Haile Selassie, Birthday (Rastafarian)

Rastafarians take their name from Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia who was also known as Ras (Prince) Tafari.

The faith, known as Rastafari, began in Jamaica in the 1920s and took its name when Haile Selassie I was crowned emperor in 1930, although he was not a Rastafarian and was a devout Christian.

Rastafarians believe that Haile Selassie was descended from King Solomon in the Bible and they believe that he is the incarnation of God.

It is believed that Ras Tafari will help black people who trace their roots to the slave trade to return to Africa. So Africa, and in particular Ethiopia, is the spiritual home of Rastafarianism.

The Rastafarian belief is also a way of life and has strong links with the Jewish and Christian faiths. Study of the Bible is important, in particular the Old Testament.

Haile Selassie's birthday is seen as one of the holiest days of the year for Rastafarians. He was born on 23 July 1892 and died in 1975.