Home . . About Us . . Contact . . Links . . Events . . Shopping . . Wholesale

 

GROUNDATION

To understand the fundamentals and circulation of the Rastafarian culture on has to probe into the era of pre-independent Jamaica, specifically the period of 1930 to 1962. It was during this time that historic world events occurred in sequence and fused with the prophecies written in the King James Authorized Version of the Bible.

European Judeo -Christion religion was taught and fervently embedded into the minds of the Jamaican populace by our British task masters. These teachings develpoed a psyche, allowing us to interpret specific events according to that which was prophesied. Hence, in 1930 H.I.M. coronation as the King of Kings, together with the 1935 invasion of Ethiopia by Italy, clarified the prophesy recorded in the book of Revelations, Chapter 17. "These shall wage war with the lamb, but the lamb shall overcome them, for He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords." This in 1941 H.I.M. Haile Selassie crushed the Italian forces. (The lamb overcame them). In retrospect those events were the spectra which precipitated the advent of the Rastafarian movement.

One by one brethren assembled on camps daily for the everyday activities of the culture. Occasionally a "Groundation" was held for special events. A Groundation was an all day, all night celebration, when brethren would assemble at at particular camp for a special occasion. For instance, on November 2nd which was the coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Salassie I, New Year's eve night to ring in the new year, August 1st - Emancipation Day, and other special occasions. These events were celebrated by the Rastafarians long before Jamaica gained indepence.

At Groundation brethren came to get acquainted with other brethren in an atmosphere to lighten and lively up one's self. Brothers sat in a circle with the "chalice of herb" (Cutchie or Chillum pipe) being passed on the left hand side; the left hand being closest to the heart. This herb called Ganja was chosen to be used because it was reportedly seen growing out of King Solomon's grave. Hence the pseudonym "Wisdom weed". This weed became a part of Rastafarian religious rituals.

Groundation included the recital of prayers, poems, chanting of songs and beblical passages. The beating of the Akete (drum) was an integral part of the Rastafarian chanting. The set of drums were comprised of a repeater, the Fundahs, and a bass. Usually there were at least three Fundahs which provided the steady rhythm. The repeater provided a Stacatto variety in tome and pitch, while the bass provided a steady sonic reverberation, producing a confluence of systematic vibrations pleasing to the ear. Brethren would dance around the Akete and when the vibrations peaked, there would be shouts of lightning and thunder in unison, as if to invoke the power of the Almighty One. Frequent phrases which were chanted included "Jah Rastafari!" "Babyon must fall!" "Selassie High!"

During refreshments, the daughters if Zion (our queens) prepared fried fish, curried goat, roast breadfruit and other delicacies. We churned our own ice-cream from soursop, coconut (dreadnut), and mixed fruits. The culture was strongly against the use of alcoholic beverages and pork products. The chalice with weed (incense) was frequently passed around until the morn. Then all the brethren would depart to their respective ranches happily, delighted, and elated.

On other occasions there were Rastafarian Convention Groundations. These were held only at a reputable camp administered by an elder brethren of eminence. Only then could such a gathering be convened. By invitation, brethren would travel from different parishes and the urban camps to the site of the convention. The aganda listed topics of bital interest to the Rastafarian survival. There were open depates which were often highly opinionated, ardent, furious, and emotional during prolonged sessions. These sessions sometimes lasted for days, yet without personal animosity toward any individual speaker. Although heated at times, an amicable aura would always prevail, even when there was no consensus. Our Rastafarian motto of "Peace and Love" would conclude each debate.