• Rastafarians are followers of a movement which began in the 1930s in the West Indies, mainly in Jamaica and Dominica, among the descendants of slave families who had come from Africa.
  • Identification with Africa is central to their doctrine.
  • Ras (Prince) Tafari the Emperor of Ethiopia (Haile Selassie 1) in 1930 is central to their belief.  He is considered to be a divine being, the Messiah of the human race, who will ultimately lead all black people to freedom.
  • The Old and New Testaments are still regarded as scriptures although Rastafarians do not consider themselves to be Christians.  They believe they are the true Jews who will eventually be redeemed by repatriation to Africa, their true home and heaven on earth.
  • Rastafarianism is a personal religion, it places emphasis on personal dignity and a deep love of God. There are no churches, services or official clergy. For some legal marriage is unnecessary and thus extended families may be complex.
  • Many Rastafarians are readily identified by their distinctive hairstyle. Dreadlocks or “locks” are a symbol of faith and a sign of black pride.
  • Rastafarians will be unwilling to receive any treatment which will contaminate the body.  They will prefer alternative therapies such as herbalism or acupuncture.  However those who seek the advice of doctors are likely to accept some conventional treatment.
  • The fear of contamination of the body would influence the attitude to transfusion.  Therefore assurance would be needed that no disease would be transmitted.
  • They may be unwilling to wear hospital garments which have been worn by others. Therefore disposable theatre gowns may be preferred.
  • Orthodox members may not let their hair be cut.
  • Visiting the sick is important and their visitors often arrive in large groups.  Therefore they can sometimes feel unwelcome in the hospital environment where there are restrictions on the numbers of visitors.
  • All forms of pig meat are forbidden.
  • Some feel that all meat is unnecessary and follow a vegetarian diet.
  • Certain fish are regarded as unwholesome, herring and sardines in particular are not acceptable.
  • Orthodox Rastafarians do not take stimulants i.e. alcohol, caffeine or tobacco.
  • Rastafarians have a deep love of God and a belief that where people are, God is present, therefore the family may pray around the bedside of the dying member.
  • There are no rites or rituals before and after death.
  • Routine last offices are acceptable.
  • Burial is preferred but cremation is not forbidden.
  • Fear of contamination will influence the attitude towards organ donation/transplantation. This is not generally acceptable due to their belief that to do so would interfere with God’s plan for mankind.  Reception to and from family members may be considered.
  • Few Rastafarians would agree to a Post Mortem except where it is ordered by the Coroner.