H.I.M. Haile Selassie I was born in 1871, the son of a provincial ruler (Ras) Makonnen who won the favor of Ethiopian Emperor Menelik during war with Italy in 1896. Haile showed promise early in his youth as a state adminsrator, accordingly being assigned Governor of Garamoulta province at age 14. Upon his resignation due to the death of his father he continued his studies at the Emperor's courtyard and was made administrator of the most important region of Ethiopia, Harrar province. At the death of Emperor Menelik; his grandson Lidj Yassu assumed reign of Ethiopia only to be deposed by the Ethiopian church, and taken captive by Haile Selassie in 1921 for violating its state observance as a Christian nation. Consequently the head of the Ethiopian Church in conjuction with its political leadership named Emperor Menelik's daughter, Empress Zaiditu, incumbent while Haile became regent under the title Ras Tafari.
In 1923 H.I.M. joined the League of Nations to protect Ethiopia from unabated European aggression, and a year later toured Europe returning with a conviction to modernize the nation. These efforts included: introuction of the telephone, airplane, and education of select students in Europe. As a result Ras Tafari was rewarded with the appointment of Negus (King) in 1928; leading to the failed revolt of Empress Zaiditu's husband, Ras Gusga, and end to her nominal reign. Ras Tafari thus ascended the throne November 21, 1930 to which Rastafarians commonly refer H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty)
His reform continued despite potential subversion, a state policy against foreign loans, a clergy opposing modern progress, inferior agriculture, and monetary power. These reforms took the shape of: modern infrastructure, machinery, parliament, hospitals, and schools. Perhaps the greatest of which began with the emancipation of slaves in his palace and empire with a fully stipend education resulting in government employment for some. He founded an anti-slavery society making slavery punishable by death. Despite his many achievements; among them being monarch of the only nation in African history to successfully defy European colonization, the empire waned into famine as he was deposed by his army in 1974.
His name Haile Selassie translates "Power of the Trinity" and his legitimacy as a ruler of Ethiopia passes through a line of Ethiopian Kings chronicled in the Kebra Negust (Book of Kings) that includes King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Today Rastafarians around the globe are of many backgrounds but are predominately of African descent. Rastafari is more a movement than religion maintaining an Afro Caribbean cultural influence made popular through music by Reggae star Bob Marley. Rastafrians believe Haile Selassie I to be the incarnation of Christ and Jah creator of the universe. Strict adherence to Biblical vese prohibits the cutting of hair with the requirement of a vegetarian (ital) diet; though many Rastafarians do not dreadlock the hair emphasizing a proper "overstanding" of Biblical text that is spiritual in foundation while not as symbolic.
Rastafari-livity (culture) echos the saying "as it was in the beginning so shall it be in the end," reflecting the importance of a life in natural harmony as JAH inteded. Due to the nature of JAH as from within the need for congregational worship as a means of getting closer to God is not required, and to this end the sacrament of marijuana as a rite is reserved, in addtion to Biblical study. Consequently it can be difficult to know how may Rastafaians there are in Indianapolis or abroad based on appearances.
Comments