The Rastafari movement originated in the West Indies, based on the ideas of Marcus Garvey, who called on black people to return to Africa and set up a black-governed country there. When Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari, ‘Lion of Judah’) was crowned emperor of Ethiopia in 1930, this was seen as a fulfilment of prophecy and some Rastafarians acknowledged him as an incarnation of God (Jah), others as a prophet. He held the titles titles of "King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of Judah"
Rastafarians identify themselves with the Chosen People, the Israelites, of the Bible. Ethiopia is seen as the promised land, while all countries outside Africa are Babylon, the place of exile.
It is however not a religion but a way of life.
Today the Rastafari movement has spread throughout much of the world with more than one million Rastafari worldwide.
