long hair! In Islam, shaving is considered a value of cleanliness.

To associate dreadlocks with only Rastafarianism is simply untrue. But in the history of blacks, Rastafarianism became a politico-spiritual movement after the prophecy of Marcus Garvey. It gave black people a spirit of hope, and led the Rastafarians to adopt the attitude of African priests: Keeping their hair as priests, not eating red meat, not drinking alcohol and not using drugs or smoking cigarettes. They decided to put their hopes in spirituality. The dreadlocks have a very strong spiritual significance that is virtually unknown in modern society today. Now they are worn as a style, a political message or as a rebellion. Many people, young and old, have no idea what it means spiritually to wear dreadlocks, and they do not really know the position in which wearing locks places them. The dreadlocks relate to the concept of dedication and sacrifice to the Gods or Deities and the spiritual rules. Wearing dreadlocks is a very heavy spiritual burden. Only those who have consciously decided to take a vow of purity and to follow all of the Original Seventy-Seven Commandments and apply them to all aspects of their life can wear dreadlocks.

People of any race or any sex can do this, because spiritually we are the same, but anyone who wears dreadlocks must know and understand the spiritual meaning behind the wearing of dreadlocks to get away from any negative consequences. Most people in modern societies have no idea of the consequences of wearing locks, other than their own imagination and definitions. So what are the consequences of wearing dreadlocks? According to the wisdom of Kemet, the earliest and most authentic spiritual system ever known to all mankind, the wearing of locks would be synonymous with the reverence to our ancestral roots, the quest for purity of soul and spirit and the application of the Original Seventy-Seven (77) Divine Ordinances at all times. It is a heavy responsibility! The Seventy-Seven spiritual laws or Commandments were given to mankind by the Neteru (Gods) so that we can create the world we want to see and approach the Divine World. How many of those who have locks in modern societies do not eat meat? How many people with locks do not get angry, become impatient or cause suffering to humans? How many of them pay homage to their ancestors…?

How many of us, Rastafarians or others can honestly say they know and follow the original Seventy-Seven (77 ) Divine Commandments? Very few! Having dreadlocks helps a person spiritually. They are a physical proof that the person has promised to follow the Seventy-Seven (77) Commandments and all the Gods will be more comfortable with this person. This helps the person in every sense; spiritual enlightenment, the development of meaning, communication with the ancestors and so on… But on the other hand, if we break a commandment, there are heavy penalties to pay. Wearing the dreadlocks literally appeals to the Gods as guarantors for the Seventy-Seven Commandments to be applied seriously to life. So when one violates a commandment, it has a great effect on his life. One falls very quickly into destruction and self-destruction and suffers much more after his death. We are not obliged to choose a quality life, or to follow the Commandments, but wearing dreadlocks is already an awareness and promise to the Gods. Reprisals of the Gods are often heavy when one of the Commandments is broken.

For example: A person who does not wear dreadlocks and tells a lie is punished much less than the person wearing the dreadlocks and telling the same lie. Most people today in modern societies have never heard of the Original Seventy-Seven Commandments, much less follow them. Even students on the path of initiation are not able to follow all the Commandments all of the time … This puts all those who have not reached a certain level of purity and spirituality into a huge risk if they have hair in locks. Lying, cheating, stealing, killing animals, insects or other living beings, all these things are contrary to the Commandments, and it is safe to say that in the modern world, it is very rare that a person is able to follow commandments, at any time. Perhaps this is why traditionally the hair locks were reserved only for priests and guardians of the temple, rather than students, farmers and people who have not reached the level of spirituality that demand the wearing of dreadlocks. Dreadlocks are not a fashion or style. They are not a political statement against the government or the system, and they are not a symbol of vices and pleasures, such as smoking, alcoholism, and crime!

The dreadlocks are a very large and serious spiritual commitment that cannot be taken lightly. “Dreadlocks are not a fashion or style. They are not a political statement against the government or a system, and they are not a symbol of vices and pleasures, such as smoking, alcoholism and crime!” Why Do People Wear Dreadlocks? | Smart Dimension Why Do People Wear Dreadlocks? DREADLOCKS have become very popular throughout society. While there are several reasons why people wear them there are also some bizarre beliefs about them. From the corporate world to the basketball court and everywhere in between, more and more people can be seen wearing dreadlocks. Although they have existed since ancient times, it is only in recent years that they have become socially acceptable among diverse groups of people. As this style has evolved, new techniques have developed to start the process. The most traditional methods of starting dreadlocks are two-strand twisting or palm rolling individual sections of hair. Over a period of time, depending on the texture of the individual’s hair, the sections will lock, creating a rope-like effect. As with any hairstyle, wearing dreadlocks is an individual choice. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to wear dreads. These include the following: Fashion statement.

Since dreadlocks have become popular some people wear them simply because it’s seen as the cool thing to do. They may be emulating popular athletes and musicians who wear them. Versatility. Dreadlocks can be styled in a variety of ways. They can be worn up or down, braided together or loose. They can be worn straight or crinkly. They can even be coloured using henna or traditional colouring methods. Some people colour their entire mane, while others colour selected locks or the tips of each lock. Ornaments such as beads or shells can be used to adorn the hair. The only limit being the wearer’s imagination. Maintenance. While dreadlocks require careful care and maintenance, many people, especially women, find that they are easier to maintain than other hairstyles. This is especially true of women who have used relaxers or other methods to style their hair. Changing the texture of hair using chemicals or heat causes stress on the hair and significantly increases the amount of maintenance required to keep the hair looking healthy and nice. Since dreadlocks do not require any of these methods, women who have experienced frustration with chemical and/or heat styling may find dreadlocks to be a viable alternative. Cultural statements.

For many years, the standard of beauty in Western society has included long, straight hair. For people of African descent and other ethnic nationalities who did not have naturally straight hair, achieving this ideal requires the use of harsh chemicals and/or heat styling. As multicultural awareness and appreciation for other standards of beauty has increased, many people of African descent no longer feel the need to conform to Western beauty standards. For them, wearing dreadlocks is a symbol of pride in their heritage and appreciation and acceptance of their natural hair texture. Religious reasons. Followers of the Jamaican based Rastafarian religion wear dreadlocks as part of their spiritual beliefs. Rastafarians use the command not to cut one’s hair in Leviticus 21:5 as the basis for wearing dreadlocks. Also, they view dreadlocks as resembling a lion’s mane, a reference to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the title of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, whom they view as God incarnate. However, a lot of misconceptions also exist about dreadlocks as a hairstyle. While dreadlocks are a popular hair choice today, this has not always been the case, partly because of these misconceptions about them and the people who wear them.

These misconceptions include the following: “Dreadlocks are not clean”. People mistakenly believe that people who wear dreadlocks do not wash their hair. This misconception may be partly due to the fact that when the hair first begins to lock, traditional shampooing sometimes cannot be used because this will keep the locks from staying together. However, there are many ways to keep the scalp and hair clean even during this time, such as using lemon juice or sudsless shampoo. Once the hair locks, it can be washed normally. “You can’t get a job wearing dreadlocks”. As previously stated, at one time dreadlocks were not widely seen as acceptable, but this is becoming less and less the case. While some companies may have specific dress and grooming standards, people who wear dreadlocks can be seen working in a wide variety of positions, including white-collar professions. An individual wearing dreadlocks who is looking for employment just needs to make sure that their hair is clean and neatly groomed, just like anyone else. “You have to shave your head to get rid of dreadlocks”. Some people are afraid to start dreadlocks because they believe that if they want to change their hairstyle, then they will have to cut all of their hair off and start over.

While this is the quickest way to get rid of dreadlocks, it is not the only way. There are products available to aid in the process of removing dreadlocks. Some people may try these themselves, while others may want to seek out the help of a loctician. “People with straight hair can’t grow dreadlocks”. Dreadlocks can be formed with virtually any hair texture. While hair that is naturally coarse and/or curly will lock faster, even people with straight hair can grow dreadlocks. The general rule of thumb is that the straighter or finer the hair texture, the longer it will take for the hair to lock. Patience and careful care and maintenance are required of anyone trying to grow dreadlocks, regardless of the hair texture. According to those who wear the hairstyle, growing dreadlocks can be an exciting, sometimes frustrating process and those who can be patient enough are rewarded with a versatile, unique expression of their individuality. Why do Rastas Smoke Ganja and Wear Dreadlocks? Why do Rastas Smoke Ganja and Wear Dreadlocks? Why do Rastas Smoke Ganja and Wear Dreadlocks? Ganja Smoking, Kingston, Jamaica.

Corbis via Getty Images / Getty Images By Catherine Beyer Updated July 24, 2016. Rastas, those who follow the Rastafari Movement , are often depicted as poorly groomed pot-heads in common culture. This has everything to do with their use of marijuana - often called ganja - and wearing of dreads, but nothing to do with how or why they use them. Drug Aversions: Rastas are commonly against drug use in general. They will not use cocaine or heroin, for example. They also frequently avoid alcohol and even tobacco and caffeine. These substances are seen as poisons that defile the body that Jah (God) gave them. Meditative Purposes: Ganja, however, is seen as a gateway to understanding. It opens up the mind so as to be cognizant of the connection between oneself and Jah. It is a meditative tool meant to bring about self-realization and mystical experiences . What it is not about is getting "stoned". That returns us to being irresponsible about one's body. Communal Smoking: Ganja is often smoked communally among several Rastas from a common pipe called a chalice.

This is often done during gatherings known as reasonings, where ideas are freely shared among participants. Communal smoking helps to emphasize the sense of community among those presents as well as creating divine connections. Parallels can certainly be drawn between these use of ganja and the tobacco-smoking rituals of the Native American tribes. Read more: Is Ganja Legal for Rastas? Historical Roots: Ganja is not native to Jamaica , the home of the Rastafari Movement. Instead, it originally could be found in Asia, and Indians brought it to the island in the 19th century when they were imported as cheap labor after slavery was abolished. The word ganja is a Sanskrit word for the plant. Marijuana is the Mexican word for the same plant after it was brought to Mexico. Rastas frequently call it the wisdom weed or the holy herb. Ganja use has a long history in Asian meditative and mystical practices, and this may well be from where Rastas borrowed the idea. The dreading of hair is also a practice of some Eastern mystics, as well as in various other cultures. Ganja has been in Africa for centuries as well, introduced by Muslim Arabs as they spread their influence across the continent.

As such, some Rastas see the smoking of ganja as one way of embracing African traditions lost when their ancestors were brought to the New World as slaves. Reasons for Dreads: Dreads, dreadlocks, or locks are formed by hair knotting up on itself. It can be accomplished through back-combing and the application of a variety of commercially sold substances, but it can also be allowed to naturally happen. When hair is allowed to grow long and is not combed, eventually it naturally locks. One of the reasons people wear dreadlocks is because it is seen as a rejection of personal vanity and artificial grooming and returning to a more natural state. For Rastas, there is also Biblical justification for the style, the commandment in Numbers 6:5 that "During the entire time of his dedication, he is not to allow a razor to pass over his head until the days of his holy consecration to the LORD have been fulfilled. He is to let the locks on his head grow long." (International Standard Version) Dreadlock Rasta - TV Tropes Dreadlock Rasta You need to login to do this. Get Known if you don't have an account Share YMMV Bob was always easily recognizable by his hair.

This is when a character wears his/her hair in a dreadlocks style, thus visually standing out from other characters, as a sign of rebellion, independence, devotion to religion, or just being free-spirited. In fiction (and for the specific purpose of this trope), dreadlocks are worn most frequently (but not exclusively) by black characters, though said characters may not necessarily be Rastafarians by faith, or even be religious at all. Said characters tend to be laid-back, anti-authoritarian (to varying degrees, depending on the work in question), users of..."interesting" substances (as per the stereotype that dreadlocks-wearers almost always smoke cannabis/weed/ganja/hashish/marijuana note yes, those are all the same thing), or some combination of the three. About dreadlocks: the style involves letting the hair on one's head grow for a long time without cutting it, then twining the hair into several long matted strands. The strands may be very thick or moderately thin, and may vary in length from shoulder-length to going all the way down the back in some cases . When worn by a male, the locks may sometimes give him the appearance of a lion, especially if accompanied by an unshaved beard.

(As a side note, some Rastafarians wear their locks in a turban; this trope focuses primarily on those who wear their locks loosely.) Putting one's hair into a series of small braids is not dreadlocks, although it's sometimes used to evoke the style without actually having to get the hair matted. In Real Life , dreadlocks are most commonly associated with practitioners of the Rastafarian religious movement and, to a lesser degree, with Jamaicans, reggae musicians, and hippies . Bob Marley is quite possibly the most famous dreadlocks wearer, as he was a devout Rastafarian. The reasons for wearing of dreadlocks may vary across different groups, ranging from "deep religious and spiritual conviction" (as in the case of Rastafarians and some Hindus) to "symbolism of rebellion against authority, especially that of the government-controlled type" (as exemplified in Bob Marley's music, and explained above). Please note that for a character(s) to specifically qualify for this trope, just wearing dreadlocks is not enough: see the text above, and contrast the Dreadlock Warrior , who wears the same hairstyle for very different reasons.

The trope name comes from a line in Bob Marley's 1983 song "Buffalo Soldier", which was released posthumously on the album Confrontation . Examples: Referenced in an old Bud Light commercial where a man sees a "no pets" sign outside a pub and is upset that he can't go inside because of his Puli (a type of dog known for their long corded coat) until he has a Eureka Moment . Cut to him walking inside with the dog on his head imitating dreads while he uses a Jamaican affectation and talks about "jammin'." Anime and Manga Bob, one of the main supporting characters in Tenjho Tenge , wears his hair in dreadlocks (though he cuts them off later). He's rebellious against school rules when first introduced, and is something of a Deadpan Snarker , but at the same time he acts as a Blue Oni to Souichiro's Red Oni . Kaname Tousen of Bleach sports dreadlocks, and betrayed Soul Society in rebellion against their system of government that refused to punish his closest friend's husband for her senseless murder.

The dreadlocked ( Word of God is they're technically micro-braids) Izumi Curtis of Fullmetal Alchemist certainly qualifies, with her philosophy on the circle of life and deep distrust of the Amestrian military government even before she learns of their Ancient Government Conspiracy . She even chides her student Edward Elric for stooping so low as to become a "dog of the military" and becoming a State Alchemist. Agon Kongo's most memorable feature is his very long, very thick, dread-locked hair. Some of his nicknames include "reggae head", "rasta head" "reggae guy" and "fucking dreads". His hairstyle choices are probably meant to be seen as a sign of rebelliousness, as his previous haircut was also associated with delinquency (long, wavy bleached blonde hair). His dreads being shaved off could be seen as symbolic of his attitude (slowly) improving. Ironically, he's quite obviously NOT a Rastafarian as he attends a very strict, ascetic Buddhist school. Tom Tanaka of Durarara!! has a generally laid back personality and is one of the few people able to keep Shizuo under control.

He also generally comes off as free-spirited but he's a Loan Shark by profession, albeit a pretty reasonable and friendly one who mostly uses Shizuo's reputation as a deterrent to anyone who might try something. His ethnic background isn't explicitly stated in the series, though due to his darker skin tone and Multiethnic Name it's speculated that he's partially of African descent. Galahad of Gangsta appears to be ethnically of African descent and falls more under Dreadlock Warrior than this trope, but his protege Doug, who was inspired to lock his hair by the former and rebels against the Paulklee Guild by taking a contract to kill someone he knows is off limits, definitely fits. Comic Books Bishop has been known to wear dreadlocks. He's also well-known for rebelling against the status quo of his native time period (which usually comes about as a result of something happening in his past, our present, that shouldn't have). Drew Macintosh, the protagonist of the Jamaican-inspired Dread & Alive series, wears dreadlocks but holds beliefs based on those of the Jamaican Maroons, who were runaway slaves who fought against the British and who today live in relative isolation from modern society.

Brother Voodoo, aka Jericho Drumm, as fits his station as the foremost Haitian magical practitioner. Combines his with Skunk Stripe for an interesting visual effect. Dooby from Pocket God wears dreadlocks and is a zen Granola Boy who dislikes violence, but will fight if he has to . Film Countryman, a Jamaican-made film about a fisherman who gets entangled in a political drug-running conspiracy, shows the titular protagonist and several minor characters and extras wearing dreadlocks. The protagonist is also a freedom-loving character who makes full use of what the mountains, the sea and the wilderness can provide him with. One Love, a romantic musical film set in Jamaica, has the main character and his reggae band sporting dreadlocks and being of the Rastafarian faith. This is a source of conflict between him and his love interest's Christian-pastor father. The Harder They Come , a 1970's Jamaican film starring musician Jimmy Cliff , has several minor characters involved in the ganja trade and opposing the police (and each other) from time to time, who wear their hair this way.

The Big Bad of the Steven Seagal film Marked for Death , plus the mooks and one supporting character for the good guys. In the case of the antagonists, they're involved in a drug and weapons business that swiftly becomes personal when they injure Seagal's character's niece as reprisal for an earlier assault. From 10 Things I Hate About You , there's a clique of white guys with dreads described thus: "These are your white Rastas, they're big Marley fans, they think they're black. Semi-political, but mostly..." "Smoke a lot of weed?" Predator 2 . King Willie and some of the members of his Jamaican Voodoo Posse drug gang have dreadlocks. They like smoking marijuana, and are very violent toward the police, but believe in voodoo rather than Rastafarianism. The Black Lectroids in The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension have the appearance of Jamaican Rastafarians. They are a peace-loving race, but they will fight to protect their own independence if need be.

In the Chris Farley comedy Black Sheep (1996) , Mike Donnelly encounters some rastas at a "Rock the Vote" style political rally, and he gets high with them, discussing things like how the white man is keeping them down . Later, when he's mistaken for his brother running for governor, he sees the rastas from onstage, and yells "Kill Whitey!", much to the horror of everyone, especially the rastas and his brother. Jackie Chan 's character sports a dreadlocks hairstyle in The Forbidden Kingdom , and is presented as a somewhat independent spirit. Whoopi Goldberg , who wears dreadlocks, is often cast as a cool-headed and free-spirited person in her films. One of the best examples is Sarafina!, which is set during the Soweto Riots in Africa; Goldberg plays an independent-thinking teacher whose imprisonment inspires one of her students, the titular character, to lead her fellow students in protest. Iroh in The Last Airbender has the Dreadlocks of Spirituality variation. In Cool Runnings , Sanka is the only member of the Jamaican bobsled team with dreadlocks and is also the most free-spirited and easygoing.

Derice even calls him "Rasta" occasionally. Robert Marley in John Dies at the End is a typical example. And yes, David is surprised that his name really is Robert Marley when the cops show him his file. Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies is a Chaotic Neutral Cloudcuckoolander with the requisite dreads. Literature Discworld characters Peachy in Hogfather ("a huge man with dreadlocks and a beard you could keep goats in") and Dave (of Dave's Pin Exchange) in Going Postal ("a huge bearded man with dreadlocks, a pin through his nose, a beer belly belonging to three other people and the words 'Death or Pins' tattooed on a bicep"). Race isn't mentioned for either of them, although Dave is played by a black actor in the TV adaptation of Going Postal (Peachy was cut from the adaptation of Hogfather). Religion isn't mentioned either, although it's possible the Disc has some Crystal Dragon Selassie equivalent. Live Action TV Cosima Niehaus from Orphan Black is a hipster Erudite Stoner Misfit Lab Rat and wears dreadlocks.

Music Bob Marley is the Trope Namer in his song "Buffalo Soldier" from Confrontation . His sons Ziggy and Damian, who are famous musicians in their own right, also wear dreadlocks and follow in the Rastafarian beliefs. The members of reggae band Morgan Heritage wear dreadlocks, but they subvert the religious aspect of the trope with their song Don't Haffi Dread. As the chorus lyrics say: You don't haffi dread to be Rasta; don't haffi dread! The white rasta stereotype is parodied in (white) rapper Sage Francis' song "Slow Down Gandhi" "give me ethnicity, or give me dreads". A trustufundian rebel, without a cause for alarm. Because when push turns to shove you jump into your forefather's arms. He's a banker. You're part of the system. Off go the dreadlocks, in comes the income Also parodied in The Lonely Island song "Ras Trent". The video has Andy Samberg walking around in terrible-looking dreads past some actual Rastafarians who are shaking their heads at the ridiculousness of it.

He also doesn't appear to wash his hair, as he smells it at one point and jerks away. Video Games Cielo in Shin Megami Tensei : Digital Devil Saga has sky-blue dreadlocks and a stereotypical Jamaican accent, and is described as having a cheerful personality. The villainous Damnd (or Thrasher in the Bowdlerised version) from Final Fight , being the first boss you fight from the Mad Gear Gang, smiles a lot and is somewhat carefree. Word of God states that the fur on Knuckles the Echidna's head are dreadlocks. Knuckles himself is an Ineffectual Loner when he's not willingly being The Lancer . He counts due to there being a deep spiritual connection and importance placed on his job as guardian of the Master Emerald, detailed in Sonic Adventure and Sonic Chronicles . Dee Jay hails from Jamaica and is extremely laid-back, always smiling and never letting anything worry him. An Enforcement of the trope occurs over the course of Super Robot Wars Original Generation 's journey from concept to export. The Mauve Shirt Giado Verendi, as his name suggests, was originally designed to be Italian. But he was given dreadlocks for some reason.

The colorist saw the dreadlocks, and made him Black. When the game was exported by Atlus , the writers saw a Black man with dreadlocks, and gave him a Jamaican accent. StarCraft II has Gabriel Tosh . Dreadlocks, Jamaican Troll some accent, liberal use of Terrazine, and really hates Mengsk's Terran Dominion . For the haircut part, Un-infested Kerrigan in the Heart of the Swarm part seems to fit. Grand Theft Auto IV : "Little" Jacob Hughes expresses some anti-authoritarian attitudes in-line with Rastafari beliefs, and uses marijuana liberally, but isn't exactly the most peaceful person around. He's still better than most of the psychos running around Liberty City, though. In Eagle Eye Mysteries , Randy Hicks sports the hairstyle in his avatar picture. He's a dog trainer who uses, at least as far as his competition is concerned, "unconventional" means of training dogs (that is, he treats them as though they have spiritual energy that can be positive or negative depending on how they're treated). In SSX , we have Moby Jones. He sports dreadlocks of variable length and doesn't let anybody push him around.

However, he's British, not Jamaican, although he does listen to Bob Marley. Web Comics Mona, a secondary character in The Quick And Dirty Life Of Fritz Fargo , has dreadlocks. Although she's probably not Rastafarian, she's laid-back and unconventional. In addition to the dreadlocks, she has about half a dozen piercings. Western Animation Tree Hugger of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic wears long red dreadlocks under a flower bandanna, as a way to signify her status as a Granola Girl . Hermes Conrad from Futurama wears short dreadlocks, hails from Jamaica, and is a Rastafarian. Although in a subversion of other stereotypes he's an Obstructive Bureaucrat . Rocko's Modern Life has Rocko listening to music on an airplane. He turns into a character associated with each type of music, and one of those was a Rastafarian wallaby guy with dreadlocks. Major Lazer and Old Rasta from Major Lazer . :: Indexes :: Religious Discrimination Religious Discrimination Religious discrimination involves treating a person (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of his or her religious beliefs.

The law protects not only people who belong to traditional, organized religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, but also others who have sincerely held religious, ethical or moral beliefs. Religious discrimination can also involve treating someone differently because that person is married to (or associated with) an individual of a particular religion. Religious Discrimination & Work Situations The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment. Religious Discrimination & Harassment It is illegal to harass a person because of his or her religion. Harassment can include, for example, offensive remarks about a person's religious beliefs or practices. Although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that aren't very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).

The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer. Religious Discrimination and Segregation Title VII also prohibits workplace or job segregation based on religion (including religious garb and grooming practices), such as assigning an employee to a non-customer contact position because of actual or feared customer preference. Religious Discrimination & Reasonable Accommodation The law requires an employer or other covered entity to reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices, unless doing so would cause more than a minimal burden on the operations of the employer's business. This means an employer may be required to make reasonable adjustments to the work environment that will allow an employee to practice his or her religion. Examples of some common religious accommodations include flexible scheduling, voluntary shift substitutions or swaps, job reassignments, and modifications to workplace policies or practices. Religious Accommodation/Dress & Grooming Policies Unless it would be an undue hardship on the employer's operation of its business, an employer must reasonably accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices.

This applies not only to schedule changes or leave for religious observances, but also to such things as dress or grooming practices that an employee has for religious reasons. These might include, for example, wearing particular head coverings or other religious dress (such as a Jewish yarmulke or a Muslim headscarf), or wearing certain hairstyles or facial hair (such as Rastafarian dreadlocks or Sikh uncut hair and beard). It also includes an employee's observance of a religious prohibition against wearing certain garments (such as pants or miniskirts). When an employee or applicant needs a dress or grooming accommodation for religious reasons, he should notify the employer that he needs such an accommodation for religious reasons. If the employer reasonably needs more information, the employer and the employee should engage in an interactive process to discuss the request. If it would not pose an undue hardship, the employer must grant the accommodation. Religious Discrimination & Reasonable Accommodation & Undue Hardship An employer does not have to accommodate an employee's religious beliefs or practices if doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer.

An accommodation may cause undue hardship if it is costly, compromises workplace safety, decreases workplace efficiency, infringes on the rights of other employees, or requires other employees to do more than their share of potentially hazardous or burdensome work. Religious Discrimination And Employment Policies/Practices An employee cannot be forced to participate (or not participate) in a religious activity as a condition of employment.

Question: What religion is associated with wearing dreadlocks?
Answer: Rastafari